The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Wallin Drive in 2021! To commemorate this milestone, we are sharing the Y story of one of our fantastic members each month. Today we shine the spotlight on Liz Bass. Liz joined the Y during our first week of operation in 2006 and we are so excited to have her share some of her favorite memories from the last 15 years.
Q: What made you interested in joining the Y?
Liz: I previously lived in Naperville and I’ve always been into fitness. When we moved out to Plainfield I was looking for a gym and we heard that the Y was going to be opening up. I grew up going to a Y and with two kids I definitely wanted to be a part of that again. I was also super excited when the Y opened because my son was six months old and that’s right when childcare started, which was a big thing.
Q: What are the biggest ways you feel the Y has evolved since you joined?
Liz: It’s been awesome to see everything expand. I started to go to early morning classes based on my work schedule. I remember being the only one here at 5:15 doing bootcamp and now it’s evolved into the great group it is today. When I first started there were no spin classes, now we have an entire spin room.
Q: How has your family used the Y over the years?
Liz: My kids took swim lessons here and we would spend a ton of time in the family pool during the winter. It was so good to have a place for them to go. We’ve had birthday parties here, we did all the camps, my daughter found her love of dance here. I feel like they grew up here.
Q: How has the Y impacted you recently?
Liz: Over time you go through a bunch of stuff in your life and the people who are here, from employees to members, have been through all of it together. When things shut down because of COVID I was really missing the people and the friendships at the Y. Being able to come back was really good for my mental health. This was the place I was missing the most. It’s a positive environment. Everybody on staff is so open to listening to members. This community supports you, and the Y has been a major component in getting me through this time.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Y?
Liz: I’m such a proud Y member. I really feel like we have the best Y in the world. People who haven’t come to the Y before should know that they can find what they need. It has the best facilities, great instructors, and a lot of programming. It makes you feel good because you know you’re getting a quality experience.
We would like to thank Liz for her incredible support over the last 15 years and look forward to making a positive impact on members of our community through 2021 and beyond!
YMCA Facility Members have the opportunity to share the Y experience with their family and friends by utilizing guest passes. 
Use of the family pool at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA during open swim times on weeknights (Monday-Friday, from 5-8 p.m.*) and weekends will be available by reservation only. Access to the Family Pool on weekday mornings will continue to be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As part of our continued efforts to help families in our community navigate the mental health repercussions of COVID-19, we are proud to announce the Y’s partnership with Pop Culture Hero Coalition and Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital to present “Resilience, Empathy, Healthy Screen-time: An Honest Conversation” on Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Easter is just around the corner and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is here to help you and your family get in the holiday spirit! Full details about fun and exciting Easter events can be found below or by contacting your local branch.