Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Morris Hospital YMCA Invites the Community to Participate in Focus Group Activities

As we strive to meet the needs of our community, the Morris Hospital YMCA is excited to host focus group activities to help identify programs and services that members local residents would like to see offered at the Y. 

Date: Thursday, October 2

Times:
Senior Programming
9:15-10 a.m. 

Preschool/Youth & Family Programming
10-10:45 a.m. 

These events will be held in the Community Room are open to the community. Light refreshments will be served. Stop by and share your feedback! 

If you have any questions, please contact Youth and Family Director Jordan Overton at (815) 513-8080, ext. 513 or [email protected]. 

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Announces Updates to Daily Visitor Policy

To best meet the needs of Y members, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA will be limiting daily visitors during the week.

The following restrictions will go into effect beginning Monday, September 15 and will continue through Friday, May 29:

Monday-Friday
Daily passes will be available for purchase between 5 a.m.-3 p.m. ONLY.

Saturday and Sunday
Daily passes will be available for purchase during all open hours.

These restrictions will NOT apply to guests of YMCA members or individuals using a once-yearly web pass, which is available on the YMCA’s website. YMCA Facility Members enjoy unlimited guest passes (one guest per day) throughout the year so they can share the Y experience with family and friends. However, individual guests are limited to three visits per calendar year.

For additional information, please visit the Membership Desk during your next visit.

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Village of Shorewood YMCA Invites Community to Attend ‘Coffee with the YMCA’ Events

As we prepare to open the new Village of Shorewood YMCA in spring 2026, the Y is excited to invite the community to participate in our ‘Coffee with the YMCA’ events this fall! These meet and greets will be wonderful opportunities to learn more about the new facility, future programming, membership opportunities, and grand opening festivities.

Thursday, September 25*
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Shorewood-Troy Public Library
650 Deerwood Drive
Shorewood, IL 60404

*Complimentary child care services will be available onsite at this meeting.

Wednesday, October 8
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Minooka Village Hall
121 McEvilly Road
Minooka, IL 60447

To learn more about the new Village of Shorewood YMCA, please contact Executive Director Trisha Dust at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 327.

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Feel Healthier, Be Stronger: Kathleen Bernard’s Y Story

At the Y, we know that having a strong support system can make a big difference when you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Kathleen Bernard, personal training sessions have proven to be a crucial way to kickstart her health and wellness journey. 

“Having a personal trainer is amazing because you are not by yourself and you are being guided through the whole process,” Kathleen said. “I’ve been working with Suzanne (Ventrice) since July. She’s supportive and not judgemental. And I haven’t felt this good in a long time.”

Kathleen said the YMCA’s resources and friendly and welcoming atmosphere have helped to change her outlook on exercise.

“It’s opened up a whole new world. Even though I’ve exercised in the past, I’ve never had this kind of experience where I’m walking in and I’m not afraid and I don’t feel judged,” she said. “Suzanne has shown me stuff that I was afraid to try and would never do by myself. Like weightlifting, who knew I was so strong?”

In addition to improved physical fitness, Kathleen said exercising has had a positive impact on her mental health. 

“My self esteem has improved and I feel so much better. I was feeling bad about myself, but I’ve been able to do things that I wasn’t able to do before. I’m 49 years old and I’m working out like when I was young,” she said.

Kathleen is now looking forward to expanding her Y experience to group fitness classes and exploring all the amenities the Y has to offer. 

“It’s so easy.  You don’t have to jump through any hoops. There are so many activities at your fingertips. You walk in, check in, and you can go right into the gym or the pool. I’ve also got my husband signed up for a membership and ready to go,” she said. 

And when it comes to advice for potential Y members, Kathleen believes taking the first step is the most important one. 

“Just make the call or stop in. Everyone here is so kind,” she said.  

We thank Kathleen for being a part of our Y community and wish her the best as she continues on her health and wellness journey.

If you are interested in working with a YMCA personal trainer, now is the perfect time to start! The Y’s September Personal Training Sale is underway and you can learn more by clicking here. 

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Stronger Together: Bring a Friend Fitness Class Opportunities

Grab a workout buddy and join us for special fitness classes at the Y! Facility members are invited to bring a guest for free. Fitness is always better together!

PLEASE NOTE: Guests must present a valid photo ID when checking in. Attendance in these classes will not count against a guest’s total pass usage for 2025.

Cardio Interval
You’ll alternate between cardio intervals and strength moves to achieve the maximum results, increased cardiovascular fitness and calorie burning.
Date: Friday, September 12
Time: 4:15-5 p.m.
Location: Morris Hospital YMCA

Bootcamp
A mix of strength and cardio drills, using circuits and intervals.
Date: Monday, September 15
Time: 9-9:45 a.m.
Location: Galowich Family YMCA

Cardio Mix
This class will feature 30 minutes of WERQ, 30 minutes of Butts and Guts, and 30 minutes of stretching
Date: Friday, September 26
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: C.W. Avery Family YMCA

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YMCA September Personal Training Sale

Whether you’re just starting your health and wellness journey, or looking to add a little variety to your exercise program, a YMCA personal trainer can help you to achieve your wellness goals. And now you can take your first step with the help of our September Personal Training Sale! Throughout the month if you buy four sessions, you get one free!*

Learn more about personal trainers at your local Y branch by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Galowich Family YMCA
Morris Community YMCA

Register online by clicking below.

One-on-One Personal Training
Avery
Galowich
Morris

Group of Two Personal Training 
Avery
Galowich
Morris

*Offer good September 1-30, 2025. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Visit your local branch for more details.

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United Way