Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Nicor Gas Foundation Pledges $5,000 in Support of YMCA Mission Strong Fund

Every day the Greater Joliet Area YMCA affirms its commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Y programs open opportunities to all generations, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. And as a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to offer these services and programs for children, adults and families living in our community.

That is why the YMCA would like to thank the Nicor Gas Foundation, which recently provided a $5,000 donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund.

“Fulfilling the Y mission is not possible without the kindness of organizations like Nicor,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. “We are so proud to have Nicor as a strong advocate for YMCA initiatives, and we are inspired by their dedication to our community. This gift will make a significant impact on the lives of the children and families we serve, helping to ensure that nobody is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay,” added Leclair.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here. To show your support by making a donation, please click here.

Pictured in top photo (left to right):  Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair, Nicor Gas Community Affairs Manager Cheryl Denton, Nicor Gas Community Relations Manager Ashley Bennett, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Mission Advancement Director Donnie Chestnutt, and Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Business Development Officer Missy Durkin. 

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Joliet Community YMCA Teen REACH Program Receives Generous $5,000 Donation from Jackson Generation

At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. As a result of the YMCA’s Teen REACH Program, which offers after school care and summer day camp activities for middle school students in Joliet District 86, youth in our community take a greater interest in learning, develop an understanding of positive behaviors, explore their unique talents and interests, and make smarter life choices to help them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

But we can’t do it alone. As a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to provide services and financial assistance for children and families living in our community.

That is why the YMCA would like to thank Jackson Generation, which recently provided a $5,000 donation to support of Teen REACH.

“Jackson Generation shares the Y’s commitment to service and we know the support of local businesses is what allows Y programs to thrive,” Joliet Community YMCA Executive Director Brooke Hall said. “We are incredibly grateful for this gift and the role it will play in helping the Teen REACH program continue to have a positive impact on youth in our community”

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here. To show your support by making a donation, please click here.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Receives Generous $10,000 Gift from CITGO Lemont Refinery

No matter who you are, or what neighborhood you grew up in, the Y is a place for anyone who needs us. From summer camp to college prep, family events to team building sports programs, we give everyone the opportunities they need to feel like they belong. And as a non-profit, community-based organization, the Y relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to provide services and financial assistance for children, adults and families in Will County and Grundy County. 

That is why the Greater Joliet Area YMCA would like to thank the CITGO Lemont Refinery, which recently provided a $10,000 donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, helping ensure that nobody is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here. To show your support by making a donation, please click here. 

Pictured in top photo (left to right):  CITGO Lemont Refinery Community Relations Advisor Mike Jostes, Joliet Community YMCA Junior High Care Director Alana Bailey, Joliet Community YMCA Before & After Care Director Tori Dutkiewicz, and CITGO Lemont Refinery Fixed Equipment Inspector Bob Phelan.

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Joliet Community YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: Summer Day Camp Volunteer Kendall Love

YMCA Summer Day Camp not only offers an amazing learning experience for the campers visiting our seven camp locations, it also opens up leadership opportunities for local high school students through our Summer Camp Volunteer Program. By assisting camp staff with day-to-day activities, summer camp volunteers learn important life skills and help enrich the quality of our camp offerings.  

Among this year’s summer day camp volunteer contingent is Joliet Central student Kendall Love. Kendall is no stranger to the Y, as she previously participated in a wide range of YMCA programs herself including Kid Zone, Teen REACH, and of course, summer day camp. This summer, Kendall has had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer at our Salvation Army camp location. You can learn more about Kendall in the Q&A below. 

Q: Why did you choose to volunteer with summer day camp this year?

The reason I wanted to volunteer was because I really like kids and I want to be a school teacher. I knew the YMCA helps kids and I knew it could help me do what I want to do in the future.

Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering at the Y?

I love playing games with the kids. Especially sharks and minnows. I also love helping organize the supplies and then helping the kids figure out what they want to do.

Q: What is something you have learned from this experience? 

You have to take your time and be down to earth in order to get kids to understand why you are asking them to do something. You have to try and put yourself in their shoes. Some of the kids need a little more help than others and you need to understand that. Whether we’re working on a craft, or explaining the directions on something that might be confusing, you can step into their shoes a little more and help them.

Q: What does the Y mean to you?

I feel like the Y has always been there for the special times in my life. I’ve been going to the Y since I was little, and I’ve made so many friends here. I grew up here and now I really enjoy volunteering here. A lot of staff I would call my family now. It’s created a lot of special memories. 

We are so thankful for the volunteer efforts of students like Kendall and we know it has been another amazing summer day camp season at the Y. 

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Save During the YMCA’s 2026 Fall Sports League Sale

When kids play sports, they do more than just exercise. Besides being physically active, they develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school and work better in groups.  Youth sports programs at the YMCA teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Above all, kids who participate in YMCA youth sports have a lot of fun.

Register your child(ren) for YMCA fall youth sports leagues and dance programs from July 24-27 and SAVE $10!*

Use promo code: LEAGUES26FA when registering online

*Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Programs vary by location. Limit one per member. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Some restrictions may apply. Learn more and register today by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Sports Leagues: NFL FLAG Football, Soccer, and T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball
REGISTER ONLINE

Dance Program: Illuminate
REGISTER ONLINE

Joliet Community YMCA
Sports Leagues: NFL FLAG Football and Soccer
REGISTER ONLINE

Dance Program: Junior Wolves Dance Program
REGISTER ONLINE

Morris Hospital YMCA
Sports Leagues: NFL FLAG Football and T-Ball/Pinto Baseball/8U Softball
REGISTER ONLINE

Village of Shorewood YMCA
Sports League: NFL FLAG Football and Soccer
REGISTER ONLINE

Financial Assistance
At the Y, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. To learn more about our financial assistance program, please click here or stop by your local branch today.

Volunteer Opportunities
YMCA youth sports leagues would not be possible without volunteer support. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer coach this fall, apply to volunteer by clicking here.

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Save During the YMCA’s 2026 Summer Kid Zone Sale

We know that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. The way your children spend time outside the classroom can make a big difference in their personal development and your family-life balance. The YMCA’s Kid Zone Program provides a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values. Our caring professionals are committed to helping kids build confidence and character.

Registration for the YMCA’s Before and After School Kid Zone program for the 2026-2027 school year is underway!

Families who register for Kid Zone between Friday, July 24 and Monday, August 3 will pay a $0 Registration Fee, a savings of $50!

REGISTER ONLINE

To learn more about the Kid Zone Program at your local Y branch, click below.

* – Indicates new program for 2026-27 School Year

C.W. Avery Family YMCA – Serving Plainfield School District 202

C.W. Avery Family YMCA – Serving Valley View CUSD 365U

Joliet Community YMCA – Serving Joliet, Troy, and Rockdale School Districts

Morris Hospital YMCA – Serving Morris, Saratoga, Seneca*, and Mazon-Verona-Kinsman* School Districts

Village of Shorewood YMCA – Serving Minooka CCSD 201*

Financial Assistance
At the Y, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. To learn more about our financial assistance program, please click here or stop by your local branch today.

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