Blog — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

Meet Membership Director Michelle Weston

February 14, 2020

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is incredibly proud of the work our staff does to ensure a high quality experience for our members. One of the newest full-time team members at the Galowich Family YMCA is Membership Director Michelle Weston. Michelle stepped into her current role last October. Her warm and friendly personality makes her perfectly suited to lead the Galowich Y’s membership team. You can learn more about Michelle in the Q&A below:

Q: How did you get started with the Y?

Weston: Two years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom and I saw an ad that the Avery YMCA was hiring. I sent a message, got to come in for an interview and ultimately got hired. My time at the Avery Y made my transition a bit easier when I became the membership director at Galowich. I have been that busy person at the front desk and I know what it can feel like. I am hoping to build on those experiences here at the Galowich Y.

Q: How do you view your role in the big picture of the Y?

Weston: The membership team is the face of the Y and the first impression for everyone that comes through the door. We have to be able to provide our members with all the tools they may need and answer any questions they may have. We care about customer service because we care about our members.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job?

Weston: It’s definitely the members and seeing them come in with smiles on their faces. When members have a goal they are trying to attain, and we can help them along the way, it is truly awesome to see them succeed. I’ve also made some great friends at the Y, both with co-workers and our members.

Q: What is your favorite Y memory?

Weston: This was my first year being fully involved in Toys for Tots. There was a woman who won one of our Christmas trees and she said it was the first tree she had ever had in her life. That brought tears to my eyes.

Q: What do you like to do outside the Y?

Weston: My husband and I try to spend as much time as we can with our kids. They are in the school band and that is a real commitment. On weekends we love to play board games like Clue and Monopoly. My husband is also a part of the Minooka Lions Club and I like to do things with him there.

Q: What should someone interested in a Y membership know about us?

Weston: We do our best to build relationships with people. We want to know about your day, what is going on with your kids, and where you went on your last vacation. You don’t have to just check in and check out. It’s about being a part of a community and a family. We hope that our members feel like the YMCA is their second home.
—
We encourage members to meet with Michelle or anyone from the membership team when visiting the Y. They are a great resource and always ready to help provide the best possible Y experience. You can reach Michelle at (815) 744-3939 ext. 309 or [email protected]

Treat Yourself to Mind-Body Workouts this Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2020

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and it’s the perfect time to show yourself some love. If you’re searching for a great way to celebrate, you may want to consider heading to the Y to treat yourself to some mind-body workouts:

Participate in a Challenging Group Exercise Class

A challenging workout can help to relieve stress and boost your confidence. If you’re looking to spice up your current exercise routine, you may want to check out one of the many free group exercise classes at the Y. You’ll be sure to find a variety of classes, including group cycle, kickboxing, strength training, yoga, and so much more.

Discover Inner-Peace with Yoga

Yoga helps to maintain a well-balanced mind and body. Some physical benefits of yoga, include increased flexibility and muscle strength, improved energy, and weight loss, among many others. Perhaps one of the best benefits of yoga is the positive effects on the mind. The incorporation of meditation and breathing can help to reduce stress and improve an individual’s well-being.

If you’re looking to clear your mind from the hustle and bustle of your busy schedule, be sure to check out one of our powerful, complimentary group yoga classes at the Y.

Explore the Outdoors with a Friend

If the weather permits, grab a friend or two and head outdoors for a walk. A simple walk can boost your mood and bringing along a friend will allow you to engage in some meaningful conversation.

For additional exercises to challenge your mind and body, check out this great article, courtesy of LIVESTRONG.com

For more information about fitness opportunities at the Y, head over to our website or be sure to speak with a member of our wellness team during your next visit.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to Host February Blood Drives

February 13, 2020

In the United States someone needs donated blood every two seconds and a single blood donation can save up to 3 lives! That is why the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to partner with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host a set of blood drives this February. Versiti will be collecting blood donations on the following dates:

Monday, February 24
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Schedule an Appointment

Wednesday, February 26
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Smith Family YMCA
Schedule an Appointment

Thursday, February 27
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location Galowich Family YMCA
Schedule an Appointment

Appointments are recommended but walk-ins will still be welcome. Photo ID is required. Donors are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water prior to giving blood. Donors will also receive a $10 Colonial Cafe Coupon (while supplies last). If you have any questions, please contact:

Adriana Garcia
YMCA Human Resources Generalist
(815) 782-0817
[email protected]

Making An Impact: Matthew Ruggiero and Cristal Ortiz’s Story

February 12, 2020

At the Y, we are focused on providing opportunities that have a lasting impact on the lives of our members, staff and volunteers. We also take pride in those who choose to give back as a result of their Y experiences. Within the Y’s Safety Around Water program, which provides free swim lessons to students from Joliet area schools, volunteer swim instructors Matthew Ruggiero and Cristal Ortiz are great examples of how the Y experience can come full circle.

Matthew’s Story

Matthew, a junior at Lincoln-Way West High School, started taking swim lessons at the Smith Family YMCA when he was just five years old. At the age of 7, he joined the JETS Swim Team and swam in the program for seven years. For the last year, Matthew has worked as a lifeguard at the Y, and recently expressed an interest in becoming a volunteer swim instructor after a chance encounter with the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program.

“I was at the Y with a friend before work and we were asked to demonstrate dives for some of the students and I thought that was fun,” Matthew said.

Cristal’s Story

Cristal, a student at Joliet Junior College, learned to swim in fifth grade when she had the opportunity to participate in the Y’s Safety Around Water program (then known as Project SOAR) while attending A.O. Marshall Elementary School. She first heard about opportunities to volunteer at the Y through a friend on social media. She has been a volunteer swim instructor in the Safety Around Water Program for over a year, drawing on her personal experiences to help teach students in her weekly lessons.

“I’ve lived in Joliet all my life and I’ve always loved the water and swimming. We would come to the Y on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I remember being excited about being able to go in the deep end,” she said. “Learning to swim is a lot of work, but it’s supposed to be fun. You have to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe.”

Skills that Last a Lifetime

Both Matthew and Cristal agreed that their time volunteering at the YMCA has been incredibly rewarding.

“The students are always cool. I remember the first time that someone called me ‘Coach Matthew’ and it’s just the best feeling. I never thought I would hear that,” Matthew said. “I also feel like this has helped with my communication skills. I’m not the most talkative person and being around other people is helping, especially instructing a younger group of people.”

Cristal expressed similar feelings.

“It’s done a lot for my confidence. I’ve learned from the other instructors and become a better teacher, and even a better swimmer myself,” she said.

Matthew and Cristal also acknowledged the strong sense of community they feel each and every time they walk into the doors of the Smith Family YMCA.

“We’re a team and a family. All of us work together to help our students and our members,” Cristal said.

“Whether it was when I was with JETS or the people I work with at the Y now, everyone is relatable. We have definitely built a community,” Matthew said.

We thank Matthew and Cristal for volunteering at the Y and helping us in our mission to serve the community. If you would like to volunteer in our Safety Around Water program, or are interested in becoming a Y lifeguard, please contact:

Catie Wallis
Smith Family YMCA Aquatics Director
(815) 726-3939, ext. 417
[email protected]

YMCA’s Teen Achievers Program Awarded $10K Grant From Midland States Bank

January 29, 2020

Pictured above (left to right) with students from Joliet West High School: Senior Development Director Julie Wilkinson, Midland States Bank Regional Community Development Relationship Manager Cornell Lurry, Teen Achievers Coordinator Shaun Sanderson, Midland States Bank Regional Market President Christine Uram, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Metro Board Member and Midland States Bank Senior Vice President of Banking Dan Stevenson, Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Jim Watts, Teen and Young Adult Advancement Manager Kelsey Kruel

Students in the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Teen Achievers program joined Y staff on Tuesday afternoon at Joliet West High School to accept a $10,000 grant from the Midland States Bank Foundation. The occasion marked the fourth consecutive year in which the Midland States Bank Foundation chose Teen Achievers as a recipient of these generous funds through a competitive grant process.

“Our Y is committed to helping young people succeed. It’s at the core of our mission. The Teen Achievers program has proven to be effective, working in complement with parents and schools to help students set and achieve their personal and educational goals,” Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO James Watts said.

Tuesday afternoon’s check presentation coincided with an after school workshop that focused on helping students solidify their vision for the future. While sharing their personal experiences, many students mentioned a desire to achieve high levels of academic success while describing their intended career paths. Other students in attendance expressed an interest in expanding their community service efforts before graduating.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Metro Board Member and Midland States Bank Senior Vice President of Banking Dan Stevenson presented the check to the students and shared words of support. He expressed his excitement about the progress shown by students in the Teen Achievers program and reiterated the importance of maintaining a strong vision for their future, both personally and professionally.

The Y’s Teen and Young Adult Advancement Manager Kelsey Kruel led the discussion and thanked Midland States Bank for their generous gift.

“Generosity of this magnitude guarantees that our students will be exposed to experiences, interactions, discussions and people that could potentially change the trajectory of their lives,” said Teen and Young Adult Advancement Manager Kelsey Kruel. “People have an idea of the impact this program can have on individual students, but when we think of the effect it could have on the greater community and the systems our students are currently a part of, a gift like this one becomes that much more powerful.”

One of the Y’s most beloved programs, Teen Achievers provides area high school students with the guidance and support they need to discover their identities, embrace their passions, and become their best selves. With the support of the Y’s dedicated Teen and Young Adult staff team, students learn to manage their stress, time, and emotions, and learn about the importance of making confident and wise decisions during their high school years. Through weekly conversations, informative guest speakers, and college visits, students learn about life after high school and receive the encouragement to, not just complete twelfth grade, but to be truly prepared for whatever comes next.

Offered at five area high schools across Will and Grundy Counties, the Teen Achievers program now serves approximately 175 students Programming is free or offered at a modest fee, though no one is turned away for the inability to afford the experience. Contributions from grantors, the community, and the United Way of Will County help to underwrite the YMCA’s investment to provide Teen Achievers.