Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Dance, Cheer, Shine: YMCA Junior Wolves Dance Team Launching This Fall

The YMCA’s Junior Wolves Sports Program, offered in partnership with Joliet Junior College, is excited to announce a new co-ed dance team opportunity for kids ages 5-9 and 10-14!

Led by experienced cheer and dance staff, this enthusiastic program will teach aspiring dancers of all skill levels a mix of cheers, jumps, and dance routines. The team will perform throughout the NFL FLAG Football and Youth Basketball League seasons.

Fall Season
Practices will be held on Wednesdays starting August 13. Game performances will be on Fridays or Saturdays beginning the week of September 1. All practices and games will take place at the JJC Event Center.

Winter Season
Practices will be held on Wednesdays starting December 10. Game performances will be on Saturdays beginning January 17. All practices and games will take place at the JJC Event Center.

Each dancer will receive a t-shirt and socks to wear on game days. Dancers should wear black pants or shorts (weather dependent) with black shoes.

Cost (Per Season)
Facility Members: $65
Community Members: $98

REGISTER TODAY

Financial Assistance
At the YMCA, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. Scholarships are available to those who qualify. Contact the Y at (815) 744-3939 for additional information.

To learn more about YMCA Junior Wolves Sports Programs, contact:
Zach Jarosz, Sports Manager
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 317

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Soak up the Fun: 2025 YMCA Summer Membership Sale

July 25-August 11

Whether you want to learn to swim, start a new workout routine, or spend quality time with friends and family, the Y has something for everyone. And now is the perfect time to join!

Starting July 25 and continuing through August 11, new and alumni members who join the Y will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120!

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:

Access to Three Branches
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:

  • Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center, all fully programmed with activities for the entire family, including family swim time, swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs and lap lane access.
  • Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
  • Free fitness orientations and daily group exercise classes (programs vary by location).

Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swimming lessons, sports programs and personal training, among a slew of other options.

Free Basic Access to the YMCA On the Go App
The On the Go App will provide Y members with access to the YMCA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This interactive tool is loaded with free workouts, on-demand videos, and nutrition tips.

Free Access to the My Y Rewards Program
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll earn points each time you check-in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.

So Much More
A complete list of member benefits can be found here.

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

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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Save During the YMCA’s 2025 Summer Kid Zone Sale

We know that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. The way your children spend time outside the classroom can make a big difference in their personal development and your family-life balance. The YMCA’s Kid Zone Program provides a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values. Our caring professionals are committed to helping kids build confidence and character.

Registration for the YMCA’s Before and After School Kid Zone program for the 2025-2026 school year is underway!

Families who register for Kid Zone between Friday, July 25 and Monday, August 4 will pay a $0 Registration Fee, a savings of $50!

REGISTER ONLINE

To learn more about the Kid Zone Program at your local Y branch, click below. 

C.W. Avery Family YMCA – Serving Plainfield School District 202

C.W. Avery Family YMCA – Serving Valley View CCUSD 365U

Galowich Family YMCA and Joliet Community YMCA – Serving Joliet, Troy, Rockdale, and Laraway School Districts

Morris Hospital YMCA – Serving Morris Grade School and Saratoga Elementary School

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Jackson Generation Donates $5,000 in Support of YMCA Teen REACH Program

At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. As a result of the YMCA’s Teen REACH Program, which offers after school care and summer day camp activities for middle school students in Joliet District 86, youth in our community take a greater interest in learning, develop an understanding of positive behaviors, explore their unique talents and interests, and make smarter life choices to help them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

But we can’t do it alone. As a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to provide services and financial assistance for children and families living in our community.

That is why the YMCA would like to thank Jackson Generation, which recently provided a $5,000 donation to support of Teen REACH.

“We are incredibly grateful for Jackson Generation’s gift and the role it will play in helping the Teen REACH program shine brightest,” Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Business Development Officer Missy Durkin said. “This donation represents a shared commitment to service, and we know it will have a positive impact on students.”

Pictured in top photo (second row, left to right): Greater Joliet Area YMCA Mission Advancement Director Donnie Chestnutt, Jackson Generation Operations Manager Austin Ouellette, Joliet Community YMCA Teen REACH & Teen Achievers Director Darrell Collins, Joliet Community YMCA Operations Director Brooke Hall, Jackson Generation Plant Manager Scott Freese, J-Power USA Assistant Director of Corporate Communications Joyce Bae, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Business Development Officer Missy Durkin.

To show your support for the YMCA Mission Strong Fund by making a donation today, please click here. 

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Golf and Dinner Tickets for the 2025 YMCA Mission Strong Golf Classic Now on Sale

Foursomes and dinner tickets for the 2025 Mission Strong Golf Classic, generously presented by Midland States Bank, are now on sale!

Join us on Wednesday, September 17 at ‘The Creek’ at Morris Country Club for an exciting day that will include:

  • 18 holes of golf with a cart
  • Lunch and complimentary beverages on the course
  • A cocktail reception, dinner and awards
  • A welcome gift, course games, prizes, raffles, and more

Proceeds from this event will benefit the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, which helps to ensure nobody is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay.

Now in its fourth year, the Mission Strong Golf Classic has raised more than $200,000 to support children, adults, and families in our community. Let’s keep the momentum going in 2025!

Cost: $700 per foursome, $50 for dinner reception only*

*UPDATE: Foursomes for the 2025 Golf Classic are sold out, but dinner tickets are still available. Dinner tickets can be purchased through our event headquarters by clicking below.

PURCHASE DINNER TICKETS

If you would like to be placed on a waitlist for a foursome, or have any other questions about the 2025 Mission Strong Golf Classic, please contact:

Dori Fugate
Volunteer and Special Events Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 782-0502

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Love Where You Work: Join the YMCA’s Before and After School Care Team

At the Y, we know that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. The way children spend time outside the classroom can make a big difference in their personal development and family-life balance. YMCA before and after school care programs provide a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values.

Our before and after school team is dedicated to the Y’s mission and works tirelessly to meet the needs of the communities we serve. This group of talented and energetic staff is second to none, and we are now currently looking to hire new part-time employees to expand our team!

Positions Available:
-Kid Zone Counselors (Sites in Plainfield, Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Romeoville)
-Teen REACH Counselors (Sites in Joliet)

Part-Time Employees receive the following benefits:

  • A free YMCA Membership
  • May enroll their eligible children in Kid Zone at no cost
  • Save 25% off of Y programming
  • Have the opportunity to participate in the Y’s retirement plan (when eligibility requirements have been met)

Program hours vary by location.

APPLY ONLINE TODAY

To learn more, contact your local Y branch below:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA 

Plainfield School District 202
Lori Barrie
Before and After School Care Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 267-8600, ext. 205

Valley View CUSD 365U
Kassandra Lepe
Childcare Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 267-8600, ext. 211

Galowich Family YMCA

Elementary Schools in Joliet, Laraway, Rockdale, and Troy Districts
Tori Dutkiewicz
Before and After Care Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 744-3939, ext. 307

Teen REACH After School Program in Joliet District 86
Darrell Collins
Teen REACH & Teen Achievers Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 744-3939, ext. 361

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United Way