Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

You are here: Home / Archives for Social Responsibility

Community Grows Here: Morris Hospital YMCA Unveils History Wall

In celebration of the Morris Hospital YMCA’s first anniversary, the Y unveiled a new history wall within the facility in January 2026. This installation honors the visionary leaders and impactful moments that shaped our journey, and will help connect visitors with the Y for years to come.

We remain deeply grateful to the volunteers, donors, and community partners whose dedication to the Y’s mission, and to the residents of Grundy County, made this transformational project possible. This remarkable achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when a community unites around a shared vision of health, belonging, and opportunity.

SHARE THIS:

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.

SHARE THIS:

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.

SHARE THIS:

Morris Hospital YMCA Celebrating One-Year Anniversary with Community Open House on January 10

The Morris Hospital YMCA is turning 1 and we are so excited to host a Community Open House from 10 a.m.-Noon on Saturday, January 10!

Make your plans to join us for a festive celebration, complete with activities for all ages:

-Tours to explore the facility, including the lap pool
-Opportunities to learn more about membership, classes, and programs like YMCA swim lessons
-Meet and a greets with our amazing staff team
-Games and bounce house fun in the gym
-A celebration of the the Y’s big day with cookie decorating and designing your very own birthday hat

PLUS…

Enjoy demos, exclusive membership specials, and exciting prizes. Free and open to the community!

#WhataONEderfulYear

SHARE THIS:

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Distributes Toys for Tots Presents to More Than 800 Children This Holiday Season

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been proud to once again serve as a Toys for Tots collection and distribution site in 2025. As the largest distribution organization in the area, the Y sorts through several thousand toys each holiday season. This week, volunteers came together at the Galowich Family YMCA to prepare gifts that will provide a memorable Christmas for more than 800 children in need in our community. From action figures and books, to basketballs and board games, these generously donated gifts were collected in partnership with the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

On behalf of the Y and all the families we served this year, we’d like to thank Joliet Junior College Athletics, Old National Bank, and Target for their amazing volunteer support with Toys for Tots. We also thank Target for providing funds to donate holiday meals to families in need. 

For more information about Toys For Tots in our area, click here.

SHARE THIS:

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

DONATE NOW

SHARE THIS:

United Way