GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

After the day we give thanks, we have two days for getting deals: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And now there’s a day for giving back: #GivingTuesday. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has joined this global movement, and we encourage you to do the same!

What is #GivingTuesday?

#GivingTuesday is a day dedicated to giving back. Coinciding with the Thanksgiving Holiday and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday’s goal is to inspire personal philanthropy, volunteerism, and encourage bigger, better and smarter giving during the holiday season. Taking place December 1—the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—#GivingTuesday will show that the world truly gives as good as it gets.

Can I Give to the Y?

Yes! Your gift on #GivingTuesday will benefit our People Helping People Scholarship Program, which helps to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay. With your help, local families will have the opportunity to experience a variety of YMCA programs—from group fitness classes to before and after school programs, and everything in between.

You can make a difference in the life of Y kid. Make a $5, $10, $15, $20 or $25 donation to the Y’s scholarship fund on #GivingTuesday. Every gift matters. Everyone has a role to play. Together, we can achieve so much more.

Meet Erin and Willis

Seven-year-old Willis Terry is a true Y Kid. The Y is where he was first introduced to sports such as soccer and basketball. It’s where he and his Grandpa have made memories swimming in the pool. It’s the place that provides him with before and after school care each day.

“Based on the experiences that we’ve had at the YMCA, I would suggest it to anybody,” said Erin Davis, Willis’ mother. “For me, the biggest benefit has been the sense of security. The Y has the best child care that’s been offered to me. It works around your schedule and around your income. They understand that life happens.”

With the assistance of the Y’s scholarship program, Erin is able to send Willis to Kidz Zone at Walkers Grove Elementary School. A single parent, Erin works full-time as a restaurant manager, while also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management and human resources.

Because of the Y’s Kidz Zone programs, Erin can go to work each day knowing that Willis is in good hands. When she attends classes at night, she can rest assured that Willis has completed his schoolwork.

Erin credits the Y as a big part of Willis’ growth over the years. When he first came to the Y, Willis was typically pretty shy. Now, Erin says, Willis’ confidence and social skills are greatly improved.

“Compared to other care places, the YMCA has values to make sure that you see your child grow,” Erin said. “I don’t see the Y being out of our lives anytime soon. We’re going to be here a while.”

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship funds to those in need of financial assistance. To learn more about our People Helping People Scholarship Program, please contact your local branch.

Erin’s and Willis’ story will be featured in our 2016 Winter/Spring Program Guide, which is now available online.

When and why did you get involved with the Y?
I initially got involved with the YMCA back in the mid-90s when my sons were involved in swimming lessons. I remember at that time, my first impression of the Y was it being a very warm and friendly place with lots of activity—not to mention the great swim lessons my sons received. Back then, I thought that if I ever had the chance, I wanted to work at the Y.

I started working for the Y in July of 2011. My background experience is secretarial/customer service. I currently work the Front Desk at the Galowich YMCA and I am also the Athletic Secretary at Joliet Catholic Academy.

What are you passionate about?
I am most passionate about representing my employer to the best of my ability—professionally, enthusiastically and always making people feel welcomed and important. Great customer service leaves a lasting impression and can make a difference in someone’s day.

What’s the best part about your job?
The best part of my job is making my Y family and friends smile! Whether it is a simple hello, asking someone how they are doing, or just giving them a pat on the back. Receiving a smile is so rewarding!

On Friday, the Chicago Tribune recognized the Greater Joliet Area YMCA as a Top 100 Workplace. A first time Top 100 Workplace honoree, the Y has been serving families in Will, Grundy and Kendall Counties for more than 85 years.

Read an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune’s feature below:

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA, which employs about 400 people at its locations in Joliet, Plainfield and Morris, ranked 19th among midsize companies in the Tribune’s list of top workplaces, according to Exton, Pa.-based consultancy WorkplaceDynamics. Its positivity score improved 12 percent over last year, among the highest on the list.

Sarah Porzel, the family and community engagement director at the Morris branch, said she has been impressed by the leadership’s emphasis on training.

“Seeing how much the leadership cared about our professional development made me want to take all the trainings and be prepared for the next roles,” said Porzel, who just assumed her fourth role at the Y in her three years working there full time.

Read More

Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor at the Morris YMCA

When and why did you get involved with the Y?
My kids were always involved in Y activities, so when the Y opened in Morris, I thought it would be the perfect place to work. I started working here in January 2015 and have enjoyed every moment since. The Y has a great family atmosphere and offers something for everyone.

What can you tell us about your background and experience?
Since moving here from Switzerland 16 years ago, I’ve had several office jobs. But over the past few years, I’ve become more interested in the fitness industry. So, last fall, I decided to get certified as a Group Fitness Instructor. Then, in summer 2015, I added a certification as a Personal Trainer.

What are you passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about learning new fitness trends and techniques and staying up-to-date on healthy eating and good nutrition.

What’s the best part about working here at the Y?
I enjoy being around people and meeting new members everyday. I love to challenge my class members and see them progress daily.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was born in Morris, raised in Switzerland and have a weakness for chocolate.

Are you new to fitness? Or are you looking to add a little variety to your exercise program? Register for personal training with Sarah today! A variety of personal training packages are available.

Sarah also teaches Boot Camp, Cardio Interval and Senior Fitness at the Morris Community YMCA. A current schedule of fitness classes can be found here.

Bright, crisp apples are a fall favorite. If you can’t get to a pick-your-own spot, choose apples that are firm and shiny, without any bruises. Be sure to store apples in the refrigerator to keep them from getting mushy; they’ll keep for a couple of weeks.

Pro-Tip: If you’re not going to eat the sliced apples right away, keep them from browning by
dunking them in a bowl of three parts water to one part lemon juice.

Did You Know?

• 25 percent of an apple’s volume is air. That’s why they float when you go bobbing for them!
• It takes the energy produced by 50 photosynthesizing leaves to produce one apple.
• The crab apple is the only apple native to North America.

More information, including recipes for Apples with Creamy Honey Dip and Carrot-Apple Soup, can be found in the link below. Enjoy!

Recipes, Tips & More!