Community Health — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

Morris Hospital YMCA Set to Host Meals on Wheels Cafe Events

March 10, 2026

The Morris Hospital YMCA is excited to parter with the Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois to host a special series of Lunch Break Cafe events in 2026! Individuals, ages 60 and up, will be invited to rest and refuel with a delicious, nutritious fresh meal followed by bingo.

2026 Dates:
March 12, April 9, May 14, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10

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

Activities will begin at Noon in Community Room A. Attendees will be required to show government ID at the front desk upon arrival. RSVPs are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Suggested donation is $5.

To RSVP, please contact Patty Strahan at (815) 941-1590 or [email protected].

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Early Bird Savings Are Here – Join the New Village of Shorewood YMCA Today

March 3, 2026

The Village of Shorewood YMCA is set to open on Monday, April 27! As construction of the new facility nears completion, we invite you to take advantage of exclusive pre-opening membership opportunities as part of the YMCA’s Early Bird Membership Sale, which will run through April 19.

JOIN TODAY AND SAVE
Join the new Village of Shorewood YMCA and pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee- a savings of up to $120- AND enjoy 12 months of membership for the price of 11 months!*

Early Bird Members will enjoy priority access when the new facility opens in April and will also receive 3 free guest passes to visit the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, Galowich Family YMCA, or Morris Hospital YMCA. (Passes expire on April 26, 2026.)

YMCA Facility Members enjoy significant cost-savings and priority registration on YMCA programs, and receive free access to the YMCA’s On the Go App, as well as unlimited guest passes. A full list of YMCA Facility Member benefits can be viewed here.

JOIN THE VILLAGE OF SHOREWOOD YMCA

*Early Bird Members will begin paying monthly membership dues for the new Village of Shorewood YMCA on April 28, 2026 and will pay no membership fees during April 2027. Some restrictions may apply.

We can’t wait to welcome the community to the new Village of Shorewood YMCA!

Join today!

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Hosting Centennial Celebration Food Drive

February 4, 2026

For 100 years, the YMCA has been dedicated to social responsibility and providing support for those in our community who need it most. As we continue celebrate the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, we invite the community to participate in a special food drive from February 9-15.

Residents can drop off donations of non-perishable food items at location boxes located in the lobby of their local Y branch:

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

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Morris Hospital YMCA Celebrating One-Year Anniversary with Community Open House on January 10

December 29, 2025

The Morris Hospital YMCA is turning 1 and we are so excited to host a Community Open House from 10 a.m.-Noon on Saturday, January 10!

Make your plans to join us for a festive celebration, complete with activities for all ages:

-Tours to explore the facility, including the lap pool
-Opportunities to learn more about membership, classes, and programs like YMCA swim lessons
-Meet and a greets with our amazing staff team
-Games and bounce house fun in the gym
-A celebration of the the Y’s big day with cookie decorating and designing your very own birthday hat

PLUS…

Enjoy demos, exclusive membership specials, and exciting prizes. Free and open to the community!

#WhataONEderfulYear

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Partnering with Endeavor Health for Weightlifting 101 Seminar

December 18, 2025

Start the new year with purpose, power, and the confidence to take your fitness training to the next level by attending a special Weightlifting 101 seminar at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA! This hands-on seminar, offered in partnership with Endeavor Health, is designed for lifters of all experience levels—whether you’re stepping up to the barbell for the first time or looking to refine your technique with expert guidance.

Date: Tuesday, January 13
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Led by Endeavor Health Physical Therapist Sean Leninger, this interactive session will help participants learn more about:

Proper form and safety fundamentals
Techniques for building strength and preventing injury
Structuring workouts for consistent progress

Don’t miss this chance to start the year strong! Space is limited, and spots will fill fast!

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Morris Hospital YMCA Invites Community to Nutrition and Health Education Seminars

December 4, 2025

The Morris Hospital YMCA is once again teaming up with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers for nutrition and health education seminars throughout 2026! Free and open to the community, these informative sessions will provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals looking to establish and maintain healthy lifestyles.

All programs will be held at the Morris Hospital YMCA. Open to ages 18 and up.

NUTRITION SEMINARS

Weight Loss Through Protein and Fiber
Tuesday, January 13
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join us for an engaging session focused on the importance of protein and fiber in your diet. A Morris Hospital dietitian will explore practical tips for weight loss and weight management through balanced eating habits. This class will also include a food demonstration with snack samples.

Heart Healthy Diet
Wednesday, February 11
1:30-2:30 p.m.

A “heart-heathy” diet helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Through this seminar, participants will learn how to reduce saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium while increasing fiber in the diet.

Diabetes Management and Carbohydrate Counting
Wednesday, March 18
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Managing diabetes starts with understanding carbohydrates. Join a Morris Hospital dietitian to learn how to accurately count carbs, identify carbohydrate-rich foods, and measure serving sizes. This class will also teach you how to manage your blood glucose levels effectively through smart food choices.

Parkinson’s/Neuromuscular Disease Diet
Wednesday, April 15
2-3 p.m.

Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. In this class, a Morris Hospital dietitian will offer insights on how to prioritize nutrient-rich foods to include in your meals. This seminar will also include a demonstration for preparing a chickpea salad!

Nutrition for Mental Health
Tuesday, May 12
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join a Morris Hospital dietitian for a discussion on the connection between nutrition and mental health. We’ll explore why proper nourishment is essential for brain function and share practical tips on how to support your mental well-being through food.

HEALTH EDUCATION SEMINARS

Overcoming Pain with Exercise
Thursday, January 15
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Physical movement is so important to managing chronic pain. Did you know that you can reduce your pain with exercise? Make your plans to join us for this informative seminar and find out more.

Diabetes Education and Strategies for Self Care and Support
Thursday, March 5
Noon-1 p.m. (Webinar)

Did you know that 11.6 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes? That’s 38.4 million Americans, and even more may be prediabetic! If you are looking to learn how to better manage diabetes, join us for this webinar as Morris Hospital Endocrinologist Dr. Nuzhat Chalisa shares important information on this chronic disease and how to manage it.

Strong Bones Make Strong People
Tuesday, March 10
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Imagine your bones becoming so fragile that everyday activities such as lifting a laundry basket, or even coughing, could cause a fracture or break. Join us to learn more about risk factors and common symptoms of osteoporosis and why it’s important to manage the condition in order to avoid debilitating bone breaks.

Physical Therapy Options for Parkinson’s
Tuesday, April 21
2-3 p.m.

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Join physical therapist Belinda Hill to discuss the many services Morris Hospital offers to help individuals with Parkinson’s optimize their speech and physical function.

How Substance Abuse Impacts Mental Health and Wellness
Tuesday, May 5
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Approximately 37 million U.S. adults ages 26 and older struggle with a substance use disorder. While substances are a common part of our human experience and culture, some people struggle with unhealthy relationships with substances. Join Dr. Jennifer Thomas, MD, FASAM, family medicine and addiction medicine physician, for a dynamic conversation on substance use and learn how mental health and wellness are impacted by our relationship with substances.

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