Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Celebrate Your Birthday Party at the YMCA

A birthday party at the Y is a great way for children to celebrate their special day and create lasting memories with family and friends. The Y provides a dynamic and engaging day of activities while relieving you of the stress that comes along with planning everything by yourself. Our “no mess, no stress” approach to parties allows you to choose from a wide range of activities and then our talented staff will handle all elements of the party, from setup to clean up!

Learn more about birthday party options by contacting your local Y branch:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Erika Pollastrini
[email protected]
(815) 726-8600, ext. 237

Galowich Family YMCA
Tracy Wrase
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 315

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Facility in Grundy County

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA was excited to welcome the community to a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Morris Hospital YMCA on Wednesday, May 31. More than 300 people were in attendance to help the Y celebrate the construction of the new facility, which will be built in partnership with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers on land adjacent to Morris Grade School.

Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Christina Van Yperen opened the event by welcoming guests and introducing Morris Community YMCA employee Paula Lutz, who provided the afternoon’s invocation.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair then reflected on the Y’s journey in Grundy County, celebrating the amazing dedication of the YMCA volunteers who laid the groundwork for the new Morris Hospital YMCA more than 15 years ago. She also recognized the heroic contributions of the Capital Campaign Cabinet and Y staff, past and present, and thanked the Y’s Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment to the project. Leclair also praised the leadership team at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers for their continued partnership.

“This is such a monumental day for our YMCA and the Grundy County community,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. “We owe so much gratitude to our amazing volunteers, our generous donors, our hardworking staff, and our wonderful partners at Morris Hospital. The new Morris Hospital YMCA will be a place where people of all ages, from all walks of life have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We are so excited to begin construction of this new facility and continue to serve the residents of Grundy County,” added Leclair.

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers President and CEO Tom Dohm then stepped to the podium to share the vision for the continued partnership between the hospital and the YMCA.

“From the start, the partnership between Morris Hospital and the YMCA has been a perfect match,” Dohm said. “Like Morris Hospital, the YMCA has a strong family focus and serves all people, regardless of their ability to pay. Both the hospital and the YMCA are non-profit organizations dedicated to strengthening the community through healthy living. Partnering with the YMCA helps Morris Hospital further focus on preventive care. Our mission is all about improving the health of area residents. We are honored to carry the name of our community’s new YMCA, and we are so grateful to everyone who has had a part in making this vision a reality.”

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin then addressed the crowd, thanking the elected officials, community partners, employees, and YMCA members who have provided support for the Y over the years and continue to serve as an inspiration for the project.

Morris Community YMCA Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Co-Chair Kevin Olson then highlighted the incredible dedication of the volunteers that have championed this project over the years. Olson also celebrated the long-term contributions the new Y will have on Morris and Grundy County, and was excited to announce that the Y has expanded plans for the lap pool at the new facility from six lanes to eight lanes. 

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board President and Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Co-Chair Guy Christensen then stepped to the podium to thank the community on behalf of the Y’s Board of Directors and recognized the efforts of the project’s Building Task Force, architect, general contractor, and team of owner’s representatives, whose hard work will help to bring the future facility to life over the next 18 months.

Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Co-Chair Jackie Wohlwend closed the program with an inspirational ‘Get it Built’ message, echoing the words of her late husband Ron, who we know will be with us every step of the way as we work tirelessly to complete this project and open the doors for the new Morris Hospital YMCA to the community.

Construction of the new Y will begin this summer. The facility is expected to open to the community in early 2025. To learn more about the Morris Community YMCA’s Capital Campaign, please contact Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin at (815) 513-8080 or visit www.jolietymca.org.

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Morris Community YMCA Selects General Contractor for New Full-Facility YMCA in Grundy County

The Morris Community YMCA announced today that it has selected Narvick Bros. as the general contractor for its new full-facility YMCA in Grundy County. Construction of the new Y, which will be built in partnership with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers on land adjacent to Morris Grade School, will begin this summer. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Morris Hospital YMCA will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31.

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors, acting on recommendations from the Morris Capital Campaign Building Task Force and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Facility Committee, unanimously approved the hiring of Morris-based Narvick Bros. as the project’s general contractor at a meeting earlier this year.

“We are very excited to announce the hiring of Narvick Bros. as the general contractor for the new Morris Hospital YMCA,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and Chief Executive Officer Katy Leclair. “As we prepare to celebrate the groundbreaking for this new facility later this month, it is wonderful to know that we have selected a trusted and very capable partner in Narvick Bros. to build Grundy County’s very first full-facility YMCA.”

About the Y
As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit charities, the YMCA is committed to strengthening local communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. A branch of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, the Morris Community YMCA brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. Through its financial assistance and scholarship program, the YMCA works to fulfill its mission of ensuring that its programs are available to everyone and no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. 

About Narvick Bros.
Founded in 1933, Narvick Bros. is a general contracting and construction company that specializes in carpentry, masonry, concrete, design/build, and construction management. Based in Morris, Illinois, Narvick Bros. is family-owned and operated and is committed to providing superior, creative, and distinct construction services.

To learn more about the Morris Community YMCA’s Capital Campaign, please contact Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin at (815) 513-8080 or visit www.jolietymca.org.

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Working Together to Make Your Y Better: Facility Improvements at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA

We are excited to share that we will be installing new flooring in the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s fitness center next week. We thank you in advance for your cooperation as we work with our vendor to complete the installation in a timely manner.

Wednesday, May 17

  • New flooring will be installed in the fitness center. The fitness center will remain open for member use, but some areas and equipment will not be accessible during installation.

Thursday, May 18

  • Flooring installation will continue. Members looking to access the fitness center between 8-5 p.m. will need to enter through the emergency exit door on the north side of the Y. Representatives from our membership team will be located at the entry door to welcome you and scan your membership tag.
  • The cycle room will be closed from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday. Classes will run as-scheduled.
  • Fitness Studio #1 will remain open. Members will be able to access this space through the main hallway.
  • Members requiring access to the Kids’ Corner Supervised Playroom, restrooms, or locker rooms will need to exit through the emergency doors and utilize the main entrance. Portable restrooms will be available outside. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Later this month, we will also be installing new equipment in the fitness center. Please watch for more information coming soon on these improvements.

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Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Morris Hospital YMCA Scheduled for May 31

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA announced today that it will hold a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Morris Hospital YMCA from 3:30-5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31. This much-anticipated celebration will be held at the site of the future facility, which will be located at 2200 W. Dupont Avenue on land adjacent to Morris Grade School.

Open to the community, this historic day will celebrate the amazing work of the Morris Community YMCA, our partners at Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers, our generous donors and community partners, loyal YMCA members, and the wonderful individuals who have donated their time and talents serving on our Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet.

Although fundraising efforts will still continue to ensure that this project is fully funded, this is the first step in making this new facility a reality for the residents of Grundy County. Construction of the new Y will get underway this summer. It is anticipated that the new Morris Hospital YMCA will open its doors to the community in early 2025.

To learn more about the Morris Community YMCA’s Capital Campaign, please contact Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin at (815) 513-8080 or visit www.jolietymca.org.

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Galowich Family YMCA Welcomes Community For Innovation Center Ribbon Cutting

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On Wednesday, February 15, the Galowich Family YMCA was proud to welcome the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new Innovation Center.

Message of Thanks

The event began with remarks from Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. Leclair thanked everyone who played a role in preparing the renovated space, which will enable members of all ages to be innovative, collaborative, and create inspiring projects. 

Leclair introduced Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk, who spoke about the city’s role in helping to fund the project and the positive impact the space will have on youth in Joliet.

Galowich Family YMCA Executive Director Patty Hall then highlighted the incredible leadership of YMCA staff members and volunteers during renovation efforts before inviting Salvation Army Joliet Corps Community Center Pastor and Administrator Scott Hurula to share an invocation. 

Making an Impact

Following the invocation, Hall introduced the Y’s Teen REACH and Teen Achievers Director Stephen Franklin, who provided guests with an overview of how the new Innovation Center will be utilized. Franklin guided guests through the four distinct areas that will provide a variety of ways for youth to engage in learning activities:

Kitchen – Includes a workstation and appliances that will help students make healthy snacks and improve their understanding of nutrition. 

Creativity Studio – Includes craft tables, a sewing machine, and a heat press that will allow students to complete art projects, make alterations to clothing, and explore their artistic passions.    

Media and Technology Wing – Includes computers, laptops, and 3D printers to help students create multimedia projects and learn coding skills.

Lounge – Includes a television, couches, and virtual reality gaming systems to provide opportunities for students to relax and socialize. 

Learn, Grow, Thrive 

Members of the Galowich Family YMCA Advisory Council, the Y’s Teen and Young and Adult Advancement Council, and Galowich Family YMCA staff team gathered to cut the ribbon and formally open the facility. 

Students from the Salvation Army’s Character-Building & Mentoring Program were then given a chance to demonstrate various activities including making fruit smoothies and testing computer coded robots. 

“This event was the perfect way to kick off the services we look to bring to our community through the Innovation Center,” Hall said. “We are incredibly thankful for the support shown by the City of Joliet and can not be more excited for the future of the facility.” 

If you are interested in participating in programs held at the Innovation Center, or would like to sign up for additional Y programming, registration for the Y’s Spring 1 and 2 programming sessions is underway! Register online today!

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