Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Celebrating a Century of Community: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Proud to Highlight Volunteers This September

Throughout the month of September, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA will be counting down to the Y’s 100th anniversary on September 29 by spotlighting the incredible volunteers who have helped shape our Y and strengthen our community. These individuals have been invited to share some of their favorite memories and moments from their Y experience, as well as what the Y means to them and the communities it serves.

Be sure to follow along on our social media pages as we highlight these amazing volunters:

Facebook

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Joliet Community YMCA
Morris Hospital YMCA
Village of Shorewood YMCA

Instagram

Greater Joliet Area YMCA

LinkedIn

Greater Joliet Area YMCA

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Celebrate the Y’s Centennial with Special Fab 50 Events

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2026 and there are plenty of ways to join in on the fun during special Fab 50 events this month! All events are free and open to the community. Space is limited and registration is required. See details below.

Village of Shorewood YMCA

Centennial Potluck
Tuesday, September 15
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Y will be providing the main dish and attendees are invited to bring a side dish/dessert of their choice. Stop by for fun, fellowship, and an exploration of 100 years of Y memories.

REGISTER TODAY

Morris Hospital YMCA

Centennial BINGO
Tuesday, September 15
11 a.m.-Noon

Stop by for fun rounds of centennial themed BINGO as well as fellowship and an exploration of 100 years of Y memories. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.

REGISTER TODAY

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Centennial Potluck
Wednesday, September 23
10:30 a.m.-Noon

The Y will be providing the main dish of chicken. Attendees are invited to bring a side dish/dessert of their choice. A sign-up sheet to bring a dish will be shared at Fab 50 social hour gatherings leading up to the event. Activities will also include 1920’s themed games of BINGO and ‘The Price is Right.’

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Stronger Today Because of Yesterday: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Unveils History Wall

In celebration of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, the Y unveiled a new history wall within the Village of Shorewood YMCA this week. This installation celebrates the visionary leaders, pivotal moments, and enduring milestones that have guided the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s journey and deepened its impact across the community over the past 100 years.

We remain deeply grateful to the members, employees, volunteers, donors and community partners whose dedication to the Y’s mission and the residents of Will and Grundy Counties made this historic milestone possible. As we begin our second century of service, we remain guided by our mission, inspired by our history, and committed to strengthening our community and transforming lives for generations to come.

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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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Celebrate the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial with Decades Week Group Fitness Classes

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of service, leadership, and impact.

To help commemorate this historic milestone, the health and wellness teams from all Greater Joliet Area YMCA branches are encouraging members to participate in special ‘Decades Week’ group fitness classes throughout the year.

The celebration begins next week with ‘Peace, Love, and Fitness’ of the 60’s! We are going back to the groovy hippie days – a time of flower power, harmony, and good vibes. Can you dig it? See below for details.

Galowich Family YMCA and Morris Hospital YMCA
Members are encouraged to wear their 60’s themed attire in any class between February 2-8.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Members are encouraged to wear their 60’s themed attire in any class between February 2-8. The following classes will also feature music from the era:

Cycle/Sculpt
Tuesday, February 3
9:15 a.m.

WERQ
Wednesday, February 4
7 p.m.

Barre Above
Friday, February 6
8:15 a.m.

Group Cycle
Saturday, February 7
7:30 a.m.

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. To learn more about our Centennial Celebration, click here. 

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United Way