Blog — Page 16 — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Offering ‘Jobs in the Trades’ Workshop on January 28

December 8, 2025

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to host a free workshop for area students and young adults on Wednesday, January 28.

Free and open to the community, the Y’s ‘Jobs in the Trades’ workshop will provide area participants with important resources to help them prepare for their futures while hearing directly from industry professionals who can guide them toward successful careers in the trades.

Time:
10 a.m.-Noon

Location:
Joliet Junior College, Room U-1024
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

Refreshments will also be served. Register early and enter to win a $50 gift card. Additional raffles will also be available the day of the event.

To learn more please contact:

Darrell Collins
Teen REACH & Teen Achievers Director
[email protected]
(815) 782-0828

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Working Together to Make Your Y Better: Facility Improvements at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA

December 4, 2025

December 9-12

Phase 2 of our Membership Desk Renovation Project will get underway next week. During this time, all members and guests will be asked to enter the building through the south entrance, located near the Multi-Purpose Rooms. We thank you in advance for your cooperation as we work with our vendor to complete this project in a timely manner.

This project was made possible thanks to a generous donation from Home Depot- Shorewood.

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Join the Y During our 2025 12 Days of Savings Sale!

December 4, 2025

12 Days of Savings Membership Sale
December 8-19, 2025

Get a jump start on your 2026 health and wellness goals by joining the YMCA during our 12 Days of Savings Membership Sale! With our wide variety of classes and programs, you’ll be sure to find something at the Y for every member of your family. The sooner you join, the more you save. So don’t delay!

When you join the Y during our 12 Days of Savings Membership Sale, your Joiner’s Fee will be adjusted according to the day you join:

Day 1: Monday, December 8
Join the Y on December 8, and pay an $8 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 2: Tuesday, December 9
Join the Y on December 9, and pay a $9 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 3: Wednesday, December 10

Join the Y on December 10, and pay a $10 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 4: Thursday, December 11
Join the Y on December 11, and pay an $11 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 5: Friday, December 12
Join the Y on December 12, and pay a $12 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 6: Saturday, December 13
Join the Y on December 13, and pay a $13 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 7: Sunday, December 14
Join the Y on December 14, and pay a $14 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 8: Monday, December 15
Join the Y on December 15, and pay a $15 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 9: Tuesday, December 16
Join the Y on December 16, and pay a $16 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 10: Wednesday, December 17
Join the Y on December 17, and pay a $17 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 11: Thursday, December 18
Join the Y on December 18, and pay an $18 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 12: Friday, December 19
Join the Y on December 19, and pay a $19 Joiner’s Fee.

JOIN TODAY

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:

Access to Three Branches
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:

Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center
Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
Free fitness orientations and daily group exercise classes (programs vary by location).

Free Basic Access to the YMCA On the Go App
The On the Go App will provide Y members with access to the YMCA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This interactive tool is loaded with free workouts, on-demand videos, and nutrition tips.

Free Access to the My Y Rewards Program
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll earn points each time you check-in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.

And, during our special December earnings event, YMCA Facility Members enrolled in the My Y Rewards Program will receive triple rewards points every time they check in at the Y between December 8-19.

Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swimming lessons and personal training, among a slew of other options. You can check out a full list of our programming by taking a look at our Winter 2026 Program Session Schedules.

So Much More
A complete list of member benefits can be found here.

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Morris Hospital YMCA Invites Community to Nutrition and Health Education Seminars

December 4, 2025

The Morris Hospital YMCA is once again teaming up with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers for nutrition and health education seminars throughout 2026! Free and open to the community, these informative sessions will provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals looking to establish and maintain healthy lifestyles.

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

NUTRITION SEMINARS

Weight Loss Through Protein and Fiber
Tuesday, January 13
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join us for an engaging session focused on the importance of protein and fiber in your diet. A Morris Hospital dietitian will explore practical tips for weight loss and weight management through balanced eating habits. This class will also include a food demonstration with snack samples.

Heart Healthy Diet
Wednesday, February 11
1:30-2:30 p.m.

A “heart-heathy” diet helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Through this seminar, participants will learn how to reduce saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium while increasing fiber in the diet.

Diabetes Management and Carbohydrate Counting
Wednesday, March 18
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Managing diabetes starts with understanding carbohydrates. Join a Morris Hospital dietitian to learn how to accurately count carbs, identify carbohydrate-rich foods, and measure serving sizes. This class will also teach you how to manage your blood glucose levels effectively through smart food choices.

Parkinson’s/Neuromuscular Disease Diet
Wednesday, April 15
2-3 p.m.

Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. In this class, a Morris Hospital dietitian will offer insights on how to prioritize nutrient-rich foods to include in your meals. This seminar will also include a demonstration for preparing a chickpea salad!

Nutrition for Mental Health
Tuesday, May 12
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join a Morris Hospital dietitian for a discussion on the connection between nutrition and mental health. We’ll explore why proper nourishment is essential for brain function and share practical tips on how to support your mental well-being through food.

HEALTH EDUCATION SEMINARS

Overcoming Pain with Exercise
Thursday, January 15
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Physical movement is so important to managing chronic pain. Did you know that you can reduce your pain with exercise? Make your plans to join us for this informative seminar and find out more.

Diabetes Education and Strategies for Self Care and Support
Thursday, March 5
Noon-1 p.m. (Webinar)

Did you know that 11.6 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes? That’s 38.4 million Americans, and even more may be prediabetic! If you are looking to learn how to better manage diabetes, join us for this webinar as Morris Hospital Endocrinologist Dr. Nuzhat Chalisa shares important information on this chronic disease and how to manage it.

Strong Bones Make Strong People
Tuesday, March 10
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Imagine your bones becoming so fragile that everyday activities such as lifting a laundry basket, or even coughing, could cause a fracture or break. Join us to learn more about risk factors and common symptoms of osteoporosis and why it’s important to manage the condition in order to avoid debilitating bone breaks.

Physical Therapy Options for Parkinson’s
Tuesday, April 21
2-3 p.m.

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Join physical therapist Belinda Hill to discuss the many services Morris Hospital offers to help individuals with Parkinson’s optimize their speech and physical function.

How Substance Abuse Impacts Mental Health and Wellness
Tuesday, May 5
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Approximately 37 million U.S. adults ages 26 and older struggle with a substance use disorder. While substances are a common part of our human experience and culture, some people struggle with unhealthy relationships with substances. Join Dr. Jennifer Thomas, MD, FASAM, family medicine and addiction medicine physician, for a dynamic conversation on substance use and learn how mental health and wellness are impacted by our relationship with substances.

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Registration Underway for YMCA Winter Homeschool Swim Lessons

December 3, 2025

The Y is excited to offer youth swim lessons for homeschool families this winter! These programs are open to kids, ages 4-14, and will feature 30 minutes of lessons and 30 minutes of open swim. PLEASE NOTE: Participants will be swim tested at the first lesson.

Winter 1 Lessons: 4-week session running January 5-February 1
Cost: $47 for Facility Members, $94 for Community Members

Winter 2 Lessons: 5-week session running February 2-March 8
Cost: $58 for Facility Members, $116 for Community Members

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Galowich Family YMCA
Thursdays, 11 a.m.-Noon
REGISTER TODAY

Morris Hospital YMCA
Mondays, 11 a.m.-Noon
REGISTER TODAY

To learn more, please contact the aquatics director at your local Y branch:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Jack Glimco
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 228

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

Morris Hospital YMCA
Coni Schram
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 520

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Joliet Community YMCA Set to Offer Youth Enrichment Programs this Winter

December 2, 2025

The Joliet Community YMCA is excited to offer new after school youth enrichment programs for students in local school districts this winter! See below for details.

YMCA After School Workshops

Participants will learn, explore, and have fun with their friends during art, STEM, and no heat treat/nutrition activities! Students can register on a per workshop basis.

Cost (per workshop): $10 for Facility Members, $20 for Community Members.

Location: Sanchez Elementary School
Students must attend Sanchez Elementary School to participate. YMCA Kid Zone after school program participants who are registered for a workshop will be chaperoned to and from the workshop. All workshops will be held from 2:45-3:45 p.m.

Dates:
Tuesday, January 13
Snowman Slime

Tuesday, January 27
No Bake Pie

Tuesday, February 10
3D Valentines Creation

Tuesday, February 24
Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Location: Singleton Elementary School
Students must attend Singleton Elementary School to participate. YMCA Kid Zone after school program participants who are registered for a workshop will be chaperoned to and from the workshop. All workshops will be held from 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Dates:
Wednesday, January 14
Snowman Slime

Wednesday, January 28
No Bake Pie

Wednesday, February 11
3D Valentines Creation

Wednesday, February 25
Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Location: Messiah Lutheran Church
Open to kids ages 5-14. YMCA Kid Zone after school program participants from Troy CCSD 30-C who are registered for a workshop will be chaperoned to and from the workshop. All workshops will be held from 4-5 p.m.

Dates:
Monday, January 12
Snowman Slime

Monday, January 26
No Bake Pie

Monday, February 9
3D Valentines Creation

Monday, February 23
Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

YMCA After School Club

Offered for FREE in partnership with Laraway CCSD 70C to students attending Laraway School. Participants will rotate through exciting activities including STEM experiments, art projects, no-heat treats/nutrition lessons, and sports.

Dates: Thursdays beginning January 15 and continuing through April 30. No club activities on March 19 (Early dismissal) and March 26 (Spring Break).
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.

An activity bus will be available to transport students home after each session.

Learn more about all the exciting programs offered by the Joliet Community YMCA this winter by checking out our online program guide.

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