Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Helping Kids Thrive: Emerson Hayden’s Y Story

Each day, students in the YMCA’s Before & After School Kid Zone program explore a positive learning environment where they form foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships, and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. This includes kids like nine-year old Emerson Hayden, a fourth grade student at Central Elementary School in Plainfield School District 202.

Emerson is currently in his fifth year attending Kid Zone, and his mom, Ashleigh, said the family’s connection to the program deepens each year. 

“Some of the counselors have become like family to us,” Ashleigh said. “They’re just as invested in his growth as we are.”

Ashleigh noted a recent instance where YMCA staff helped Emerson study for a geography test covering state capitals. 

“They went above and beyond to help and their support gives him a lot of confidence,” she said. 

In addition to academic support, Ashleigh said the Y’s focus on social interaction has been vital for Emerson’s development.

“One area we’ve really seen growth in him is resolving conflict and considering other people’s feelings and ideas. Emerson is an only child and he needed to learn about sharing and, like all kids, he needed help with decision making. The counselors foster teamwork and creativity, and he’s built lasting friendships with the other kids in the program,” she said. 

Ashleigh believes the program’s curriculum also helps to keep students engaged while nurturing independence.

“We have neighbors and friends who are in the program, and we have told them how great it is that there is a balance of structure and freedom with the activities,” she said.

It’s clear to see that the Kid Zone program has become an essential piece of the Hayden family’s day-to-day life. 

“It’s an affordable, reliable program for parents. It has given us flexibility to confidently manage work and family responsibilities. For me, as a mom, knowing that Emerson is safe, happy, and thriving gives me peace of mind,” Ashleigh said. 

We would like to thank Ashleigh and her husband, Chris, for their support of the Y, and we wish Emerson the best of luck throughout the 2025-26 school year!

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Discover Your Potential: Alianna Haynes’ Y Story

The YMCA is a place where children, teens, and young adults can cultivate their talents, develop new skills, and build bonds of friendship. Sixteen-year-old Alianna Haynes has been able to accomplish all three as a member of the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s Thrive Dance Team. 

“When I was younger I took a summer jazz class at the Y and some of the girls told me about THRIVE. When I heard about it I really wanted to join.” Alianna said. “I remember watching the older girls dance and wanting to be like them. They were really nice, kind, and inspiring.”

Alianna, who attends Plainfield South High School, has now been a member of the THRIVE Dance Team for the last six years. She says that she maintains a passion for performing because it is a great outlet for personal expression. 

“I really like music and dance because it is a way to show my emotions. It’s a lot easier for me than saying it out loud,” she said. 

Alianna was also recently named a Faculty Favorite in Contemporary Dance at an Activate Your Artistry (AYA) Dance Convention, receiving the honor of AYA Brand Ambassador for the 2025-26 season. She credited the amazing team of THRIVE instructors for helping her prepare for competitions.

“My coach, Caly (Hitt), works with me on most of my competition dances. I sometimes get nervous and she does a really good job of helping me calm down and making me feel like I’m going to do a good job.”

Health, Wellness, and Dance Director Kristen Derengowski said Alianna sets a great example for younger dancers and that the AYA honor was well deserved. 

“Alianna is a fantastic dancer. She works so hard and when she steps on stage you can see her love of dance come through. It was great to see her abilities recognized,” Kristen said.

Alianna is excited to continue building a strong team atmosphere as Thrive’s fall season rolls along.

“It’s so much fun here. We’re definitely a family when we hang out at competitions. We enjoy being together,” she said.

We congratulate Alianna on all her success and wish her and all her THRIVE teammates the best this season!


Whether your child is just starting out or looking to refine their technique, the Y offers a supportive environment where every dancer can shine. Register for upcoming fall dance classes by clicking here.

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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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YMCA Member Spotlight: Adam Brown’s Y Story

Adam Brown has been a member of the C.W. Avery Family YMCA for more than 15 years and, if there is one thing those in the Y community know about him, it’s how much he loves to swim. 

“Swimming is my thing. I swam in high school. I swam in college. Now I swim at the Y five days a week,” he said. 

In addition to serving as a way to stay healthy, swimming has also played a role in allowing Brown to help others, like he did on a recent family vacation to Ocean City, New Jersey. 

“On our first morning there, my wife and I went down to get a cup of coffee on the boardwalk. We were sitting at a table during breakfast and all of the sudden you could hear screaming down by the beach,” Brown said. “I knew the lifeguards who normally patrol the area weren’t on duty yet, so my instincts kicked in.” 

Brown rushed to the shore and noticed that a family was stuck on the other side of a rock formation where a riptide had formed. 

“When I got out there, three of the four family members were starting to recover, but the 12 year old daughter was still well out in the ocean. I climbed down the rocks and jumped in the water,” he said. 

Brown swam roughly 500 yards to reach the girl and, with the assistance of two surfers who also joined the scene, helped keep her above water until rescue workers arrived to take her back to the beach.

“In total, the entire episode took 15 minutes. Even though I swim regularly, and have completed triathlons, I was completely gassed,” he said. “In fact, once I got out there, I realized that I had put myself in danger too. I just knew I had the ability to help.” 

Brown said the incident was a reminder of the precautions families should take every time they are planning activities around water.

“I think this can be a learning experience for any parents and kids out there. Regardless of the environment you are in, you should always think about safety first,” he said. “Strong swimmers, those who swim all the time and even train year-round, can get into trouble. There is a reason you should never swim at beaches that are unguarded. Know your limits.”

Facilities, Aquatics, and Risk Operations Director Cindy Moss reiterated the importance of learning from real life experiences.  

“We’re so proud of Adam and we hope his example can play a role in raising water safety awareness,” Moss said. “The Y is always here for our community, and we have the programs and services to support swimmers of any age or skill level.” 

Having returned home safely, Adam is happy to be back swimming in the pool at the Y.

“I’ve always been somebody who is looking out for everyone around me and I know that’s the way it is for so many others here at the Y. It’s a comfortable environment and a safe environment. This is the kind of place you want your family to be.” he said.

With the outdoor swimming season coming to a close and fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to utilize the YMCA! As the nation’s leading swim lesson instructor, the Y  can help your family learn the skills they need to stay safe when they are in and around water. Sign up for fall swim lessons today by registering online or by contacting your local branch.

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Healthy Lifestyles Happen Here: Tristan Borzick’s Y Story

At the Y, we help our members achieve their health and wellness goals by building a welcoming and supportive community. It’s this fellowship that has made a significant difference for C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Tristan Borzick, who has lost more than 30 pounds since the start of the year.

“I have previously tried multiple diets and gym and quit. I honestly feel if it wasn’t for the YMCA and the support from members that it would have been the same outcome with previous attempts,” Tristan said.

Tristan, a former college athlete, was determined to get back in shape after realizing he had gone too long without keeping up a solid fitness routine. 

“I never cared what I ate or did because I could lose it in practice. Over the years, I continued that same regimen and as I got older it caught up with me,” he said. “I found myself being too lazy and not motivated to do many things outside of work and coaching my kids.”

When he started visiting the Y, Tristan asked the staff about health and wellness programs and group fitness classes were suggested as an easy way to get involved. 

“I never did aerobic classes because I assumed it would be too hard. I was definitely wrong. My first class was Boot Camp and I absolutely fell in love with the class. The workout was fun, the group was motivating and welcoming. It made me feel like I was a part of a team again. That class fueled me to go to the weights after and continue my workouts,” he said. 

Tristan said he started to go to classes with his wife Monique and eventually added Step, Cardio, and HIIT classes to his schedule.

“At first I was self conscious, feeling like I would fail, but the encouragement was there from others in the class that were in my position when they first started. Their words motivated me to stick with it and prove to myself I could do it,” he said. 

Tristan said working out at the Y has improved his quality of life and added a sense of accountability to his health and wellness.

“We now have a treadmill at home and we have placed a phrase on our wall that says ‘Do it for Them’ regarding our kids and never going back to an unhealthy lifestyle,” he said. “The people we have met along our short journey have been nothing but amazing. We haven’t been able to experience every instructor, but definitely want to give thanks to Kevin, Suzuka, Marenda, and Suzanne.”

We are so happy to have Tristan and his family in our Y community and wish him well as he continues to work toward his health and wellness goals.  

If you would like to share your Y story, tell us about your success by using the online form available here.

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Helping Kids Thrive: Bobby, Emory and Theo’s Story

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. By providing a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values, YMCA Kid Zone offers an enriching experience for the students and families we serve. These efforts are designed to support parents like Gina at Wood View Elementary School in Valley View School District 365U. 

Gina and her husband Joseph have three kids in the YMCA’s Kid Zone program at Wood View Elementary: Bobby (11 years old), Emory (7 years old) and Theo (6 years old), each with their own unique and impactful experiences.

For Bobby, Gina noted that the Y has been particularly responsive to his special emotional needs. 

“If the Y hadn’t been able to accommodate Bobby that would have been difficult to navigate. From the get-go, (Childcare Director) Sarah Porzel and the Y staff have been amazing. They have worked very hard to put any worries we had at ease,” Gina said.

Porzel credits the training YMCA Kid Zone staff have received for the high quality of childcare afforded to area families every day. 

“We have worked with Valley View School District 365U to provide comprehensive training to our counselors and it has allowed them to be responsive to a wide range of situations with our students,” Porzel said. 

Gina said that Kid Zone has also facilitated important social interaction for Theo, who began Kindergarten this fall. 

“For him to be able to play together with other kids was very important. Kid Zone really gives kids another structured setting to interact with their peers and that has meant the most to us,” she said.

Providing students an opportunity to explore their personal interests is another important aspect of Kid Zone programming, something Gina has noticed with Emory. 

“My daughter is very artsy and I know the Y offers regular craft time and projects, which has been great,” Gina said. 

Overall, Gina said the YMCA Kid Zone experience has gone above and beyond to help her children thrive. 

“From the moment the staff greet the kids, the level of engagement and structure is noticeable. We couldn’t be more grateful for YMCA Kid Zone,” Gina said. 

If you are interested in registering for Kid Zone during the second semester of the 2022-23 school year, visit the program homepage by clicking here.

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