Through its commitment to youth development, the Y nurtures the potential of every child in its Kid Zone PLUS programs by incorporating the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in a resource-rich environment for children in grades K-8. Although the current public health crisis has presented new challenges, the Y has worked diligently with its partner school districts to adapt its child care programs to meet the needs of families in Will and Grundy Counties. These efforts are made possible through the generosity of organizations like J-Power USA, which recently provided a $5,000 donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund and Kid Zone PLUS.
The Mission Strong Fund was established to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the YMCA in the wake of our COVID-19 related closure and aid continued community service efforts after our reopening. By supporting Mission Strong, the donation will provide assistance to multiple Greater Joliet Area YMCA youth development initiatives including:
- Providing much-needed financial assistance for Kid Zone PLUS families who are experiencing hardships due to COVID-19.
- Adapting our youth programs to incorporate lower staff-to-child ratios to meet social distancing guidelines.
- Implementing new safety guidelines in our child care and youth enrichment programs.
The Y would like to thank J-Power USA for this donation and the role it will play in providing important services to students and families this school year.
To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund or to pledge your support, please click here.
Pictured in top photo: (L-R) Greater Joliet Area YMCA Youth Development Operations Director Erin Lightbody, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Operating Officer Katy Leclair, J Power Assistant Director of Corporate Communication and Public Relations Joyce Bae, Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Jim Watts, Smith Family YMCA Executive Director Donnie Chestnutt, Smith Family YMCA Youth, Family and Outreach Director Catie Wallis, and Smith Family YMCA Membership Director Aracely Rubio.
With the new school year set to get underway in the coming weeks, the Y remains dedicated to providing much-needed child care for area families through its Kid Zone and Kid Zone PLUS programs. YMCA members are invited to help support these efforts by participating in our Fall School Supply Drive.
As a provider of important before and after school care, the Galowich and Smith Family YMCAs have the distinct pleasure of working each day with youth in the Joliet area. With the start of the new school year quickly approaching, we are continuing to monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local, state and federal health officials to ensure our YMCA is prepared to safely welcome students this fall.
As the exclusive provider of Plainfield Community School District 202’s onsite before and after school program, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA has the distinct pleasure of working each day with the youth in Plainfield. With the start of the new school year quickly approaching, we are continuing to monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local, state and federal health officials to ensure our YMCA is prepared to safely welcome students this fall.
