Mission and Values
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is a non-profit, 501 C 3 charitable organization that has been serving Will County and its surrounding areas for over 80 consecutive years. Our focus is to provide programs and services that build healthy relationships among children, adults and families to strengthen our community. Out of over 17,000 participants, the YMCA provides financial assistance to 1 out of 8 individuals. Which one of the pictured 8 smiling faces could you turn away due to lack of funds? With your help, the YMCA is able to state that “NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY FOR THE INABILITY TO PAY!”.
Our Mission
To put Christian Principles into practice by developing relationships among all persons and providing programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body.
Our Values
The YMCA plants the seeds of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility into our programs, providing a strong Christian foundation to build upon. Our goal is to “Cultivate Character” into the minds of the children, adults, and families that we serve. With proper nurturing, the youth of today will become the leaders of tomorrow. By partnering with our families, schools and communities, we can mentor our children to become the productive adults that our society so dearly desires.
Our Reach
The YMCA is making a difference in our community each and every day. In an effort to extend beyond the walls of our three full facility branches, the YMCA has partnered with many organizations to offer programs in local neighborhoods. Additionally, the YMCA provides rental opportunities of our sports fields, pools and meeting spaces to local organizations.
- Programs & Services:
- Sports Programs for all ages that focus on good sportsmanship in a non-competitive environment.
- Swim Classes where children and adults learn not only how to swim, but also about leadership, safety and rescue skills, and water activities that can be enjoyed for a lifetime
- Before and After School Recreational Programs and Summer Day Camp ensure children develop friendships and are given a unique mix of activities.
Health and Wellness Programs allow adults to strengthen their spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.
Our Promise
The five branches of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA positively impact the lives of people living in Will, Grundy and parts of Kendall Counties every day. Our 2008 Financial Report details how we were able to fund scholarships for program and membership fees within our branches. The YMCA provided $868,710 in financial assistance in the following areas:
- Financial Assistance for Membership: Over 1,000 financially challenged individuals received YMCA scholarships allowing them to decrease stress through activities. Documentation of valid need is required. Further details are found on the Financial Assistance and Annual Giving pages.
- Youth memberships- All youth memberships were automatically subsidized by 31%.
- Financial Assistance for Before and After School Programs and Summer Camp: Nearly $50,000 in financial assistance is provided for scholarships that enable youth to socialize with other children ensuring peace of mind for their parents while they work.
- Specialty Senior Programs- Over 603 seniors enjoyed free and subsidized YMCA programs such as Fountain of Youth and Fab 50.
- Central City “Y without Walls” Programs- These programs serve children who generally come from low income minority families located in the east and south portions of Joliet, and southeast Will County. Nearly $125,000 in direct costs for these programs is funded almost entirely by grants and donations. These children would not otherwise be able to experience opportunities at the YMCA.
- Programs include: Teen Achievers, Day Camp, YBL & Cheerleading, Project SOAR, Laraway Choral Program
