Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Offering Workshop on Careers in Health Sciences on March 12

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to host a free workshop for area residents looking to learn more about pursuing careers in the healthcare industry!

Date:
Thursday, March 12

Time:
6-7:30 p.m.

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

In addition to listening to engaging guest speakers, participants will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of healthcare professionals and academic providers. Attendees will also learn more about scholarship opportunities, tuition reimbursement programs, and educational pathways for careers in the healthcare industry. Refreshments will be served.

Guest speakers will include representatives from Joliet Junior College and the Will County Workforce Development. 

Cost:
Free and open to the community

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more about this event, please contact: 

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

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YMCA Centennial Celebration: Help Us Tell Our Community’s Y Story

For 100 years, the YMCA has helped shape the stories of individuals and families living in our community. Each person’s Y story is unique – improving health, supporting children, building friendships, or finding a place to belong.

As we celebrate the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, we invite you to share how the Y has made a difference in your life.

Share How the YMCA Has Helped You

Members of all ages are invited to celebrate the Y’s Centennial Anniversary by sharing their Y story:

  1. Pick up a “Because of the YMCA” sign at the Membership Desk during your next visit or download a sign by clicking below.

    BECAUSE OF THE YMCA

  2. Write a few words describing how the YMCA has made an impact in your life.
  3. Email a photo (landscape orientation) of you holding your sign to [email protected].

Together, we’ll celebrate a century of impact by sharing these stories on social media and in our marketing materials throughout 2026!

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Celebrating YMCA Volunteer Leadership: Mike Wright

As the Y looks toward an exciting year of serving our community in 2026, we are proud to announce that Mike Wright will begin a two-year term as Chairman of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors this week. Wright has been a member of the Board for the last six years, serving the last two as vice chairman.

“I want to thank my predecessor Cheri Rubocki. She has a great attitude and has been a fantastic leader. There are big shoes to fill, but I look forward to carrying the baton for the organization,” Wright said. “I know how hard the members of the Board work to make things happen and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone.”

Wright, a native of Morris, has spent more than 30 years as a financial advisor for Edward Jones. His relationship with the Y dates back more than 15 years, and began when he volunteered as a coach in the YMCA’s Youth Basketball Leagues (YBL).

“My daughter was in kindergarten right as Y sports programs came into Morris and (Sports Director) Ken Iverson convinced me to help out. I ended up coaching for a number of years,” Wright said.  

As his family got more acquainted with the Y’s mission, the more they wanted to get involved. Mike’s wife Missie served on the Morris Community YMCA’s advisory council, and the Wrights also became members of the Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet that led fundraising efforts for the construction of the new Morris Hospital YMCA.  

“We respected the group that was putting together the campaign and felt like we could pass the message on to our generation in the Morris community,” Wright said. “It was the largest fundraising campaign in the county’s history and I believe it’s the best thing that has happened to Morris in the last 20 years; you could argue maybe the last 100 years.”

When it comes to what he views as the Y’s greatest strength, Wright said community building remains at the forefront of all Y programs and services. 

“The connections that are made at the Y, from the three-year-olds in Kids Corner, to the 85-year olds that enjoy coffee in the lobby, are meaningful social ties that create a healthy community,” he said. “I’ve seen the Y have an impact across a wide spectrum and hopefully that perspective is helpful as we move forward.”

Wright envisions a strong future for the Y, as 2026 will feature the grand opening of the new Village of Shorewood YMCA and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s year-long Centennial Celebration.

“It’s fun to look at our history and, when we reflect on our success over the years, we have the ability to learn from change and see how that leads to growth. The Y has always been able to evolve in positive ways,” Wright said.

 “We’re working hard to finish the Shorewood project, while also building upon established partnerships with Morris Hospital, Joliet Junior College, the Salvation Army, Messiah Lutheran Church, Endeavor Health, and so many others, to foster Y programs and services throughout Will and Grundy Counties.” 

“We are so thrilled to welcome Mike as Board Chairman,” YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair said. “His generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the Y mission have already had such a significant impact on our organization, and we know he will do an amazing job as we continue to grow over the course of the next two years.”

On behalf of the Y, we’d like to thank Mike for his continued leadership and wish him well in this new role.

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Introducing the YMCA Centennial Anniversary Store

As the Greater Joliet Area YMCA proudly celebrates its 100th Anniversary throughout 2026, we are excited to introduce our new Centennial Anniversary Store! Featuring dozens of YMCA apparel items, this new store offers a meaningful way for members and the community to commemorate 100 years of YMCA impact, connection, and service across Will and Grundy Counties.

The Centennial Anniversary Store features an exclusive collection of limited-edition YMCA merchandise, available in both adult and youth sizes. With apparel and accessories for the whole family, everyone can take part in the celebration all year long as we honor the Y’s long-standing commitment to strengthening our community and inspiring healthy living for all.

Every purchase made from the Centennial Anniversary Store is more than a celebration, it’s an investment in the Y’s mission. Proceeds from every purchase will support the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from YMCA programs due to the inability to pay.

Thank you for being part of our journey over the past 100 years. We invite you to shop the Centennial Anniversary Store, celebrate this milestone with us, and help carry the Y’s legacy into our next century of service.

SHOP NOW

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Members Invited to Participate in Centennial Check-In Challenge

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026! And, to help inspire members during this year-long celebration, we’re excited to announce the YMCA Centennial Check-In Challenge!

Here’s how it works:

YMCA Facility Members who check in at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA branch 100 times or more by December 15, 2026 will be entered into a drawing to win a free 1-Year Membership to the YMCA. (Some restrictions apply.)

One winner from each branch will be announced on Friday, December 18, 2026.

Get started by visiting your local Y branch today:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet IL 60431

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450

We can’t wait to see you!

For more information about the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary celebration, click here.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA to Celebrate 100 Years of Community Impact in 2026

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of service, leadership, and impact. Founded in 1926, the YMCA is one of the area’s leading nonprofit organizations, strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Throughout 2026, the YMCA will commemorate this historic milestone with a series of special events, programs, and celebrations honoring its rich history, the people who have helped to shape its legacy, and the members, donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners who continue to make its mission thrive in communities throughout Will and Grundy Counties.

YMCA members and the community will also have the opportunity to celebrate the Y’s 100th Anniversary by purchasing commemorative apparel from its new Centennial Anniversary Store, which will launch on January 7. Proceeds from every purchase will support the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from YMCA programs due to the inability to pay.

“We are so excited to celebrate the YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. “This milestone gives us a chance to reflect on the lasting impact the Y has had on generations of families in our community. We are deeply thankful for the support we’ve received over the past 100 years and look forward to continuing to serve and strengthen our community for generations to come.”

For more information about the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s 100th anniversary celebration, click here.

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United Way