Membership Policy
Any person who supports the purpose of the Heritage YMCA
Group may become a member of this Association in accordance with
such provisions as may be established by the Board of Directors,
and shall so continue to be a member unless the Board or its
authorized agent concludes, in its sole discretion, that a
member has failed to live up to the standards and commitments of
being a member of this YMCA.
The Mission of the Heritage YMCA Group is "To enhance the quality of life for families through programs reflecting Christian principles to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all." We are a part of a community of YMCAs across the US and the world which has been dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities for over 150 years. Because of the nature of our work, we are recognized as a not-for-profit, charitable organization with 501(c)(3) status (similar to a typical church).
Each corporate YMCA is a separate not-for-profit organization. As such, each corporate YMCA is accountable to the community and to the volunteers which make up its Board of Directors to maintain a fiscally responsible operation. The backbone of our financial structure is the revenue generated by membership. This revenue pays for the physical plant of the YMCA and its management and supports many of our programs.
The YMCA of the USA (the advisory body for YMCAs in the US) has promoted among its member YMCAs a program called "AWAY" which is explained as follows:
The AWAY program ("Always Welcome At YMCAs") is a membership philosophy that says: When a person enrolls in a YMCA, he or she becomes a member of a nationwide association of people that helps build strong kids, strong families and strong communities, and, therefore, when away from home, on business or vacation, each member will be warmly welcomed by all other participating YMCAs in the United States.
The YMCA of the USA encourages everyone to become of member of the local YMCA serving the area in which the prospective member lives. The Heritage YMCA supports the principles and practice of the AWAY program. Our service area
is defined as the following zip codes: 60119, 60134, 60185, 60490,
60502, 60503, 60504, 60505, 60506, 60510, 60511, 60532, 60538, 60539, 60540, 60542, 60543, 60544, 60554, 60563, 60564, 60565.
Members of other YMCAs may register for programs at the Heritage YMCA Group
during the open or Community Participant registration period on a space-available basis. If a member of another YMCA wishes to register before
this time, the non-member program fee will apply. Some programs that are free to full members are not available to AWAY members due to heavy participation by members; others are available for a nominal fee.
If you have any questions about this policy or wish to identify special circumstances which may apply to your situation, please inform the Membership Service Staff that you wish to speak to someone about this policy.
Community Participants
If you are not a member of the Heritage YMCA Group, you may
participate in many of our classes or programs as a "community
participant". You may register 10 days prior to the
start of a session by coming to the membership desk at one of
our branches or by using our on-line web registration.
The price difference between the member and community participant fee can be applied toward purchase of a membership any time during the class session.
When coming for programs, community participants are
required to check in with Member Service Staff.
Guest Pass Policy
YMCA members are welcome to bring one guest per visit when using
issued passes at all facilities.
Members may also bring guests by purchasing a guest pass at
the following prices:
$10.00 – Family
$ 4.00 – Youth
$ 7.00 – Student (13-17 years)
$ 8.00 – Adult (18 and Up)
Guests must be accompanied by a member. Any individual may
come as a guest three (3) times per year (January-December).
We reserve the right to periodically eliminate the sale and
use of guest passes depending on facility usage and scheduling.
Family and Adult membership categories receive complimentary
guest passes annually. These passes are available electronically
and can be redeemed at any Heritage YMCA location. The amount of
passes issued per year are: Family – 6 and Adult – 3.
Members are responsible for guests’ actions. Inappropriate
actions by guests may result in the suspension or loss of
membership privileges for the YMCA member.
Child Abuse Prevention Policy
The Heritage YMCA Group is mandated, by state law, to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Ensuring Your Child's Safety
The heritage YMCA Group is pleased to be working with Praesidium, Inc., a national abuse risk-management firm, to ensure the safety of your children. As a key element of our child-abuse prevention efforts, Praesidium evaluates our hiring policies, guides and trains our staff, and audits our programs to help us provide the safest possible environment for your children.
Praesidium also provides us with information to share with you, so that you are aware of issues that affect your children's safety. Praesidium recommends that parents maintain open communications with their children. Through careful hiring, education, training, open communications, and vigilance, the Heritage YMCA Group is dedicated to properly serving you and your children.
Children under the age of 10 must be under the direct supervision of an adult (18 years or older) in all areas of the facility or enrolled in a supervised YMCA program activity.
Membership Cards
Your YMCA membership card is your key to all of the privileges associated with your membership. Our member service staff will be asking for your card prior to your entry into our facilities. As the card is scanned, our staff will verify your membership, record your visit for planning peak usage and traffic flow, and welcome you to your YMCA. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Many instances of unauthorized facility use, inappropriate activity, and even violence have been in the recent news. We will, at all times, work diligently to assure safe and responsible access in our facilities to our members.
Therefore, additional check-in measures will be instituted. These will include:
Other measures may be instituted as we work with members during the year.
Visual Recording Devices
Video recorders, cameras, or any other visual recording devices are not allowed within the YMCA or its program sites without the express written consent of the Executive Director. Some cellular phones now have the capacity to take pictures, so members be aware if someone has one pointed in your direction. Report concerns immediately to any staff in the facility.
Anyone caught taking inappropriate pictures of another person without their permission and knowledge will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law by the Heritage YMCA Group and may have their membership/program privileges terminated.
A.D.A Statement
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The Heritage YMCA group supports the intent and spirit
of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Our Fry Family YMCA is one level and is completely
handicapped accessible with special showers and a pool lift.
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The Aurora Family YMCA is committed to making reasonable
accommodations to support participation in all recreational
programs. Please feel free to call members services
for special arrangements at (630) 896-9782.
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The Y Sports Complex is handicapped accessible with a
special shower and an elevator.
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Our Oswego Family YMCA is handicapped accessible
on the main floor.
Service Fee
A $25 service fee will be applied to all returned
checks and drafts.
Refund Policy
A refund credit will be given for:
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Participant cancellation seven (7) days
before the first class ($20.00 service fee will apply)
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Heritage YMCA Group cancellations
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Prorated amounts if participation ceases due
to medical reasons (Doctor's note required)
We are unable to issue refunds for:
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Individual classes missed
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Cancellations due to weather
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Program, camp deposit and/or registration
fees, membership joining fees
Credit Vouchers
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