Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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New Greater Joliet Area YMCA Membership Agreement Launching November 4

At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. To help ensure that our policies and expectations are clear and consistent, we are rolling out an updated YMCA Membership Agreement beginning November 4.

As part of this update, a primary adult on each Facility Membership unit will be asked to review and accept the YMCA’s new Membership Agreement. This process will only take a few moments and can be completed either online or during your next visit to the Y.

The updated Membership Agreement reflects the Y’s core values and strengthens the community standards that help ensure every member feels comfortable, respected, and included. The new Agreement also outlines the Y’s membership cancellation policy, which now allows members to request to change their membership status electronically 5 days prior to their next billing date- reduced from the previous 10-day notice. We appreciate your cooperation as we roll out these improvements, aiming for all Facility Members to review and acknowledge the updated Agreement by March 1, 2026.

What You Can Expect

  • Beginning November 4, Facility Members will be prompted to review and accept the new Membership Agreement when checking in at their local branch.
  • YMCA staff will be available to assist if you have any questions.

Thank you for your partnership in strengthening our Y community. By completing this simple step, you will help us continue to build a safe and positive space where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive together.

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Skills for Life: Caleb and Natalie Lopez’s Y Story

YMCA swim lessons help kids stay fit, healthy, and strong when they spend time in and around the water. Additionally, kids of all ages gain confidence and learn vital water safety skills that will last them a lifetime. For C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Naomi Lopez, seeing her children Caleb and Natalie learn to swim at the Y has been an invaluable life experience.

“Caleb and Natalie started lessons at the Y a couple years ago when they were preschoolers. They had no experience and were nervous to even do anything near water,” Naomi said. “They’ve gone from not knowing anything to swimming on their own. They’ve built so much confidence and love coming here.”

Caleb and Natalie have participated in both group swim lessons and private swim lessons, options that Naomi said provide different advantages for families. 

“With group lessons, I really like that there are so many options. It’s very flexible. I can get them in pretty much any day I want. With private lessons, they were able to improve their skills even quicker because of it being 1-on-1. In both cases, they have had a wonderful experience with all of their instructors. They’re organized in the way they do things, so it’s always timely and always fun,” she said. 

Naomi believes the structure of YMCA swim lessons has also had a positive impact on Caleb and Natalie as young learners.  

“They were very little during the time they started swim lessons and didn’t have any classroom experience. They learned little things that would help in a classroom setting like following the teacher and listening. It helped them to pay attention and follow instructions,” she said.

And, after continuing lessons this fall, Caleb and Natalie have now reached swim levels that allow them to use the full amenities of the YMCA’s Family Pool. 

“I usually bring them to play in the Family Pool in the winter, which is great for when it’s so cold and there is nothing to do outside. They can both go down the big slides now, which was something they couldn’t do before, so that was huge for them,” Naomi said.

But for the Lopez family, the Y journey is just beginning.

“I have four kids total and the two little ones will also be doing swim lessons soon,” Naomi said. “This is a great place for all, especially families looking for a budget friendly option and an opportunity to give their kids a lot of different extracurricular activities. Whenever my kids are interested in something I always look to the Y first before looking anywhere else. It’s perfect.”

To learn more about swim lessons at the Y, click here or speak with a member of our aquatics team during your next visit. To register online, click here.

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YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: C.W. Avery Family YMCA Youth Basketball League Coach Ryan Fair

YMCA youth sports programs teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. At the Y, we know these programs would not be possible without the generosity and dedication of our volunteer coaches. As we prepare for the upcoming Youth Basketball League (YBL) season, we’d like to shine the spotlight on C.W. Avery Family volunteer Ryan Fair. Ryan has spent multiple seasons coaching his sons, Griffin and Bohde. You can learn more about him in the Q&A below.

Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer coach?
I played basketball when I was younger and played baseball all through high school and college. Ever since I had kids, I’ve wanted to coach, and whenever my kids do something I always offer to help. I didn’t know too much about the Y prior to starting to coach here, but friends of ours had kids that had played in leagues. They said it was a great program and that they had a great time. We figured we’d give it a shot. My oldest son, Griffin, is in fifth grade now and I believe I started coaching him in first grade for YBL. Shortly after, our youngest son, Bohde, got involved with the Junior YBL program and I started coaching him as well.

Q: What makes Y programs so special?
There’s a strong sense of community and connection to the people that run the programs. I actually went to high school with Sports Director Maria Freeh and it was cool to reconnect coming into this league. She and Sports Manager Miles Turner are always available, approachable, and helpful.

Q: What kind of support do YMCA coaches receive during the season?
The way the Y communicates and schedules practices using the Team Sideline App removes the hassle of most of the things people don’t like about coaching. They take care of that stuff so that coaches can just focus on coaching the kids. And even if we’re shorthanded, the staff is always there to help out. This is definitely the most hands-on involvement I’ve seen from staff in any organization I’ve been involved with.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of being a volunteer coach for the Y?
I ultimately do it for the kids. To see them be successful is the best part of doing this. At the younger ages, we know that there can be a discrepancy in experience, so it’s a good feeling to see how much kids who might not have played very much before progress as athletes, and see teams become more cohesive through friendships and hard work. It’s a great experience and probably the best experience I’ve had coaching sports. 

We are so proud to have Ryan as a volunteer and thank him for his efforts to support youth development in our community. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer basketball coach this winter, you can sign up by clicking here.

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Meet Endeavor Health Physical Therapist Beth Nelson

Located within the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, the Endeavor Health Physical Therapy Clinic has been an invaluable resource for the Y community for the past three years. We are excited to highlight the newest addition to the Endeavor staff team in physical therapist Beth Nelson! Beth has more than 20 years of experience in physical therapy and began with Endeavor this past August. Learn more about her in the Q&A below.

Q: Why do you enjoy being a physical therapist?

Being a healer is a gift. I know it sounds cheesy, but I feel like we’re making the world a better place one patient at a time. I realize how special it is to have a good relationship with patients, and to be able to help people heal. Without them, I don’t get to live my life’s purpose.

Q: What is your philosophy when it comes to working with patients? 

Our job is to make sure that you can do all the things you are passionate about doing in your life. Nobody should ever be in a position where they have to say ‘I can’t do that anymore’ or ‘That isn’t something that I will be able to do’. Whether it’s taking care of grandkids, participating in an exercise class, being part of a sports team, or gardening. Whatever it is, we’re here to help you do the things you want to do.

Q: What are the most common ailments you assist with?

The most common things are joint pain (hip, knee, shoulder), back and neck pain, sport injuries, and post-operative care. But one thing people don’t always think about is how we can help with pain in the pelvic floor and the muscles in your abs.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who might be feeling pain or discomfort?

Don’t let injuries linger and don’t feel like this is the way life is going to be moving forward. The earlier you come in, the easier it is for us to get you back to doing what you want to do. That being said, it’s never too late. There’s always something we can do to get you stronger, healthier, and living the life that you want to live. 

Q: What are the strengths of the partnership between Endeavor Health and the Y?

I think it’s the shared focus on all aspects of healthcare. The Y community is a vibrant community and helps you maintain your social and emotional health in addition to your physical health. And then with us at Endeavor, you have easy access to specialists and doctors that you can communicate with. If you’re having any kind of symptoms, if you don’t know where to go or who to turn to, we can connect you with the right person.

Q: What stands out about the Y community?

The variety of things offered here is impressive. A lot of my patients are Y members and they always speak about the different classes they go to and the equipment they use. I also think having the Kids’ Corner playroom is great. Helping moms take care of themselves is a passion of mine. I know they make sure they are taking care of their kids, but you still have to take care of yourself too! The Kids’ Corner gives them the opportunity to do that while still knowing their kids are safe. Overall, the Y is very welcoming.

On behalf of the Y, we are so happy to welcome Beth to our community and remain thankful for the amazing services provided by the Endeavor Health team to support healthy living in our community. 

To make an appointment to see a physical therapist at the Endeavor Health Physical Therapy Clinic at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, please call (630) 527-3375. The Endeavor team will obtain insurance approval, provide you with the number of visits allowed, and give you an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost per visit.

Hours are available by appointment on weekdays during the following times:
Mondays and Wednesdays: 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Endeavor also offers free injury screenings. To schedule your screening, visit the Physical Therapy front desk during normal operating hours or call to set up a screening time.

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YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: Galowich Family YMCA Member Shadae Martin-Payne

YMCA youth sports programs teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. At the Y, we know these programs would not be possible without the generosity and dedication of our volunteer coaches. As we prepare for the upcoming Youth Basketball League (YBL) season, we’d like to shine the spotlight on Galowich Family YMCA member and volunteer Shadae Martin-Payne. Shadae has served as a volunteer coach for the last three years, and you can learn more about her in the Q&A below.

Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer coach?
I’m very passionate about basketball and it’s been my passion for a long time. I started playing when I was six years old and I played all the way through college. Now that I have kids myself, I wanted to be able to give back, not only for them, but for the other kids in our community as well.

‘Q: What makes Y programs so special?
The first thing is the community and access that kids have to Y programs. It’s important for kids to have something they can participate in and a safe place to go. The people are nice and friendly and that’s one of the reasons why we’re so comfortable in this atmosphere. Even for little kids, it’s electric. It’s always great to see the kids having fun and learning.

Q: What kind of support do volunteer coaches receive from YMCA staff?
I feel like the staff do a really good job of working with you. The communication is always there. When you reach out for something, they’ll help, and on gamedays you’ll always have the tools that you need to be successful in the volunteer space.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of being a volunteer coach?
Volunteering is a selfless act. It’s a way to think about others before yourself. The kids will look up to you as a role model, and it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impression. It’s so cool to see the kids come back each year and see how much they’ve improved and grown up. I have a sense of fulfillment in being able to affect kids’ lives in that way.

Q: How has participating in YMCA sports programs impacted your family?
I coach alongside my husband, and I think we work well together. We’ve learned a lot about promoting teamwork and discipline and it’s been important for my kids to learn those skills at an early age. We also get to participate in other programs at the Y, like swim lessons. The Y has been very good for us.

We are so proud to have Shadae as a member and thank her for her efforts to support youth development in our community. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer basketball coach this winter, you can sign up by clicking here.

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YMCA Junior Wolves Program to Host Youth Baseball and Running Camps in December

The YMCA’s Junior Wolves program is here to help youth athletes keep their skills sharp this winter with special baseball and running camps! These clinics, which are open to the community, will be led by Joliet Junior College coaches and student athletes from the baseball and track and field teams. 

Youth Baseball Camp

Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23
Open to ages 5-10
9 a.m.-Noon

This co-ed, two-day camp is designed for players of all abilities who are looking to strengthen their game. Whether your child is brand new to the sport or working to develop their fundamentals, JJC’s coaches and student-athletes will lead campers through key skills, including catching, throwing, hitting, and base running.

Cost: $60

REGISTER TODAY

Youth Running Camp

Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30
9 a.m.-Noon
Open to ages 5-15

This two-day, co-ed camp will help runners build speed, agility, and develop smart running strategies. Perfect for young runners of all skill levels, this camp combines expert instruction with fun drills and games to improve movement, confidence, and endurance. Whether you’re training for track, cross country, or just love to run, you’ll leave this camp faster, sharper, and more excited about running than ever!

Cost: $60

REGISTER TODAY

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