Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Morris Hospital YMCA Offering NEW START Health and Wellness Classes this Winter

Are you ready to jumpstart your health and wellness mindset? The Morris Hospital YMCA’s NEW START class is for you! This class will guide you through evidence-based principles of optimal well-being, helping you build a sustainable foundation for a healthier and happier you.

Led by Morris Hospital YMCA group fitness instructor Maureen Keegan, NEW START features 2 health and wellness sessions lasting 60 minutes each. Sessions will combine interactive lectures, Q&A activities, and goal-setting exercises to dive into eight foundational pillars of health:

Nutrition: Learn the power of whole foods, plant-based eating, and how to fuel your body for maximum vitality and disease prevention.

Exercise: Discover the benefits of effective, enjoyable ways to move your body, enhance mood, boost metabolism, and improve cardiovascular health, regardless of your current fitness level.

Water: Understand the essential role of hydration, how much you truly need, and the best ways to incorporate water throughout your day.

Sunlight: Explore the benefits of sun exposure for Vitamin D, mood regulation, and circadian rhythm balance.

Temperance (Balance): Uncover the art of moderation in all things, from diet to work habits, and learn to find true balance in a busy world.

Air: Learn why deep breathing and spending time in nature’s clean air are vital for detoxification and mental clarity.

Rest: Master the science of restorative sleep and relaxation, discovering techniques to improve sleep quality and manage stress effectively.

Trust (Faith/Spirituality): Explore the profound connection between your spirituality (a trust in a larger purpose or power) and your physical health, cultivating hope and emotional resilience.

Participants can register for one of two sections:

January 9 and January 16
9-10 a.m.
REGISTER TODAY

February 2 and February 9
5:30-6:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Cost: $15 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members
About the Instructor: Maureen Keegan has nearly 20 years of experience working in health and wellness and has been teaching group and specialty fitness classes at the Morris Hospital YMCA for the past year. Her enthusiasm is boundless and her favorite thing about working at the Y is helping members learn about a wide range of health topics.
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Support the YMCA During the Season of Giving with a Matching Gift

This holiday season, you have the power to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA invites you to join us in spreading joy by contributing to the Mission Strong Fund. 

And you may be able to double the impact of your donation through the Matching Gifts program.

The Mission Strong Fund ensures that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay. By making a charitable gift to this fund, you contribute directly to empowering individuals, promoting healthy living, and fostering a stronger sense of community.

Here’s how you may be able to amplify the impact of your donation:

  1. Donate to the Mission Strong Fund: Visit our website or drop by any of our YMCA locations to make a charitable contribution. Your support helps create a more inclusive community where everyone has access to the YMCA’s transformative programs.
  2. Check for Matching Programs: Many employers share our commitment to community well-being and offer gift matching programs. Contact your HR department to find out if your company matches charitable donations.
  3. Submit Matching Gift Forms: If your employer has a matching gift program, complete the necessary forms they provide. Whether it’s a paper or online form, the process is simple and well worth the effort.
  4. Maximize Your Impact: Once your employer processes the matching gift, your contribution to the Mission Strong Fund will be doubled. It’s an incredible way to increase the positive change you can make in our community.

Remember, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. That means your donation is not only impactful but also tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. 

Your support helps create a stronger, healthier, and more connected community, and we’re immensely grateful for your commitment to our mission

DONATE NOW

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Hollywood Casino Donates More Than $9,000 to YMCA Mission Strong Fund

Every day the Greater Joliet Area YMCA affirms its commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Y programs provide opportunities for all generations, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. And 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, adults and families living in our community.

That is why the YMCA would like to thank the Hollywood Casino Joliet, which recently provided a $9,354.30 donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund. This gift will help to ensure that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay.

“Fulfilling the Y mission is not possible without the kindness of local businesses like Hollywood Casino, and we are so grateful to have their support,” Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair said. “We know that this donation will make a difference for children and families participating in programs throughout the Y,” added Leclair.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here. To show your support by making a donation, please click here. 

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Happy Holidays to You: Give the Gift of the YMCA This Holiday Season

Stumped for ideas for your family and friends this holiday season? Looking to do something creative and a bit unexpected this year? Take a break from the malls and online shopping sites and give your loved ones the gift of health, wellness, and community.

Whether your holiday shopping list includes a college-age nephew just starting his fitness journey, the sister who just discovered pickleball, or the grandmother who already has everything, there is––quite literally––something for everyone at the Y.

Here are five reasons why a Y membership makes the perfect holiday present.

  1. The gift of self-care? Priceless. Sometimes the best gift you can give your loved one is an opportunity to prioritize and take care of themselves––body, mind, and spirit. Finding balance in life can be difficult, but the Y can help, from stress-relieving yoga classes to complimentary childcare services so parents and caregivers can take time for themselves without having to find a sitter.
  2. Connection and belonging. A Y membership does more than just provide access to a gym. Through group activities, events, and volunteer opportunities, it also provides a space for real human interaction and social connection, leading to new friendships and a sense of belonging. It’s a supportive environment where you can find people who share similar interests, are encouraged to achieve your goals, and can feel accepted and valued for who you are.
  3. There’s something for everyone. Sports leagues, water aerobics, personal training, cooking classes, nutrition counseling––the Y offers all that and so much more. The wide variety of programs, classes, and amenities at the Y not only help support one’s physical and mental health, but they also encourage personal growth and, yes, provide opportunities for fun and creativity!
  4. It’s a gift that gives back. When you give the gift of a Y membership, you’re not only enriching the life of the recipient, but you are also impacting the lives of others. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities, Y membership fees help provide scholarships to families in need, ensure kids receive nutritious snacks at after school programs, and create opportunities for everyone to connect and thrive. It’s an investment in people and communities, not corporations.
  5. Versatility is key.  Memberships come in a variety of options—it depends on your local Y. They can be used to access welcoming facilities, pools, for specific programs, lessons, training, or classes, making it a thoughtful and flexible way to let your loved ones know you support their health and well-being. The possibilities are endless!

To give the gift of the YMCA, please visit the membership desk of your local Y branch today to purchase a gift card. Bonus coupons can be used towards YMCA memberships or programs and are valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location.

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Join the Y During our 2025 12 Days of Savings Sale!

12 Days of Savings Membership Sale
December 8-19, 2025

Get a jump start on your 2026 health and wellness goals by joining the YMCA during our 12 Days of Savings Membership Sale! With our wide variety of classes and programs, you’ll be sure to find something at the Y for every member of your family. The sooner you join, the more you save. So don’t delay!

When you join the Y during our 12 Days of Savings Membership Sale, your Joiner’s Fee will be adjusted according to the day you join:

Day 1: Monday, December 8
Join the Y on December 8, and pay an $8 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 2: Tuesday, December 9
Join the Y on December 9, and pay a $9 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 3: Wednesday, December 10

Join the Y on December 10, and pay a $10 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 4: Thursday, December 11
Join the Y on December 11, and pay an $11 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 5: Friday, December 12
Join the Y on December 12, and pay a $12 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 6: Saturday, December 13
Join the Y on December 13, and pay a $13 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 7: Sunday, December 14
Join the Y on December 14, and pay a $14 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 8: Monday, December 15
Join the Y on December 15, and pay a $15 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 9: Tuesday, December 16
Join the Y on December 16, and pay a $16 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 10: Wednesday, December 17
Join the Y on December 17, and pay a $17 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 11: Thursday, December 18
Join the Y on December 18, and pay an $18 Joiner’s Fee.

Day 12: Friday, December 19
Join the Y on December 19, and pay a $19 Joiner’s Fee.

JOIN TODAY

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
  • 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).

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.

And, during our special December earnings event, YMCA Facility Members enrolled in the My Y Rewards Program will receive triple rewards points every time they check in at the Y between December 8-19.

Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swimming lessons and personal training, among a slew of other options. You can check out a full list of our programming by taking a look at our Winter 2026 Program Session Schedules.

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

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Morris Hospital YMCA Invites Community to Nutrition and Health Education Seminars

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.

REGISTER TODAY

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.

REGISTER TODAY

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.

REGISTER TODAY

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!

REGISTER TODAY

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.

REGISTER TODAY

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.

REGISTER TODAY

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.

REGISTER TODAY

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.

REGISTER TODAY

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.

REGISTER TODAY

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.

REGISTER TODAY

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