Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Introducing the YMCA Centennial Anniversary Store

As the Greater Joliet Area YMCA proudly celebrates its 100th Anniversary throughout 2026, we are excited to introduce our new Centennial Anniversary Store! Featuring dozens of YMCA apparel items, this new store offers a meaningful way for members and the community to commemorate 100 years of YMCA impact, connection, and service across Will and Grundy Counties.

The Centennial Anniversary Store features an exclusive collection of limited-edition YMCA merchandise, available in both adult and youth sizes. With apparel and accessories for the whole family, everyone can take part in the celebration all year long as we honor the Y’s long-standing commitment to strengthening our community and inspiring healthy living for all.

Every purchase made from the Centennial Anniversary Store is more than a celebration, it’s an investment in the Y’s mission. Proceeds from every purchase will support the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from YMCA programs due to the inability to pay.

Thank you for being part of our journey over the past 100 years. We invite you to shop the Centennial Anniversary Store, celebrate this milestone with us, and help carry the Y’s legacy into our next century of service.

SHOP NOW

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Members Invited to Participate in Centennial Check-In Challenge

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026! And, to help inspire members during this year-long celebration, we’re excited to announce the YMCA Centennial Check-In Challenge!

Here’s how it works:

YMCA Facility Members who check in at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA branch 100 times or more by December 15, 2026 will be entered into a drawing to win a free 1-Year Membership to the YMCA. (Some restrictions apply.)

One winner from each branch will be announced on Friday, December 18, 2026.

Get started by visiting your local Y branch today:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet IL 60431

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450

We can’t wait to see you!

For more information about the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary celebration, click here.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA to Celebrate 100 Years of Community Impact in 2026

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of service, leadership, and impact. Founded in 1926, the YMCA is one of the area’s leading nonprofit organizations, strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Throughout 2026, the YMCA will commemorate this historic milestone with a series of special events, programs, and celebrations honoring its rich history, the people who have helped to shape its legacy, and the members, donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners who continue to make its mission thrive in communities throughout Will and Grundy Counties.

YMCA members and the community will also have the opportunity to celebrate the Y’s 100th Anniversary by purchasing commemorative apparel from its new Centennial Anniversary Store, which will launch on January 7. Proceeds from every purchase will support the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from YMCA programs due to the inability to pay.

“We are so excited to celebrate the YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. “This milestone gives us a chance to reflect on the lasting impact the Y has had on generations of families in our community. We are deeply thankful for the support we’ve received over the past 100 years and look forward to continuing to serve and strengthen our community for generations to come.”

For more information about the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s 100th anniversary celebration, click here.

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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

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Support the YMCA on Giving Tuesday

We know that the true power of the Y lives in the hearts and actions of everyone who believes in our vision of a better us and a stronger community for all. Whenever we see a neighbor in need, the Y stands ready to help with open arms and caring hearts.

This year, we invite our supporters to join the #GivingTuesday movement by making a tax-deductible donation to the Y’s Mission Strong Fund. A gift of any amount will help to change the lives of people living right here in our community – your friends and neighbors.

DONATE NOW

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Give to Strength: Make a Donation to the Y During Our 12 Days of Giving Campaign

For nearly 100 years, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has worked hand-in-hand with our neighbors to bring about meaningful change in our community. As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, the Y is committed to strengthening our community by empowering young people, improving individual and community well-being, and inspiring residents of all ages to give back and connect with their neighbors.

At our three facilities in Joliet, Plainfield, and Morris, and at more than 50 program sites throughout our community, the Y is providing much-needed programs and services for children, families, and adults living in Will and Grundy Counties. Each and every day, kids of all ages are learning to swim and making new friends at summer camp and through our before and after school Kid Zone programs; teens are setting goals for their future while receiving college readiness and career training; seniors are becoming physically stronger and making connections; and families are staying active and spending quality time together.

We know that the true power of the Y lives in the hearts and actions of everyone who believes in our vision of a better us and a stronger community for all. Whenever we see a neighbor in need, the Y stands ready to help with open arms and caring hearts. This would not be possible without the support of our generous donors.

To ensure that the Y’s mission can continue to thrive and help those in our community who need it most, we invite you to make a charitable gift to the YMCA’s 2025 Mission Strong Fund during our 12 Days of Giving Campaign, which begins on November 21 and will continue through Giving Tuesday on December 3.

Your gift this holiday season will help people living right here in our community – your friends and neighbors – and ensure that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay.

DONATE TODAY

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