- Helping Kids Stay Safe in the Digital Space: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Leads Five Days of Action
In today’s connected world, kids are spending more time in the digital space than ever – learning, playing, and communicating. With that comes the need for vigilance and awareness. That’s why Greater Joliet Area YMCA is taking part in the Five Days of Action®, a national movement to protect children from abuse and promote safety in all spaces where kids live, learn, and play. This year’s theme focuses on digital safety, empowering families with tools to help children navigate technology responsibly and safely.
In 2026, the Y has partnered with Praesidium, National Center for Exploited and Missing Children (NCMEC), Lauren’s Kids, and National Children’s Alliance to offer additional resources for parents and caregivers. You’ll find all the partner resources below. To join the movement or sign the pledge, visit fivedaysofaction.org.
Recognizing Red Flags
Certain behaviors can signal risk for child sexual abuse and understanding them helps you act early to keep kids safe. The infographic below shows what to watch for—whether the behavior may be low, moderate, or high risk—and these behaviors, or grooming, can show up both in person and online situations.
Visit nationalchildrensalliance.org/the-real-red-flags-of-grooming for more information on red flag behaviors from National Children’s Alliance.
Staying on Top of Digital Trends
From apps to gaming, staying on top of digital trends can be overwhelming. NCMEC offers free resources to help trusted adults understand online risks—including sextortion and the growing use of generative AI—and talk with kids about staying safe. Check out the tip sheets below and be sure to explore the other NCMEC resources.
Generative AI Safety (English)
Sextortion Safety (English)
Sextortion Safety (Español)
Monitoring Digital Use
Did you know 1 in 5 children who use a digital device will be sexually solicited online? Technology changes fast, and kids are targeted on the apps, games, and sites they love. Having a Cyber P.L.A.N., monitoring device use, and teaching online safety rules can help keep your child safe. Lauren’s Kids has provided the following resources by age group to help you learn how to set boundaries, teach good cyber habits, and protect your family online. 2026 Five Days of Action® Toolkit Page 8
Spanish-Language Cyber P.L.A.N. Resources for Families
We take our commitment to child protection seriously and we hope you do too.
- YMCA Member Appreciation: Visit the Y and You Could Win a Special Centennial Prize
We’re celebrating the 100th day of the year with something special for our members! When you check in at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location on Friday, April 10, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $100 credit to our YMCA Centennial Store!*One winner per branch. Some restrictions apply.
Stop by and see us!
*The YMCA Centennial 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.
- Greater Joliet Area YMCA Spring Sports League Registration Extended Through April 6
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.And now, due to popular demand, the registration period for YMCA spring sports leagues has been extended through Monday, April 6!
PLEASE NOTE: Families who register after April 6 will be subject to a late fee. Fees vary by league. Uniforms will not be guaranteed by the first game for players registered after April 6.
Facility and Community Members from all Greater Joliet Area YMCA branches are welcome to participate at all league locations. Learn more about spring sports leagues available at your local Y branch by clicking below:
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball/Player Pitch Baseball, and Soccer
REGISTER ONLINEJoliet Community YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football
REGISTER ONLINEMorris Hospital YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football and T-Ball/Pinto Baseball/8U Softball
REGISTER ONLINEIf you have any questions, please contact:
Maria Freeh, Sports Director
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 217Zach Jarosz, Sports Director
Joliet Community YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 317Kaeli Ford, Sports Director
Morris Hospital YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 523 - Have a Heart, Lend a Hand: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Invites Community to Participate in Volunteer Days of Service
To prepare for the busy summer season, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is teaming up with its members, volunteers, staff, and local businesses to host Volunteer Days of Service at each of its facilities.C.W. AVERY FAMILY YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544
Date: Friday, May 1
Time: 9 a.m.- NoonMORRIS HOSPITAL YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450
Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 9 a.m.-NoonVILLAGE OF SHOREWOOD YMCA
1801 W. Jefferson Street
Shorewood, IL 60404
Date: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 9 a.m.- NoonJOLIET COMMUNITY YMCA
Hosted at Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
Date: Friday, May 22
Time: 9 a.m.- NoonVolunteer yourself or recruit a group of co-workers, friends, and family to join you for a great day of team building and giving back to your community! Volunteers must be 18 years of age. A complimentary lunch will be served for volunteers at 11:30 a.m.
To learn more, please contact the Executive Director at your local YMCA branch.
C.W. AVERY FAMILY YMCA
Erin Lightbody
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 238MORRIS HOSPITAL YMCA
Jamie Heitman
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 515JOLIET COMMUNITY YMCA
Brooke Hall
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 316VILLAGE OF SHOREWOOD YMCA
Trisha Dust
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 327 - Keeping You Informed: Final Day of Operations for Galowich Family YMCA Set for Friday, April 24
As we prepare to welcome the community to the new Village of Shorewood YMCA on Monday, April 27, the Galowich Family YMCA facility will be retired and close its doors at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 24.In preparation for the transition to the Village of Shorewood YMCA, several amenities at the the Galowich Family YMCA will close in advance of the facility’s final day of operations on April 24.
INNOVATION CENTER
Closed beginning Friday, April 3KIDS CORNER
Closed beginning Thursday, April 16GYM
Closed beginning Thursday, April 16LOCKER CLEAN OUT
Additionally, we ask that all members please remove their personal belongings from Galowich Family YMCA lockers by 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17. Beginning Monday, April 20, lockers will be cleaned out, and any unclaimed items will be donated or discarded.We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming the community to the new Village of Shorewood YMCA beginning on Monday, April 27!
C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
