• YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: Youth Basketball League Coach Rayvan Richardson

  YMCA sports programs not only provide opportunities for children to stay active, in many instances they serve as a foundation for strong family relationships. In the case of Joliet Community YMCA volunteer Rayvan Richardson, becoming a Youth Basketball League (YBL) coach has opened the door to rewarding experiences with her sons – Corey (age 11), Glenn (age 9), and Josiah (age 7).

  “The most rewarding part is being able to bond with my sons and connect with them. Basketball is a sport that I played and now they have a passion for it,” Rayvan said.

  Rayvan, who served as a volunteer coach for the first time last season, said her decision to get involved at the Y was inspired in part by a conversation with her son, Corey.

  “I don’t know if he was joking at first when he said ‘Mom you should coach my team,’ but I thought to myself ‘You know what, I should. I take you to practice anyway.’ And because volunteering is very important to help our youth, I felt I should give back.”

  Rayvan said building confidence in children is the most important aspect of YMCA sports programs. 

  “I feel like the Y brings kids together in a positive environment and allows them to be active. I always use my kids as an example. They stay busy, have fun, and make new friends. It’s important to start them young so as they grow older they’ve had some positivity in their lives,” she said.

  She also believes coaching provides an outlet for personal development.

  “It does teach you a lot more patience and I learned what helps is being an active participant in practice. Sometimes I’ll get into the drills with them because I feel like, if you put yourself out there, they have a little more fun and a little more inspiration to get the work done. And I end up feeling like a kid again myself.”

  The impact of volunteering goes beyond Y programs, as Rayvan said it has strengthened ties to the community in her day-to-day life. 

  “You meet new people and sometimes I’ll see a family at the store and they go ‘Hey that’s coach!’ It’s a joy to make those connections outside the Y,” she said. 

  Overall, it’s an experience that has Rayvan already looking forward to next season.

  “I love the kids and being around them. I’m so excited to come back next year,” she said.

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  We are so proud to have Rayvan as a volunteer and thank her for her efforts to support youth development in our community. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer coach in the Y’s fall youth sports leagues, you can sign up by clicking here. 

• WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE YOUR Y BETTER: Locker Room Renovations at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA

  Beginning Tuesday, June 23, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA will be refreshing the men’s and women’s locker rooms with a fresh coat of paint in the shower areas. We anticipate that this project will continue for several weeks, as we work to minimize member disruptions by completing these improvements overnight while our facility is closed.

  During this time, the men’s and women’s locker rooms will remain open for member use, but there may be minor disruptions or temporary closures in select areas. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance these spaces and improve your YMCA experience.

  Thank you for your cooperation. We apologize for the inconvenience.

• Save During the YMCA’s One-Day Celebrating Summer Sale!
  Summer is in full swing and the Y is celebrating with a special one-day membership sale! 
  

  Join the Y on Monday, June 22 and pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120!* 

  * Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. 

  The Y offers a wide variety of classes and programs for members of all ages, and is the perfect place for individuals and families to feel welcomed in a strong community.

  LEARN MORE

  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 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 new 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. 
  

  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.

  THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

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

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

  Village of Shorewood YMCA
  1801 W. Jefferson Street
  Shorewood, IL 60404

• Celebrate International Yoga Day at the YMCA

  

  June 21 is International Yoga Day and the Y is celebrating with an array of class options throughout next week! See below for details. 

  C.W. Avery Family YMCA

  Sunset Yoga
  Date: Tuesday, June 16
  Time: 7-8 p.m.
  Cost: Free and open to Facility Members only.

  Join us for a relaxing yoga session on the pool deck patio (located on the south side of building.) Registration can be completed using the YMCA On the Go App.

  Morris Hospital YMCA

  Hatha & Healing
  Date: Friday, June 19
  Time: 7:30-8:45 p.m.
  Cost: $15 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members

  Combining Hatha Yoga with sound healing together can deeply affect your mind, body, and spirit. This session will start with approximately 35-40 minutes of gentle hatha followed by approximately 35-40 minutes of a sound bath in Savasana to induce deep relaxation. This combination leaves students feeling grounded, peaceful, and rejuvenated.

  REGISTER TODAY

  Pop-Up Yoga
  Date: Sunday, June 21
  Time: 8:15-9 a.m.
  Cost: Free and open to Facility Members only.

  Join us for a meditative yoga practice used to build strength, release tension, and mark the earth’s seasonal shifts. Registration can be completed using the YMCA On the Go App. 

  Village of Shorewood YMCA

  Yoga
  Date: Sunday, June 21
  Time: 10-10:45 a.m.
  Cost: Free and open to Facility Members only.

  This class is focused on foundational yoga postures, breathwork, and simple flows. Designed to improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness, it offers a steady, mindful practice suitable for anyone looking to build strength and deepen their connection to movement and breath. Registration can be completed using the YMCA On the Go App.

• C.W. Avery Family YMCA Launching New Sideline Dance Program This Fall

  This fall, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA will introduce an all-new sideline dance program – Illuminate – bringing fresh energy, new opportunities, and an enhanced experience for young dancers in our community.

  Illuminate is designed for co-ed youth dancers of all skill levels in grades K–8 who love to move, perform, and be part of a team. Participants will learn dynamic choreography that blends pom, jazz, and hip-hop from experienced YMCA dance instructors, all while building confidence, coordination, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Dancers will showcase their skills by performing high-energy sideline routines at YMCA youth flag football and basketball games throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

  With the launch of this new program, the YMCA will restructure its Thrive Dance Team. More advanced dancers will continue to have the opportunity to audition for the Thrive Competition Team, which practices at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA and participates in competitions and community events throughout the year.

  The YMCA will also continue to offer a wide variety of dance classes for all ages and skill levels. Current offerings include classes specializing in pre-ballet, ballet, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz. Summer dance class participants can also take part in the YMCA’s annual summer recital, held each August.

  REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY FOR ILLUMINATE

  Registration for Illuminate’s fall season is now underway. Team members will practice once per week and perform during YMCA NFL FLAG football games. Practices will begin the week of August 17 and will be held on weeknights at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA. Game day performances will primarily take place on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings beginning the week of September 7. The outdoor fall season will run through late October.

  REGISTER TODAY

  To learn more, please contact Health, Wellness, and Dance Director Kristen Derengowksi at (815) 267-8600, ext. 224 or via email at [email protected].

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