Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Morris Community YMCA Announces Summer Preschool Camp Opportunities

In addition to summer day camp, the Morris Community  YMCA is excited to offer summer preschool camp for children ages 3-6! Through a variety of activities that are both structured and open play, our dedicated staff members teach, model, and reinforce the Y’s character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Weekly activities incorporate bright colors, music, and interactive games to help our youngest members develop their socialization skills. YMCA summer preschool camps are a great opportunity for your child to embrace his or her imagination and be creative. (Please note: All participants must be potty trained.)

Camp Dates and Themes:

June 24-27 – Blast Off to Summer!
July 8-11 – Under the Sea
July 15-18 – Storybook Adventures
July 22-25 – Stomp, Roar, Sparkle & Shine

Camp Hours: 9-11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday

Camp Location:
JJC Morris Education Center
725 School Street
Morris, IL 60450

Weekly Rates: $80 for Facility Members, $125 for Community Members

REGISTER ONLINE

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YMCA Announces Partnership with Village of Shorewood to Build New Facility

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA announced today that it will be embarking on an exciting journey in partnership with the Village of Shorewood to build a new state-of-the-art YMCA facility on Route 52 in Shorewood. Construction of the new YMCA facility will begin later this year and is expected to open to the community in 2026.

Located along the thriving Route 52 corridor on land near the Village Hall, the new 60,000-square-foot YMCA facility will feature a wellness center, gymnasium, an eight-lane lap pool, group exercise studios, community rooms, and outdoor spaces for summer camps and youth sports programs. Upon opening, the new facility will also serve as the home for the Y’s Regional Office, which provides support and leadership to all YMCA branches and program sites in Will and Grundy Counties.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Village of Shorewood to grow our mission in Will County,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. “Through this innovative partnership, we will work together to build a thriving community center that will provide YMCA members and residents living in Shorewood and the greater Joliet area with access to health and wellness and recreational programming in a welcoming and contemporary space,” added Leclair.

“The Village of Shorewood is very excited to partner with the YMCA to build a new state-of-the-art recreational facility in our community,” said Shorewood Village Mayor Clarence “CC” DeBold. “The YMCA is a well-respected organization with a strong family focus and a long history of serving the residents of Will County, making it a great partner for the Village of Shorewood. This will be a wonderful amenity for our residents and the community,” added DeBold.

As one of the nation’s leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the Y is committed to strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For more than 95 years, the YMCA has provided much-needed programs and services for children, adults, and families living in Will and Grundy Counties. At its three facilities in Joliet, Plainfield, and Morris, and at more than 50 program sites located throughout our community, the Y serves residents of all ages through its before and after school, summer camp, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness programs. Through its financial assistance and scholarship program, the YMCA works to ensure that its programs are available to everyone and no one is turned away due to the inability to pay. In 2023, the Y provided more than $900,000 in financial assistance for children, adults, and families living in our community.

Construction of the new YMCA facility in Shorewood is expected to begin later this year. While the new YMCA facility is under construction, the Galowich Family YMCA, which is located just four miles east of where the new facility will be built, will remain open to serve YMCA members and the community. When the new YMCA opens in Shorewood, the Galowich Family YMCA will be retired and the facility and land will be sold.

“To meet the needs of the greater Joliet community and to ensure the long-term sustainability of our YMCA, we must continue to provide our members and the community with innovative and state-of-the-art facilities,” said Leclair. “Although we are sad to be retiring the Galowich Family YMCA building, we are excited to write the next chapter of the Y’s storied history in our community as we continue to provide much-needed youth development programs at more than 50 community-based sites throughout the greater Joliet area,” added Leclair.

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Registration for 2024 Summer Day Camp is Underway!

At the Y, we provide safe, affordable, and fun summer day camps for youth and teens in grades K-8. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

Daily activities include:

-Teambuilding
-Arts and Crafts
-Outdoor Exploration
-STEAM Activities
-Reading Time
-And so much more!

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!

Registration is underway! Register for summer day camp by March 25, and pay a $0 registration fee, a savings of $45!

Register for YMCA Summer Day Camp programs available in your area by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Plainfield and the surrounding communities)
(Currently on a wait list.)

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Valley View School District 365U)

Galowich Family YMCA (Serving children in Grades K-5 in Joliet and the surrounding communities)

Galowich Family YMCA Teen REACH (Serving children in Grades 6-8 in Joliet and the surrounding communities)
(Currently on a wait list.)

Morris Community YMCA (Serving Morris and the surrounding communities)

In addition to summer day camp, the YMCA offers a variety of sports, preschool, and specialty camps each summer.

EARLY BIRD SALE

Save $5 when you register for a summer sports or specialty camp between March 9-25. Use promo code: CAMP5OFF when registering online. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Some restrictions may apply.

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Smiles All Around: Join the Y During Our Spring Membership Sale

Spring Membership Sale
March 8-11, 2024*

* Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. 

Start your spring off right by joining the Y during our Spring Fun Membership Sale! During this sale, new and alumni members will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120! With our wide variety of classes and programs, you’ll be sure to find something at the Y for every member of your family.

LEARN MORE

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:

  • Two 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 new 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.

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 Spring 2024 Program Session Schedules.

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

*Programs, classes, and amenities vary by location and are subject to change

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

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

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL 60431

Morris Community YMCA
320 Wauponsee St, Morris, IL 60450

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2024 YMCA GALA Nets More Than $250,000 For Mission Strong Fund

It was truly a night to remember as an inspired and generous room of more than 450 supporters helped the Greater Joliet Area YMCA raise more than $250,000 at the 2024 YMCA Gala on Saturday, February 24, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Guests enjoyed an elegant evening that included dinner, live entertainment, and the opportunity to bid on exciting silent and live auction items. Funds raised from this year’s record-setting Gala will benefit the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay. 

Generously presented by Midland States Bank, the 2024 YMCA Gala celebrated charitable giving at the YMCA by showcasing the Y’s impact throughout the community and the generous donors who make its mission come to life each and every day. Now in its 16th year, the Y’s signature fundraising event has raised more than $1.65 million to provide financial assistance for children, adults, and families living in our community. 

At this year’s Gala, the Y presented the inaugural William R. Lauer Service to Youth Award to Bill Lauer in recognition of his more than 60 years of inspiring service to the Greater Joliet Area YMCA and the youth in our community. Because of Bill’s amazing contributions, tens of thousands of kids in our community have had the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the YMCA. Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair also announced the establishment of the William R. Lauer Endowment Fund, which will help provide continued financial assistance to Y kids for years to come. To support this newly established Fund, visit our online giving portal and select ‘William R. Lauer Endowment Fund’ from the ‘Designation’ dropdown menu when making your donation. 

During the “Raise the Paddle” portion of the evening, the Y’s mission was brought to life by showcasing a YMCA story of impact. Guests generously raised their paddles in an auction-style format with individual contributions ranging from $50-$10,000. In total, “Raise the Paddle” contributions eclipsed $100,000 in support of the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund.

Danielle Tufano served as the evening’s volunteer auctioneer and nine exciting packages were sold during the live auction. Items included an in-home, six–course dinner party, generously donated by Tom Grotovsky; a weekend trip to Nashville with two tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and a bottle of George Dickel 17-Year-Old Reserve Tennessee Whisky, generously donated by the Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors, Diageo, and Friends of the YMCA; and a complete collection of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, generously donated by Westside Liquors. The top-grossing item of the night was a two-week getaway to Hawaii, generously donated by Fred and Maria Bliznik.

This year’s Gala volunteer planning committee members included: Kathy Blessent, Madi Brown, Erica Garvey, Mary Jaworski, Maria Macris, Kristin Orban, Kari Ramirez, Whitney Valdivia, and Barb Ziegner. Donnie Chestnutt, Trisha Dust, Dori Fugate, Carolyn Hamilton, and Erin Lightbody provided staff support. 

Sponsors Included:

Presenting Sponsor
-Midland States Bank

Diamond Sponsor
-DIAGEO

Ruby Sponsors
-Edward Jones
-Narvick Bros. 
-Old National Bank

Emerald Sponsors
-Aux Sable/Pembina
-Blue Ribbon Products/Constellation Brands
-C. and J. Avery Family Foundation
-Canadian National
-D’Arcy Buick GMC
-Endeavor Health
-ExxonMobil
-Grundy Bank
-Gus P. Rousonelos
-Joliet Bank & Trust, A branch of Old Plank Trail Community Bank NA, A Wintrust Community Bank
-Joliet Junior College
-Old National Bank
-Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
-Pursuit Wealth Group
-Stockton Wealth Management

Sapphire Sponsors
-Hometown National Bank
-Lori Bonarek Realty
-Old National Bank
-The Ziegner-Orban Family

Pearl Sponsors
–Busey Bank
-“D” Construction
-Dr. Theresa Rouse
-Joliet Bank & Trust, A branch of Old Plank Trail Community Bank NA, A Wintrust Community Bank -DesignGroup
-Merchants and Manufacturers Bank
-R.L. Sohol General Contractor, Inc.
-Ron Tirapelli Ford
-Village Flower Shop

Opal Sponsors
-Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet
-Cuttin Edge Lawn to Landscape
-Law Offices of John F. Argoudelis, LLC
-Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers

In-Kind Support
-Graphic Promotions, Inc.
-Grundy County Chamber of Commerce
-Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
-Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce

Save the date and make your plans to join us for the next YMCA Gala, which will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025. We also invite you to participate in the 2024 YMCA Mission Strong Golf Classic, which will be held on Wednesday, September 18. Foursomes for the YMCA’s third annual outing will go on sale this summer.

To make a tax-deductible donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, please click here.

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Say Hello to Summer: Registration for Summer Day Camp Opens for Facility Members on March 9

At the Y, we provide safe, affordable, and fun summer day camps for youth and teens in grades K-8. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

Daily activities include:

-Teambuilding
-Arts and Crafts
-Outdoor Exploration
-STEAM Activities
-Reading Time
-And so much more!

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!

Registration opens on March 9 for YMCA Facility Members and on March 16 for Community Members. Register for summer day camp by March 25, and pay a $0 registration fee, a savings of $45!

Learn more about YMCA Summer Day Camp programs available in your area by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Plainfield and the surrounding communities)

C.W. Avery Family YMCA (Serving Valley View School District 365U)

Galowich Family YMCA (Serving children in Grades K-5 in Joliet and the surrounding communities)

Galowich Family YMCA Teen REACH (Serving children in Grades 6-8 in Joliet and the surrounding communities)

Morris Community YMCA (Serving Morris and the surrounding communities)

In addition to summer day camp, the YMCA offers a variety of sports, preschool, and specialty camps each summer.

EARLY BIRD SALE

Save $5 when you register for a summer sports or specialty camp between March 9-25. Use promo code: CAMP5OFF when registering online. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Some restrictions may apply.

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