GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

On Wednesday, September 4, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA was proud to welcome the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the renovation of its Kids Corner Supervised Playroom, Supervised Activity Center, and Program Room.

Message of Thanks

The event began with opening remarks from Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce (PSACC) Executive Director Tasha Marsaglia, who invited Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair . Leclair then thanked everyone who helped transform the renovated space, noting that this project was made possible thanks to the advocacy and leadership of State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and a generous grant from the State of Illinois. This incredible support provided the Y with the opportunity to create colorful, welcoming, and engaging youth programming spaces for children and families in our community.

Making an Impact

Leclair then introduced YMCA Director of Branch & Program Operations and C.W. Avery Family YMCA Executive Director Lisa Behounek, who shared more about how the newly renovated spaces will benefit kids in our community.  

Renovations include:

Kids Corner Playroom (Open to children ages 6 months – 7 years old)
New furniture, toys for kids of all ages, fresh paint, welcoming graphics, and a new play structure.

Activity Center (Open to children ages 7 and up)
New furniture, wall graphics, computers, gaming systems, Infinity gaming tables, a TV, and expanded arts and craft stations.

Program Room (Utilized for Fab 50 Events, Community Meetings, and Day Out of School and Summer Camp activities)
Fresh paint with new kitchen equipment and cabinetry installed.

LEARN, GROW, THRIVE

Behounek then welcomed State Senator Cappel to speak about her support of the Y’s mission. Cappel said she was proud to play a role in the project and expressed gratitude for the Y’s impact in the community. 

C.W. Avery Family YMCA Advisory Council Chairman Ryan Peterson then presented Senator Cappel with a special gift made by children in the YMCA’s Pint-Size Pupils preschool program. 

The event concluded with members of the Avery Advisory Council, PSACC, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors, and YMCA staff team joining together to cut the ribbon and formally celebrate the grand opening of the renovated spaces.

We welcome members to utilize these renovated spaces during their next visit to the Y! 

Kids Corner Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:45 a.m.-12 p.m., 4:30-8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Available to Facility Members only. For safety and security reasons, we ask that members present a membership card for themselves and their child(ren) when they are checking into Kids Corner. No reservations are required.

Supervised Activity Center Hours
Monday-Friday: 3:15-8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.