Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Four Tips on Finding Fulfillment During Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month. Established in 1963, Older Americans Month is dedicated to acknowledging the contributions and achievements of older Americans, while sharing the importance of finding fulfillment in the aging process. In honor of this month, here are a few tips from the Administration for Community Living on how to find fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age. 

1. Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure and push boundaries by not letting age define your limits. Invite creativity and purpose into your life by trying new activities in your community to bring in more growth, joy and energy.

Did you know the Y offers group and water fitness classes as well as specialty fitness and dance programs? You can view our group fitness schedules here or by using the YMCA on the Go App. To register for specialty fitness/dance programs, click here. 

2. Explore the rewards of growing older. With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply. Continue to grow that knowledge through reading, listening, classes and creative activities.

Did you know the Y partners with Endeavor Health and Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers to offer health, wellness, and education seminars throughout the year?  

3. Stay engaged in your community. Everyone benefits when everyone is connected and involved. Stay active by volunteering, working, mentoring, participating in social clubs and taking part in activities at your local senior center or elsewhere in the community.

Did you know the Y offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities? Learn more and apply to volunteer by clicking here. 

4. Form relationships. As an essential ingredient of well-being, relationships can enhance your quality of life by introducing new ideas and unique perspectives. Invest time with people to discover deeper connections with family, friends and community members.

Did you know the YMCA’s Fab 50 program offers a wide variety of activities and special events to bring the community together? This includes Dancing through the Decades at the Galowich Family YMCA on Friday, May 23! Register today by clicking here or stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit to learn more about upcoming outings at your local YMCA branch.

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National Water Safety Month 2025: Six Tips to Help Kids Stay Safe

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. That is why the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities.

Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

You can also ensure your child’s safety by enrolling them in swim lessons at the Y. Just like teaching your children to look both ways before they cross the street, having them participate in formal water safety lessons teaches them an important life skill. Learn more about our swim lesson curriculum and schedules here, and register online today!

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JETS Swimmers Post Successful Winter Performances


It was an amazing winter season for the JETS Swim Team as they claimed multiple team titles at local and state competitions and put forth performances that etched new marks in the program record book!

Highlights from the winter included:

IL Swimming Winter Regional Championships
February 28-March 2
Lincoln Way Central High School in New Lenox, IL

Logan Despojo, Hermes Sadcopen, Ion Siminoi, Daniel Venhrynovych, Simon Zapanta, and Holly Zilinger all won individual event titles.

Sadcopen broke a team record in the 200 yard backstroke that had been held since 1983 and Venhrynovych set a new team record in the 50 yard butterfly.

“We had 29 athletes compete and it was a very successful meet with over 75% of our swims being personal best times. We had a total of 60 top 8 finishes awarded on the podium,” JETS head coach Dave Hedden said. 

IL Senior Championships
March 6-9
UIC Natatorium in Chicago, IL

The boys 200 yard medley relay team of Hermes Sadcopen, Chris Johnson, Elliot Martillo, and Daniel Venhrynovych qualified for YMCA Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina.

“Hermes also broke the team record in the 50 yard backstroke while Chris set new team records in the 50 yard and 200 yard breaststrokes, the latter of which had been held since 1984,” Hedden said.   

Chicago Suburban YMCA District Championships
March 8
Sage YMCA in Crystal Lake, IL

The JETS won the overall team meet for the second consecutive year after claiming Girls 12-U, 14-U, and 21-U age division titles as well as a clean sweep of the Boys 10-U, 12-U, 14-U, and 21-U age division titles.

“104 JETS swimmers participated with 21 athletes combining for 31 event victories,” Hedden said.

Event winners included: Aaryahi Amin, Haily Beringer, Rachel DeMille, Evan Delcid, Nolan Ewah, Jaden Habon, Filip Hajnos, Hadley Howard, Chris Johnson, Jonathan Kerr, Elliot Martillo, Shivaay Punjwani, Hastin Sadcopen, Hermes Sadcopen, Ava Sorensen, Daniel Venhrynovych, Alex Watkins, Brooke Wojcik, Aria Yui, Holly Zilinger, Shane Zilinger.

IL 11-14 Age Group Championships
March 13-14
FMC Natatorium in Westmont, IL

The quartet of Chris Johnson, Hermes Sadcopen, Ion Siminoi, and Daniel Venhrynovych took 4th in the 200 yard freestyle relay and 6th in the 200 yard medley relay.

“The relay team bettered their own record in the medley and their time in the 200 freestyle broke a record that had been held since 1985,” Hedden said. “Hermes also broke the team record for 13-14 boys 50 yard freestyle and Chris broke his own team record in the 100 yard breaststroke.”

IL YMCA State Championships
March 14-16
Central High School in St. John, Indiana

The JETS had 58 athletes compete and claimed a title in the Boys 14-U age division.

Individual state champions included Chris Johnson, Evan Johnson, and Hermes Sadcopen.

Chris Johnson, Hermes Sadcopen, Ion Siminoi, and Daniel Venhrynovych teamed up to win first place in the 14-U 200 yard freestyle and 200 yard medley relays.

We are so proud of all the amazing things our JETS swimmers have done so far in 2025 and we wish them the best as they prepare for their summer season! If you would like to learn more about the team, please contact Dave Hedden at [email protected] or (815) 782-0805.

You can also see additional updates on the JETS Facebook page.

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2025 YMCA ‘Earn Your Shirt’ Summer Fitness Challenge

JUNE 16-AUGUST 10

The Y wants to help you stay committed to a healthy lifestyle this summer and that is why we are excited for our annual ‘Earn Your Shirt’ Fitness Challenge.

Here’s how it works:

Check in at the YMCA at least 20 times between June 16 and August 10 and you’ll earn a special YMCA t-shirt. Participants will receive their shirt after their 20th visit.

Cost: $25, open to YMCA Facility Members only.

Registration for the challenge is underway! and will continue through Monday, June 23. Register for the challenge at your local Y branch by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Galowich Family YMCA

Morris Hospital YMCA

To learn more about this challenge visit the membership desk of your local Y branch.

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Morris Hospital YMCA Set to Offer New Parkinson’s Exercise Program

The Y is excited to help support individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease through our new PWR! Moves exercise program!

PWR! Moves (Classes start the week of May 5)
Date and Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-1:50 p.m.

This class will focus on improving functional mobility and strength. Participants will learn more intentional and smooth movements to improve everyday actions, such as walking, climbing stairs, and turning in tight spaces. Our certified instructors can assist with modifications to help class participants complete each exercise correctly.

And don’t forget, the Y also offers a Pedaling for Parkinson’s exercise program!

Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Date and Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1-2 p.m.

While cycling is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease, there is compelling evidence to show that it does make a real difference for many who try it. Classes are designed to empower participants by optimizing their physical function, improving their gait, balance, speech, handwriting, and overall endurance, and helping to delay the progression of symptoms.

PLEASE NOTE: PWR! Moves and Pedaling for Parkinson’s are free and open to the community. Class participants must receive clearance to participate from their doctor prior to class participation. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking below.

PWR! Moves

Pedaling for Parkinson’s

Learn More:

If you have any questions about these programs, please contact Health & Wellness Director Ro Petersen at [email protected] or (815) 513-8080, ext. 517.

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SMILES ALL AROUND: Make a Donation to the 2025 Send a Kid to Camp Campaign Today

Summertime at the YMCA is truly a magical time of year and a wonderful opportunity to see our mission at work throughout our community. Each summer, we have the absolute privilege of welcoming kids from across our community to YMCA summer day camp locations in Joliet, Plainfield, Morris, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook. At YMCA summer camp, kids of all ages learn new skills, build self-confidence, create lasting memories, and develop life-long friendships.

At the Y, we remain dedicated to providing a fun, safe, and memorable camp experience for all children, but we can’t do it alone. Last summer, more than half of the children who attended our summer camp program did so with the help of the YMCA’s financial assistance program. This was made possible thanks to precious funds donated to the YMCA by generous donors like you. To ensure that the Y’s mission will continue to thrive and help those children in our community who need it most, we need your support once again.

DONATE NOW

We invite you to invest in the kids in our community by making a charitable contribution to the YMCA’s 2025 Send a Kid to Camp Campaign. Your gift, in any amount, will help to ensure that every child has the opportunity to benefit from an engaging and impactful summer camp experience at the Y. Please know that a donation to the YMCA will help to change the lives of families living right here in our community- your friends and neighbors.

Donate today by visiting your local YMCA branch or making a charitable donation online.

DONATE NOW

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all gifts to the YMCA are tax-deductible.

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United Way