Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Always Here For Our Community: Members Invited to Participate in Weekly Prayer Calls

At the Y, we remain dedicated to providing support for the mind, body and spirit of our members and individuals living in our communities. In keeping with our mission, and to support our community during these very uncertain times, the Y will host weekly prayer calls.  

Prayer calls will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and will be led by a member of the Y’s staff team. To participate, please follow the steps below. Please note the meeting ID number has changed from prior calls:

  1. Dial (312) 626-6799 
  2. When prompted, enter the meeting ID of 959-324-091 and then press #
  3. When prompted for a participant number, press #

If you would like to submit a message of prayer you can do so by clicking here. 

We thank you for your continued support of the Y.

Weekly Prayer Call Recap
Wednesday, July 1

This marked the day of our first weekly prayer calls. Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Jim Watts led the call and spoke about 5 spiritual habits to consider making part of your day.

  1. Give thanks! In Psalm 75:1 it says We praise you, God,we praise you, for your Name is near;people tell of your wonderful deeds.
  2. Spend 5 minutes in silence with God each day. John 15:4 says “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
  3. Remember who you are. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
  4. Meditate on God’s word—Ask Him to speak through His words. God’s word is truth.
  5. Focus on what is good and what is excellent Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Prayer requests:

Pray for the YMCA community and continued health for the staff, members, and volunteers.

Keeping You Informed: Local Food Distribution Sites


LAST UPDATED: June 2, 9 a.m.

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA wants to help keep the community informed about food distribution available at various schools and pantries throughout the area. A breakdown of important information can be found below. Please note: All information is subject to change. Individuals should contact their local school or food pantry officials with any additional questions.

Food Distribution at YMCA Facilities

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is teaming up with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to host weekly food distribution events at the Galowich and Smith Family YMCAs in Joliet. As part of the weekly events, families may receive up to 3 breakfast and lunch meals for children 18 and younger. Meals will be loaded directly into participants’ car trunks. Please adhere to social distancing guidelines. Meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. No ID is necessary.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with family, friends, and neighbors in need.

Monday June 1
Monday, June 8
Monday, June 15 
10 a.m.-Noon

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

Smith Family YMCA
1350 S. Briggs Street
Joliet, IL 60433

The Rx Mobile Food Pantry will also be on-site at the Smith Family YMCA from 10-11:30 a.m. on the following dates:

Thursday, June 4
Thursday, June 18

Joliet Public Schools District 86

Joliet Public Schools District 86 will provide FREE Grab and Go Meals to any child under the age of 18 years old. The meals will be available for curbside pick-up at District 86 Junior High Schools for all District 86 Students from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Children are encouraged to be in the car when picking up the meals.

-Dirksen (Midland Avenue side parking lot-horseshoe, Door #18)
-Gompers (Briggs Street parking lot, Door #27)
-Hufford (Ingalls Avenue parking lot, Door #26)
-Washington (Richards Street parking lot, Door #24

Joliet Township High School will have daily breakfast and lunch pickups at both Joliet Central and Joliet West for any child 18 years old and younger during the school closure.  Students can pick up the current day’s lunch as well as the next day’s breakfast. Friday, April 10 is a school holiday, so meal service will not be provided.                                                      

-At Joliet Central, distribution will be outside the main entrance from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
–At Joliet West, distribution will be outside Door #6 (near the cafeteria) from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Plainfield School District 202

All four high schools will remain open to serve FREE meals to ANYONE 18 years or younger regardless of current meal status. 

• Meal service times 9-11 a.m.

• Service days are ONLY WEDNESDAY                                                                                                  

Anyone 18 years or younger will receive FREE MEALS: 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches @ one time-fresh/frozen meals with instructions.                                                                                                    

If you are not able to pick up a meal, please call (815) 577-4046.

Meals can be picked up at your corresponding home high school. Please enter through the assigned door.

Families should pick up meals at the locations below based on student’s home school:

Plainfield South High School 7800 W Caton Farm Road, Plainfield (Door N)
-Ridge Elementary, Charles Reed Elementary, Meadow View Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Elementary Aux Sable Middle School, Drauden Point Middle School

Plainfield North High School 12005 S 248th Street, Plainfield (Door N)
-Freedom Elementary, Eagle Pointe Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Walker’s Grove Elementary, Heritage Grove Middle School, Ira Jones Middle School

Plainfield Central High School 24120 W Fort Beggs Drive, Plainfield (Door A)
-Central Elementary, Riverview Elementary, Wesmere Elementary, Grand Prairie Elementary, Crystal Lawns Elementary, Creekside Elementary, Timber Ridge Middle School, Indian Trail Middle School,Plainfield Academy, Bonnie McBeth Learning Center and Ina Brixey Learning Center

Plainfield East High School 12001 S. Naperville Road, Plainfield (Door N)
-Eichelberger Elementary, Liberty Elementary, Creekside Elementary, and Lakewood Falls Elementary, John F. Kennedy Middle School

Call (815) 577-4046 if you cannot pick up a meal.

Morris School District 54

Free lunches will be provided for ALL children in Morris (18 years of age and under).  If you would like to receive a lunch for your kids, please fill out this form.  YOU MUST FILL OUT THE FORM SEPARATELY FOR EACH CHILD YOU ARE REQUESTING A LUNCH. If you cannot fill out the form for any reason, you may call the office at (815) 942-0056 to place your order. All orders need to be in by 10 am in order to be ready for that day’s pick-up. You may order for multiple days on the form or on your phone call.

The free lunch pick-up provided by District 54 will continue March 31 and beyond. Lunch Pick-Up will be each day from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Morris Grade School. Please come to Door 24 to pick-up the lunch. If you have any questions or additional needs, please contact your school administrator.

Fairmont School District 89

Fairmont School will be delivering breakfast and lunch on Monday and Thursday to the following locations:

-Fairmont School Parking Lot – 1:00 p.m.
-Corner of Princeton Ave. & Green Garden – 12:40 p.m.
-Church parking lot at Corner of Bruce & Green Garden – 1:20 p.m.
-Mt. Ebel Church Parking Lot – 1:30 p.m.

Elwood School District 203

Joliet Township High School has offered to serve the Elwood School students a free daily grab and go lunch during the mandated closure.

Lunches are available at:
– Joliet Central High School outside the main entrance from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
-Joliet West High School outside door #6 (near the cafeteria) from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Rockdale School District 84

Rockdale School District 84 is planning to provide meals for any child 18 years old and younger during the school closure. Students will pick up both a breakfast and a lunch at the same time between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Both meals will be picked up at the same time each day on Connell Avenue at the crosswalk. Parents and students are encouraged to turn from Meadow Avenue and proceed north on Connell Avenue up to the crosswalk where staff will be waiting to hand both meals to parents or students.

Laraway School District 70-C

Food Pickup: Family packs will be available for pick up at Laraway School, not Oak Valley, on each Tuesday during the closure.  Pick up will be from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Families should check the Laraway website www.laraway70c.org for changes or updates.

Minooka School District 111

Lunches for MCHS free and reduced students will be available for pickup on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., each week, through Thursday, April 30th.

The pickup location will be the front of South Campus at the main entrance, 26655 W. Eames Street, Channahon, Illinois 60410 in the front of the building.                                                                                           

*Due to the Easter Holiday, lunches for MCHS free and reduced students will be available for pickup on Tuesday (4/14) and Thursday (4/16) from 9 am to 11 am next week. The pickup location will be the front of South Campus at the main entrance. After next week the pickup will return to the original schedule.

Union School District 81

Effective March 30th, any family who has children 18 and under can pick up breakfast or lunch from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Union School Door F. This is for any families who do not have children attending Union School. Union School families will continue to have their food delivered.

Troy School District 30-C

Troy CCSD 30-C food service is open to all Troy community children under the age of 18 and will return on Tuesday, April 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the locations listed below:

–Craughwell Door #4 (front of building)
-Heritage Trail Door #5 (east side of building)
-TMS Door #3 (front of building)

Joliet Public School District #86 has graciously offered to assist in serving food to families this week. District #86 provides food serve from each of its four junior highs on Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to Noon.  

Local Food Pantries

Please call ahead

Location Name Adddress City Zip Phone Number
Second Baptist Blessing Table and Food Pantry 156 S Joliet Street Joliet 60436 815-726-3731 x 115
Blessing Bench Pantry 55 W Benton Street Joliet 60432 815-722-4800
H.E.A.L Riverwalk Food Pantry 350 North Broadway Joliet 60435 815-770-5672
Morningstar Mission 350 E Washington Street Joliet 60433 815-722-5780
Spanish Community Center* 309 N Eastern Ave Joliet 60432 815-727-3683
Sacred Heart – Family Table Soup Kitchen 329 S Ottawa Street Joliet 60436  815-722-0295
Christ Temple Food Pantry   212 Richards Street Joliet 60433 815-722-3505
Glory Tabernacle 459 N Ottawa St. Joliet 60432 815-722-1350
St. John the Baptist Food Pantry 260 Division Street Joliet 60435 815-727-1143
New Testament Fellowship 515 N Scott Joliet 60432 815-774-0662
Salvation Army Joliet 300 Third Ave Joliet 60433 815-726-4834
Warren Sharpe Community Center 454 S Joliet St Joliet 60436 815-722-2727
Daybreak Shepherd’s Table 611 E Cass Street Joliet 60432 815-774-4663
St. Patrick’s Food Pantry 710 W Marion Street Joliet 60436 815-727-4746
Will County Baptist Temple 625 McDonough Street Joliet 60436  815-726-4127
Life Spring/Iglesia Bethania Church Pantry 1000 Hacker Avenue Joliet 60432 815-436-7633
Ridgewood United Community Pantry 301 Fairbanks Ave. Joliet 60432  815-722-2383
Lively Hope Church Of God 308 N. Midland Joliet 60435 815-741-2377
Lebanon Dist. Laymen Min Soup Kitchen 402 Singleton Place Joliet 60436 815-723-9445
Forest Park Community Center 1017 Woodruff Road Joliet 60432 815-727-7898
Fellowship Bible – Joliet 122 Morris Street Joliet 60436 815-205-3005
Family Outreach Program Inc 1701 N Larkin Ave Crest Hill 60403 815-730-9567
Calvary Church Pantry 129 W. Benton Naperville 60540 630-851-7000
Plainfield Area Interfaith FP 22525 W Lockport St Plainfield 60544 815-439-8394
Green Harvest Food Pantry 25448 Ruff St Plainfield 60585 630-416-1109
St. John Lutheran Church 2650 Plainfield Road Joliet 60435 815-439-2320
Harvest Baptist Food Pantry 5315 Douglas Road Oswego 60543 630-554-3858
We Care of Romeoville 219 Arlington Drive Romeoville 60446 815-919-3233
Romeoville Community Pantry 2 Belmont Drive Romeoville 60446 815-570-9772
Love Fellowship Baptist Church 730 N. Independence Blvd Romeoville 60046 815-886-8420
Soul Food Pantry 2800 Black Road Joliet 60435 815-725-6835
Restoration Christian Church 114 Channahon Street Shorewood 60404 815-513-0228
4KIDS Sake Food Pantry 192 Lily Cache Ln. Bolingbrook 60490 630-945-1317
Lockport Fish Food Pantry 604 E 9th Street Lockport 60441 815-588-3543
First Baptist Church Pantry 800 Thornton Lockport 60441 815-838-4004
Fairmont Food Pantry 525 Barry Avenue Lockport 60441 815-723-3577
New Testament Fellowship 515 N Scott Joliet 60432 815-774-0662
We Care of Grundy County, Inc.^ 530 Bedford Rd. Morris 60450 815-942-6389
Saratoga Tower 1700 Newton Place Morris 60450 No number listed
Coal City Food Pantry 6805 E McArdle Road Coal City 60416 815-216-3288
Minooka Bible Church 412 N Wabena Avenue Minooka 60447 815-467-2205

*-Hosting a food pantry every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its office, 309 N Eastern Ave, Joliet. Just bring an ID of any kind (student ID/state ID/Daybreak Shelter ID, etc).

^- If you are in need of food assistance because you are unable to purchase your own food, please call 815-942-6389 ext 7. You will be asked to leave a message. Please speak clearly and leave your name and phone number. We will return your call as soon as possible to schedule a time slot for pick up. You will be given a 15 minute time slot to come and park your car in a designated spot in our rear parking lot. A volunteer will bring out prepackaged food boxes. You will be asked to load those boxes into your car. You will able to schedule food pick up two times per month.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The USDA  launched a new online tool – the “Meals for Kids” Site Finder – to help families find meals for children while schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic. The “Meals for Kids” interactive map directs people to local sites where kids can get free meals. The map is available in both English and Spanish at www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids.  

Food Finder and  Nutrislice  have both developed solutions to increase nationwide access to these critical free meals. Food Finder will display USDA’s Meals for Kids locations on their web and mobile app, while Nutrislice is offering their mobile ordering and meal locator solutions for free to hundreds of schools nationwide.    

The USDA National Hunger Hotline is also available for anyone seeking food assistance. The hotline, operated by Hunger Free America, can be reached Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) (for Spanish).

Let’s Work Together: Important Public Health Information from the YMCA

As you likely are aware, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to closely monitor an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. This virus was first detected in China, and continues to expand in various locations throughout the world, including cities in the United States. It is important to note that the CDC has shared that currently the health risk to the general public from coronavirus is considered low.

The health and well-being of our members is our utmost priority.  In an effort to support you, our staff, and our communities, we have been in contact with our local health department and area hospitals, and will continue to monitor updates from the CDC and local, state and federal health departments in the coming weeks and months.

In the event this virus becomes a significant threat to our YMCA community, we will follow protocols put into place by the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). At this time, the best way to protect against coronavirus is by taking the same daily precautions one would follow to avoid getting sick.

Here are some simple things that you can do to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy:

The 3 C’s

  1. Clean: Please wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  2. Cover: Please cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve if you cough or sneeze.
  3. Contain: If your child is sick, please keep him/her home until he/she is free of a fever and other symptoms for at least 24 hours without the use of symptom-reducing medicines. Please follow normal absence reporting procedures to notify your child’s program site if they will not be in attendance.

With the recent increase in media coverage about the coronavirus, some children may be asking questions and sharing concerns about COVID-19.  These tips may provide a helpful starting point for discussions with your family.  We have also included some additional resources below:

ADDITIONAL COVID-19 RESOURCES

Illinois Department of Public Health: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/

At the Y, we believe in the power of community, and the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.  In challenging times, we have the opportunity to work together to make our community stronger.  We will continue to monitor and share further updates in the event that new information directly impacts our YMCA community.

Friendships Happen Here: Kelley and Hannah’s Story

Kelley Getzelman (left) and Hannah Chapman (right) gave birth to sons Bishop and Teddy last fall after participating in the Prenatal Exercise Class at the Morris Community YMCA.

Fitness classes at the Y not only can help improve your physical health, they are also a great way to meet new people and share valuable life experiences. For Kelley Getzelman and Hannah Chapman, the Prenatal Exercise Class held at the Morris Community YMCA not only allowed the soon-to-be-mothers to stay active during their pregnancies, it provided the foundation for a new friendship.

Kelley moved to Marseilles last summer and attended her first Prenatal Exercise Class at the Y in June. Hannah, who also lives in Marseilles, had already been attending classes for a few weeks when they met. They soon found that they shared many things in common.  

“We wound up having a bunch of connections. I work with Hannah’s mom, both our husbands are named Adam, and we live like 10 minutes apart,” Kelley said. 

Hannah said that she and Kelley went out for coffee after attending their first class together and were able to provide support for each other during an important time in their lives.

“We both really didn’t know anyone else who was pregnant at the time,” Hannah said. “And with this being the first baby for both of us, we were terrified and excited at the same time. It was really nice to have somebody to bounce thoughts off of.”

Gaining a friend coincided with a learning experience to maintain strong health during pregnancy.

“The class was very educational. Before I started working out, I was terrified that everything I might do would hurt the baby,” Kelley said. “Once the class starts you realize that there is plenty of stuff that you can do and you don’t have to be scared.”

Hannah said instructors Leigh Anne and Lisa found the right balance between allowing participants to go at their own pace while providing important tips. 

“You still have abs even when you are pregnant. You can’t see them, but they exist. I loved working with the kettlebells and I always joked that I would bring a yoga ball into the delivery room,” Hannah said.

Hannah’s son Teddy was born on October 31 while Kelley gave birth to a son of her own, Bishop, on November 6. The healthy boys are kindling a friendship that parallels the one their moms continue to share.

“Having been new to this whole area, being able to come in and meet people like Hannah has been very welcoming. And the boys even share a babysitter now,” Kelley said.

And it would not have happened without the help of the Y. 

“The class is an awesome community resource from a social standpoint, let alone from a health standpoint,” Hannah said. “I can’t imagine going through pregnancy and not having this exercise outlet again.”

The Prenatal Exercise Class is made possible through a partnership with Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers. It is free and open to the community and runs on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:25-6:15 p.m. To learn more and to confirm future class times, please contact the Y at (815) 513-8080.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to Host February Blood Drives

In the United States someone needs donated blood every two seconds and a single blood donation can save up to 3 lives! That is why the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to partner with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host a set of blood drives this February. Versiti will be collecting blood donations on the following dates:

Monday, February 24
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Schedule an Appointment

Wednesday, February 26
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Smith Family YMCA
Schedule an Appointment

Thursday, February 27
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location Galowich Family YMCA
Schedule an Appointment

Appointments are recommended but walk-ins will still be welcome. Photo ID is required. Donors are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water prior to giving blood. Donors will also receive a $10 Colonial Cafe Coupon (while supplies last). If you have any questions, please contact:

Adriana Garcia
YMCA Human Resources Generalist
(815) 782-0817
[email protected]

Always Here for You: Military Family Month

November is Military Family Month.  As a leading community-based organization, the YMCA is dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA offers the following tips to help children of military families cope while loved ones serve overseas:

Avoid the Countdown

Try not to focus on the expected homecoming date of a loved one serving overseas as these dates can change. Instead, emphasize how your loved one will be home once the work is done.

Give a Geography Lesson

Consider using maps and books to help teach your children about the place or region where their loved one is stationed.  This can help to empower children and provide them with some comfort.

Family Ties that Bind

To help your child stay connected to their loved one during separation, try building a holiday care package.  And, be sure to take advantage of services like United Through Reading that videotapes a parent reading their child’s favorite book. Or, you may want to consider the Armed Services YMCA’s Operation Kid Comfort program, which provides a personally handcrafted quilt or pillow.

Monitor the Media

News stories can scare or alarm children. Be sure to keep an eye on their media exposure and be prepared to answer questions prompted by what they see and hear.

Take Advantage of the Internet

Facebook, Skype and other chat services are a great way for your child to keep in touch with their loved one in real-time. This also allows your child to see that their loved one is safe while providing important bonding time.

Find Time for You

When a loved one is away, the remaining caregiver takes on the brunt of the family responsibilities. This can be stressful, and many Ys offer discounted membership opportunities for active military personnel. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA offers a $0 Joiner’s Fee and a complimentary one month adult or family membership for those with an active military card. To learn more about our Military Outreach program, please contact Volunteer and Community Engagement Director Dori Fugate at (815) 267-8600, ext. 210 or via email at [email protected].

Thank you to those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country. We are grateful for your service.

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