Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Chicago Tribune Names Greater Joliet Area YMCA a Winner of the Chicago Area 2025 Top Workplaces Award

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been awarded a 2025 Top Workplaces honor by the Chicago Tribune. An eight-time Top Workplace honoree, the YMCA has been providing much-needed programs and services for children, families, and adults living in Will and Grundy Counties for nearly 100 years.

The annual Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. This confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, just to name a few.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

“Being recognized by the Chicago Tribune as a Top Workplace for the eighth time is an extraordinary honor for our YMCA,” said President and CEO Katy Leclair. “Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication to serving our community and advancing the Y’s mission is truly inspiring, and I feel grateful every day to work alongside such a remarkable team. As we look ahead to our Centennial Anniversary in 2026, this recognition is a wonderful way to celebrate the individuals who bring our programs to life and make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” Leclair added.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has more than 800 full and part-time employees who work at its three facilities and more than 50 program sites across Will and Grundy Counties. Driven by its mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. But, most importantly, its doors are open to everyone, regardless of age, income, or background. At the Y, no one is ever turned away due to the inability to pay.

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YMCA Staff Profile: Meet JETS Assistant Head Swim Coach Manny Arriola

The JETS YMCA Swim Team, one of the area’s most historic youth swimming clubs, is a year-round competitive swimming program that offers instruction and training for swimmers, ages six and up. This fall, we were excited to welcome Manny Arriola as the team’s assistant head swim coach. Manny has been a familiar face in YMCA aquatics programs for the past three years, and brings a wide range of instructional experience to his new role. You can learn more about him in the Q&A below.

Q: Can you describe your background in aquatics and past experience with the YMCA?

My swimming journey began when I was nine years old. I swam for the Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club (CWAC) until I started high school. I then became a member of the swim and water polo teams at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.

I started my coaching career in September 2023 as an assistant for the JETS, and I have enjoyed working with all the amazing staff and coaches I have met during my time here. I have learned a lot about coaching from all of them. In addition to working with the JETS, I previously served as head lifeguard at the Galowich Family YMCA, which allowed me to teach training classes to prospective lifeguards. I have also worked with swimmers as a private swim instructor. 

Q: Why are you passionate about the JETS program?

With my competitive swimming background, I’ve always had a strong desire to stay connected to the sport. I gained countless life lessons as a swimmer and becoming a coach has given me the chance to give back to the community. Coaching for the JETS has given me a new perspective and allowed me to help shape the next generation of swimmers, both in the pool and in their day-to-day lives. What makes this experience even more meaningful is that I share the core values of the JETS and the YMCA as a whole. Supporting swimmers and their growth – physically, mentally, and emotionally – has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m truly grateful to be part of a community that reflects the values I believe in, and I’m proud to represent both the JETS and the YMCA

Q: What are the most important things parents/swimmers should know about the benefits of YMCA aquatics programming?

One important thing for parents and swimmers to understand is that YMCA aquatics programs go far beyond teaching swim lessons, they also help instill valuable life skills along the way.  From the earliest days of learning to float, to developing resilience after a tough race, every step becomes part of a meaningful Y story- one filled with growth, encouragement, and achievement. We also emphasize that our programs are inclusive, welcoming swimmers of all ages and skill levels. And, with the dedicated work of our instructors and directors, swimming at the Y is truly life-changing. It’s inspiring to witness how the Y transforms beginners into confident swimmers and more confident individuals overall.

Q: What is your overall coaching philosophy? 

I believe coaching goes beyond teaching technique; it’s about being a mentor and a positive influence. My coaching philosophy centers on empowering swimmers for personal growth in addition to athletic development. As a coach, I strive to instill the core values of the YMCA while helping swimmers build confidence, character, and resilience. Swimming uniquely combines individual achievement with team unity, offering a space where athletes learn to push themselves independently while supporting and growing alongside their teammates. Swimmers have the opportunity to meet new people, form friendships, and have fun – all while learning new skills. My goal is for swimmers to one day look back and recognize how much they improved not only as athletes, but as individuals. It’s this balance that makes the sport, and the coaching role, so meaningful.

Q: What are things to watch from the JETS during the fall/winter season?

With more than 200 swimmers, this is the largest the JETS team has ever been and we are so proud to expand our reach throughout the communities we serve. The launch of the JETS program at the Morris Hospital YMCA is a huge development. Welcoming a wave of new swimmers from Morris and the surrounding communities of Grundy County has been a great step forward for the program. Another milestone on the horizon is the anticipated opening of the new Village of Shorewood YMCA next spring, which will continue the expansion of the JETS program. The prospect of bringing in new swimmers and hosting more meets has generated a lot of enthusiasm among swimmers and families alike. It’s truly an exciting time to be a part of the JETS.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time outside the Y?

I have a variety of hobbies, but swimming remains one of my favorite ways to relax during my free time.  I still swim recreationally during my time off. If I had to choose my favorite swim strokes, I would pick backstroke and freestyle, but my favorite events overall are the individual medleys. I also enjoy reading, especially philosophy books and comic books, which I enjoy for their thought-provoking ideas and creative storytelling.

We are so excited to have Manny helping lead our JETS! To learn more about YMCA aquatics programs, click here.

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YMCA Staff Profile: Meet Aquatics Director Coni Schram

The Morris Hospital YMCA is proud to welcome Coni Schram as our new Aquatics Director! Coni brings more than 20 years of aquatics experience to the Y, and we know she will do an amazing job leading programs in our lap pool. You can learn more about Coni in the Q&A below. 

Q: Where are you from and what is your background in aquatics? 

I live in New Lenox where I was an Aquatics Supervisor at Lincoln-Way High School for 24 years. 

Q: Why were you interested in joining the Y team? 

The culture. Right from the start, I have been welcomed with open arms and embraced with a supportive environment by the staff team and members.  

Q: What do you find most rewarding/inspiring about working in aquatics? 

I love to see the progression of a person who is learning to swim. It is very rewarding to see the advancement in skill and watch confidence grow. 

Q: How can members of the community benefit from YMCA aquatics programs? 

There are a lot of programs our members can benefit from. We offer group swim lessons, private swim lessons, and adaptive swim lessons. We also offer multiple water exercise classes that have numerous advantages: enhancing cardiovascular health, improving strength and flexibility, and aiding in stress management, all while being low-impact on joints and muscles. 

]You don’t have to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the programs and benefits of our pool.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? 

I love being outside. I enjoy sports, travel and spending time with my family.

We are so excited to have Coni leading the Y’s aquatics team in Morris! If you would like to join the Y team as a lifeguard or swim instructor, apply online today. To learn more about YMCA aquatics programs, click here.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Announces New Partnership with Joliet Junior College to Serve Youth in the Community

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA was proud to announce a new partnership with Joliet Junior College (JJC) at a special ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 6. This partnership will strengthen both organizations’ shared commitment to serve youth in the community, offering invaluable services and programs to children throughout the year. 

Through this new partnership, the YMCA and JJC will work together to host programming on the college’s Main Campus. These programs will include year-round youth sports leagues and camps, offered as part of YMCA Junior Wolves, where youth will have the opportunity to train with JJC athletes and coaches and YMCA staff. Another initiative is the newly launched Paws on the Street program, which brings JJC student-athletes into schools and the YMCA’s after-school Kid Zone program to mentor and inspire younger students. This spring, the YMCA Junior Wolves NFL flag football league, supported in part by a partnership with the Chicago Bears, will also be hosted at JJC, giving local youth access to high-quality training and facilities.

“Our mission at JJC goes beyond education—it’s about building community,” said JJC President Dr. Clyne Namuo. “By welcoming these YMCA programs to our campus, we are not just providing space; we are creating new opportunities for young people to grow, explore and feel a sense of belonging at JJC.”

JJC first opened its doors to the YMCA in 2024, with the YMCA Teen REACH summer day camp program running on-site for 10 weeks. The success of that initiative laid the foundation for a more formalized collaboration, and the new partnership will allow the Y to work together with JJC to host additional programming on the college’s main campus.

“We are so grateful to our partners at JJC for sharing their beautiful facilities with the YMCA and the kids and families we have the privilege of serving in our programs each day,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. “Together, we will work tirelessly to reimagine the ways we can support families in the greater Joliet area by expanding YMCA summer camps and youth sports programs.”

To help facilitate this partnership, several members of the Y’s Joliet Youth Development Team will work onsite in an office located inside the JJC Event Center.

“We are very excited to roll up our sleeves and begin working with the team here at JJC to expand Y programs and serve families in Joliet,” said YMCA Operations Director Brooke Hall. “With this wonderful facility and this new partnership, the sky’s the limit.”

For more information about upcoming YMCA programs at JJC, contact Joliet Community YMCA Executive Director Brooke Hall at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 316.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for Future Village of Shorewood YMCA


The Greater Joliet Area YMCA was excited to welcome the community to a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Village of Shorewood YMCA on Thursday, November 21. More than 180 people were in attendance to help the Y celebrate the construction of the new facility, which is being built on Route 52 in Shorewood and is expected to open to the community in spring 2026.

Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tasha Marsaglia opened the event by welcoming guests and introducing YMCA member Stephen Blount, who provided the morning’s invocation.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair then took the podium to speak about the Y’s deep-rooted history in our community, encouraging attendees to reflect on the role the Y has played in their lives. She also celebrated the impact the future facility will have for residents of all ages and thanked the Y’s Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment to the project. Leclair also praised the Village of Shorewood, Mayor Clarence “CC” DeBold, and the Village Board of Trustees for their support and partnership.

“The YMCA has proudly served the community for nearly 100 years, and we are so excited to write the next chapter of our storied history in Shorewood,” Leclair said. “Of course, I am very excited for the unbelievable amenities this beautiful facility will offer for our community, but I am even more excited about the Y stories it will create. The connections that will be made and the bonds of friendship that will grow will transform this building into a thriving community center.”

Leclair invited Mayor Debold to share his vision for the partnership between the Y and the Village of Shorewood. He emphasized that Y programs will provide fun activities like youth sports leagues for kids, as well as important health and wellness programs for adults and seniors, all while adding employment opportunities to the Shorewood community. 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. 

Minooka Community High School District 111 Superintendent Dr. Robert Schiffbauer then spoke about the impact the new facility will have on Minooka High School student-athletes. Beginning in fall 2026, the Y will serve as the home for the school’s swim teams. He thanked the Y for providing more opportunities for students to have an enriching high school experience. 

Schiffbauer then introduced Cheri Rubocki, Chairman of the YMCA’s Board of Directors, who reflected on her experiences as a YMCA swim team parent and volunteer, and expressed her excitement to work alongside the Village of Shorewood to serve our community.

“On behalf of the YMCA’s Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mayor DeBold and the Village Board of Trustees for their partnership and support of the YMCA’s mission. I know that I speak for the Board when I say that we are looking forward to working with the Village to serve our community for generations to come,” Rubocki said. 

Village of Shorewood Advisory Council Chairman Dr. Karla Guseman then highlighted the Y’s commitment to youth development and its financial assistance program, which will help to ensure that YMCA’s programs are available for children, adults, and families living in Shorewood and the greater Joliet community.

Trisha Dust, who will serve as the Village of Shorewood YMCA Executive Director when the facility opens, closed the program by recognizing the contributions of YMCA staff and shared the team’s gratitude for the overwhelming support this new facility has already received from the community. 

To learn more about the Village of Shorewood YMCA, please contact Executive Director Trisha Dust at (815) 744-3939, ext. 327 or visit www.jolietymca.org.

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Chicago Tribune Names Greater Joliet Area YMCA a Winner of the Chicago Area 2024 Top Workplaces Award

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been awarded a 2024 Top Workplaces honor by the Chicago Tribune. A seven-time Top Workplace honoree, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been providing much-needed programs and services for children, families, and adults living in Will and Grundy Counties for nearly 100 years.

The annul Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. This confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, just to name a few.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

“Being recognized as a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune for the seventh time is truly a wonderful honor for our YMCA,” said President and CEO Katy Leclair. “Our organization is powered by the unwavering passion and commitment of our employees. They are dedicated to serving our community and growing the Y’s mission, and it is truly a privilege to work alongside this amazing team each and every day,” added Leclair.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has more than 750 full and part-time employees who work at its three facilities and more than 50 program sites across Will and Grundy Counties. Driven by its mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. But, most importantly, its doors are open to everyone, regardless of age, income or background. At the Y, no one is ever turned away due to the inability to pay.

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