Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Swimming Without Limits: C.W. Avery Family YMCA Announces New Dates for Sensory-Friendly Swims

Join the YMCA for a morning of joy, support, and celebration as we create a welcoming space for swimmers of all abilities. Designed to be inclusive and accommodating for kids with diverse sensory needs and their families, YMCA Sensory-Friendly Swims will feature a quiet environment with no music and little-to-no whistle use by our lifeguards. The water features in the Family Pool will also be turned off during this time.

Included during this time is our Adaptive Water Fitness Program, designed for participants ages 13 and up with special needs. This program encourages aquatic fitness through alternative movement options that are tailored to meet individual needs. Whether participants are looking to improve mobility, coordination, or simply enjoy a low-impact workout, this program provides the support and space to thrive.

Sensory-Friendly are open to YMCA Facility Members and the community, so we encourage you to invite your friends and family to join along. Registration is required.

Dates:
February 9
March 9
April 6
May 4

Sensory Friendly Swim Time*:
11 a.m.-Noon

Adaptive Water Fitness:
11-11:30 a.m.

Cost:
YMCA Facility Member Families: Free
Community Member Families: $10 Per Family

REGISTER TODAY

*Families are welcome to extend their visit at the Y and participate in Open Swim, which will begin in the Family Pool at noon.

If you have any questions please contact Jack Glimco at (815) 267-8600, ext. 228 or by email at [email protected].

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Registration for the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s Pint-Size Pupils Preschool Program Opens February 1

Designed for preschool and kindergarten-aged children, the Y’s Pint-Size Pupils Program will help your young learner develop to his or her fullest potential. Through a variety of fun activities that include both structured and open play, our dedicated staff teach, model and reinforce the Y’s Christian character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Projects and lessons will explore colors, shapes, alphabet and numbers. Classes are small in size and incorporate bright colors, music and interactive games to help our youngest members develop their socialization skills and academic concepts.

Our Pint-Size Pupils Program follows the Plainfield District 202 holiday calendar.

Registration for the 2025-26 school year opens for Facility Members on Feburary 1 and opens on February 8 for Community Members.

2025-2026 TUITION:

Families can choose two-day programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays or a three-day program on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is a one-time $45 non-refundable registration fee.

Enrollment PlanFacility Member RateCommunity Member Rate
2 Days Per Week$170$340
3 Days Per Week$250$500

To learn more about the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s Pint-Size Pupils program, please contact:

James Wagner
Youth and Family Director
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 212

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA and Joliet Junior College Invite the Community to a Ribbon-Cutting Event on February 6

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA and Joliet Junior College are proud to announce a special ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the announcement of a new partnership that will strengthen our shared commitment to serving youth in our community.

Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Location:
Joliet Junior College Event Center
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, Illinois 60431

YMCA NIGHT AT JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees are invited to join the Y in a night of family fun as we cheer on the Joliet Junior College Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams against Rock Valley College. YMCA kids and their families are encouraged to wear their favorite Y gear and take part in a host of exciting activities as part of this fun-filled celebration, including:

  • Free admission to both the Women’s (Tip-off at 5 p.m.) and Men’s Basketball (Tip-off at 7 p.m.) games
  • The opportunity to participate in on-court activities, including pre-game introductions and half-time games and relays
  • A Dance Team performance, comprised of students in the Y’s Kid Zone and Teen REACH programs
  • A chance to meet Wiley the JJC mascot
  • Post-game autograph session with the Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams
  • Giveaways and Special Prizes

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting evening!

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Make a Splash: 2025 Winter Swim Lesson Sale

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to announce a Winter Swim Lesson Sale!

Save $7 when you register for Winter 2 swim lessons from January 23-27.

Offer valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Open to Facility Members and Community Members. Some restrictions may apply.

Use promo code: SWIMWI25 when registering online. You can also call your local branch to reserve your time slot:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544
(815) 267-8600

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 744-3939

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 West Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450
(815) 513-8080

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Morris Hospital YMCA Invites Community to Nutrition and Heath Education Seminars

The Morris Hospital YMCA is teaming up with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers to offer a series of nutrition and health education seminars throughout the winter and spring. Free and open to the community, these informative sessions will provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals looking to establish and maintain healthy lifestyles in 2025 and beyond.

All programs will be held at the Morris Hospital YMCA. Open to ages 18 and up.

NUTRITION SEMINARS

Heart Disease and Diet
Tuesday, February 18
5:30-6:60 p.m.

A heart-heathy diet is used to help reduce blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. During this seminar, a Morris Hospital registered dietitian will teach you how to reduce saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, while increasing fiber in your diet.

REGISTER TODAY

How to Build Muscle with Protein Intake
Wednesday, March 26
5:30-6:30 p.m.

A Morris Hospital registered dietitian will discuss the importance of protein intake and provide examples of which foods are rich in protein. The class will also focus on gaining muscle and weight in general.

REGISTER TODAY

Meal Prepping for People with Parkinson’s or Cooking for Themselves
Wednesday, April 23
2:30-3:30 p.m.

Having Parkinson’s disease may lead to some nutritional deficiencies. A Morris Hospital registered dietitian will explain how to incorporate the right foods into your meals to make sure you’re getting the best nutrition. The class is also beneficial for individuals who cook meals for themselves, as single serving meals will be explored.

REGISTER TODAY

Build Balanced Meals for Weight Loss
Tuesday, May 20
5:30-6:30 p.m.

If you’re looking to lose weight, this class is for you. A registered dietitian from Morris Hospital will discuss how to create a balanced plate by incorporating all food groups. Weight loss and weight management tips through balanced eating will also be covered.

REGISTER TODAY

How to Read Nutrition Labels
Thursday, June 19
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Nutrition labels can be confusing to read, especially since they have undergone some changes. A registered dietitian from Morris Hospital will teach you how to properly read nutrition labels so you are able to find the amount of nutrients (carbohydrates, calories, vitamins/minerals, sugar) you are eating. This class will also provide tips for grocery shopping for individual households.

REGISTER TODAY

HEALTH EDUCATION SEMINARS

Taking Care of Your Heart for Overall Health
Monday, February 10
5:30-6:60 p.m.

We will be discussing how exercise helps depression, anxiety, reduction in the risk of dementia, all of which play a significant role in heart health.

REGISTER TODAY

Strength Balance, and Support = Healthy Life
Wednesday, March 12
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Athletic trainers help with prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. There are a variety of ways an athletic trainer can benefit your health. Join us during National Athletic Trainer month to learn more!

REGISTER TODAY

Parkinson’s and You
Friday, April 11
2-3 p.m.

Whether you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s or are a caregiver for someone with Parkinson’s, there is so much to learn and understand! Join Dr. Isaac Mezo as he explains medications and therapy services to help manage symptoms and more.

REGISTER TODAY

Learn More, Breathe Better
Tuesday, May 6
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Despite how important our lungs are, it’s easy to take them for granted. Make plans to attend this seminar to learn about various conditions that may affect your respiratory health. We’ll talk prevention, breathing techniques, and more.

REGISTER TODAY

Dimensions of Wellness
Tuesday, June 3
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Do you know there are many dimensions that make up your overall wellness? Wellness is about more than just exercise and diet. In this seminar, Morris Hospital Wellness Manager Becca Evola will discuss each dimension and how they each play a role in your wellness.

REGISTER TODAY

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Galowich Family YMCA Offering Free Swim Lesson Sampler Classes from January 23-25

The Galowich Family YMCA is offering FREE swim lesson sampler classes for kids, ages 3-13. Free and open to the community, this is a great opportunity for families to learn more about the YMCA’s swim lesson program. As part of the class, participants will complete a swim test to determine the best starting level for their first lesson at the Y!

DATES AND TIMES

Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24
Classes are available from 4:50-5:20 p.m., 5:25-5:55 p.m., and 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25
Classes are available from 11:15-11:45 a.m. and 11:50 a.m-12:20 p.m.

Spots are limited, so register today!

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about swim lessons at the YMCA, please contact:

Catie Wallis
Galowich Family YMCA Aquatics Director
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 320

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