GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Wallin Drive in 2021! To commemorate this milestone, we are sharing the Y story of one of our fantastic members each month. Today we shine the spotlight on Liz Bass. Liz joined the Y during our first week of operation in 2006 and we are so excited to have her share some of her favorite memories from the last 15 years. 

Q: What made you interested in joining the Y? 

Liz: I previously lived in Naperville and I’ve always been into fitness. When we moved out to Plainfield I was looking for a gym and we heard that the Y was going to be opening up. I grew up going to a Y and with two kids I definitely wanted to be a part of that again. I was also super excited when the Y opened because my son was six months old and that’s right when childcare started, which was a big thing.

Q: What are the biggest ways you feel the Y has evolved since you joined?

Liz: It’s been awesome to see everything expand. I started to go to early morning classes based on my work schedule. I remember being the only one here at 5:15 doing bootcamp and now it’s evolved into the great group it is today. When I first started there were no spin classes, now we have an entire spin room.

Q: How has your family used the Y over the years?

Liz: My kids took swim lessons here and we would spend a ton of time in the family pool during the winter. It was so good to have a place for them to go. We’ve had birthday parties here, we did all the camps, my daughter found her love of dance here. I feel like they grew up here. 

Q: How has the Y impacted you recently?

Liz: Over time you go through a bunch of stuff in your life and the people who are here, from employees to members, have been through all of it together. When things shut down because of COVID I was really missing the people and the friendships at the Y. Being able to come back was really good for my mental health. This was the place I was missing the most. It’s a positive environment. Everybody on staff is so open to listening to members. This community supports you, and the Y has been a major component in getting me through this time. 

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Y? 

Liz: I’m such a proud Y member. I really feel like we have the best Y in the world. People who haven’t come to the Y before should know that they can find what they need. It has the best facilities, great instructors, and a lot of programming. It makes you feel good because you know you’re getting a quality experience.

We would like to thank Liz for her incredible support over the last 15 years and look forward to making a positive impact on members of our community through 2021 and beyond!

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Wallin Drive in 2021! To commemorate this milestone, we will be sharing the Y story of one of our fantastic members each month. Today we shine the spotlight on Plainfield resident Denise Fudacz. Denise joined the Y as a Charter Member in 2006 and we are excited to share her Y story with you:

Q: What do you remember about joining the Y?

Denise: We live in the neighborhood. When the Y first opened, we came over to check it out on a tour. We really liked it and we were sold on it from the start!

Q: What are the main ways you have used the Y?

Denise: It’s a great place to come work out. I used to come in and swim every morning at 5 a.m. I think I did that for three years. Recently I got some personal training sessions for Christmas and I’ve started working out again.

Q: What are some fond Y memories you have?

Denise: There have been a lot of great experiences and I have met a lot of wonderful people. I remember doing the first weight loss challenge program. And, I was always afraid of deep water, so I actually took some swimming lessons when I started.

Q: How has the Y impacted your family?

Denise: Our children are older now, but our daughter worked at the Y in Kids Corner when she was younger. It’s been wonderful to see kids who grew up at the Y come through. I’ll run into them from time to time.

Q: What would you say to someone interested in joining the Y?

Denise: It’s a safe place for kids and families, and the Y does so much for the community. It really is a place where it’s like coming home.

We send a heartfelt hank you to Denise for sharing her story, and for being a loyal C.W. Avery Family YMCA member!