Youth Development — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

YMCA’s Teen Achievers Program Awarded $10K Grant From Midland States Bank

January 29, 2020

Pictured above (left to right) with students from Joliet West High School: Senior Development Director Julie Wilkinson, Midland States Bank Regional Community Development Relationship Manager Cornell Lurry, Teen Achievers Coordinator Shaun Sanderson, Midland States Bank Regional Market President Christine Uram, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Metro Board Member and Midland States Bank Senior Vice President of Banking Dan Stevenson, Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Jim Watts, Teen and Young Adult Advancement Manager Kelsey Kruel

Students in the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Teen Achievers program joined Y staff on Tuesday afternoon at Joliet West High School to accept a $10,000 grant from the Midland States Bank Foundation. The occasion marked the fourth consecutive year in which the Midland States Bank Foundation chose Teen Achievers as a recipient of these generous funds through a competitive grant process.

“Our Y is committed to helping young people succeed. It’s at the core of our mission. The Teen Achievers program has proven to be effective, working in complement with parents and schools to help students set and achieve their personal and educational goals,” Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO James Watts said.

Tuesday afternoon’s check presentation coincided with an after school workshop that focused on helping students solidify their vision for the future. While sharing their personal experiences, many students mentioned a desire to achieve high levels of academic success while describing their intended career paths. Other students in attendance expressed an interest in expanding their community service efforts before graduating.

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Metro Board Member and Midland States Bank Senior Vice President of Banking Dan Stevenson presented the check to the students and shared words of support. He expressed his excitement about the progress shown by students in the Teen Achievers program and reiterated the importance of maintaining a strong vision for their future, both personally and professionally.

The Y’s Teen and Young Adult Advancement Manager Kelsey Kruel led the discussion and thanked Midland States Bank for their generous gift.

“Generosity of this magnitude guarantees that our students will be exposed to experiences, interactions, discussions and people that could potentially change the trajectory of their lives,” said Teen and Young Adult Advancement Manager Kelsey Kruel. “People have an idea of the impact this program can have on individual students, but when we think of the effect it could have on the greater community and the systems our students are currently a part of, a gift like this one becomes that much more powerful.”

One of the Y’s most beloved programs, Teen Achievers provides area high school students with the guidance and support they need to discover their identities, embrace their passions, and become their best selves. With the support of the Y’s dedicated Teen and Young Adult staff team, students learn to manage their stress, time, and emotions, and learn about the importance of making confident and wise decisions during their high school years. Through weekly conversations, informative guest speakers, and college visits, students learn about life after high school and receive the encouragement to, not just complete twelfth grade, but to be truly prepared for whatever comes next.

Offered at five area high schools across Will and Grundy Counties, the Teen Achievers program now serves approximately 175 students Programming is free or offered at a modest fee, though no one is turned away for the inability to afford the experience. Contributions from grantors, the community, and the United Way of Will County help to underwrite the YMCA’s investment to provide Teen Achievers.

Morris Community YMCA Partners with Morris Athletic Association to Expand Youth Sports Programs

December 16, 2019

The Morris Community YMCA is excited to announce a new partnership with the Morris Athletic Association (MAA). Beginning in spring 2020, the MAA will transition leadership of its 8 and under youth baseball and softball programs to the YMCA. This exciting new collaboration will provide additional dedicated resources for the community’s T-Ball, Pinto, and 8U Girls Softball programs and expand the Y’s youth sports programs in Morris. Program details can be found below:

T-Ball
Ages: 5-6 years old
Price: $90
Register Today!

Pinto Baseball
Ages: 7-8 years old
Price: $105
Register Today!

Girls Softball
Ages: 6-8 years old
Price: $105
Register Today!

SPECIAL OFFER FOR YMCA MEMBERS

Current Morris Community YMCA Facility Members will save $10 when they register for T-Ball, Pinto, or 8U Girls Softball by February 17, 2020.

Open Registration will run through February 17, 2020. Registration fees will increase by $25 after February 17, 2020.

Download Registration Form

Uniforms will not be guaranteed by the first game for those players who register after March 2, 2020.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Download Sponsorship Form

For more information, please contact:
Sports Director Chris Interial
Phone: (815) 513-8080
Email: [email protected]

2019 Holiday Card Design Contest Winners

December 6, 2019

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is proud to announce five winners for our 2019 Holiday Card Design Contest. These designs were selected from hundreds submitted to our four branches and will be featured on the Y’s 2019 Holiday Cards. Thank you to all who participated! You can see the contest winners and their designs below.

Michelle, Age 11

Natalie, Age 8

Hannah, Age 8

Bree, Age 8

Ricky, Age 7

C.W. Avery Family YMCA Celebrates Fall Fest

November 13, 2019

Everyone who walks through the doors of a YMCA becomes an integral piece of a strong community. These connections are built across multiple generations, with a great example coming from this afternoon’s Fall Fest at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA. Now in its third year, this annual event brings together members of our Fab 50 program with children in our Pint-Size Pupils youth enrichment program for a day of games, arts and crafts and other fun activities.

“It’s so nice to have the interaction between the Fab 50 group and the preschool kids. We’re not strangers to them. They’ve come in to sing songs during Halloween and a few of us go in and volunteer at preschool during parts of the day,” Fab 50 member Beverly Webb said.

Webb, a former school teacher, is one of the event organizers and said that the day reflects a commitment to a lifetime of learning.

“This is the first time I’ve worked with kids this young because I taught second and third grade. They’ve helped me learn to explain things further and to think in their terms,” she said. “Pinterest in my friend. That’s where I get a lot of the ideas and then I get my husband to help me put them together.”

For Fab 50 members like Joe Miraglia (76) and Leon Mowrer (96) helping children develop social skills and stay active is a treasured experience.

“The way they react to you, they end up looking up to you. It’s fun to see them and later walk by because they’ll go ‘Hey Mr. Joe!’. They are kind of our replacement grandchildren,” Miraglia said.

“I can’t really even describe what this does for me. I just love the kids,” Mowrer said. “I wish I could do more but I’m a little older now. All my grandkids are grown up already so when I can do things with the kids here it’s a big thrill. They make my day.”

A corresponding Spring Fest is scheduled for next April. Webb said every event provides new and exciting memories.

“I enjoy being with these little ones. You never know what they’ll say or do. They’re wonderfully unpredictable,” she said.

For more information on Fab 50 or Pint-Size Pupils, contact Youth and Family Director Shannon Stawikowski at (815) 267-8600 ext. 212 or [email protected]

Developing Future Leaders: Julie Wang’s Story

October 9, 2019

At the Y, we not only provide opportunities for young adults to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but also find ways to help them become well-rounded members of the community. JETS Swimmer Julie Wang is one such individual. Wang has been selected as one of just 22 swimmers from around the country to attend the YMCA’s Emerging Leader Academy in Orlando, Florida. The Academy’s conference will run from October 10 to October 13, providing an arena for students to hone their swimming talents as well further develop their leadership skills.

“These athletes are not only great swimmers, they are great kids. They have a combination of athletic skill and leadership qualities that stand out,” Director of Competitive Aquatics Ashleigh Thomas said. “Being able to lead is something the Y Leadership Conference looks for and wants to continue to develop.”

Wang’s relationship with the Y began when she was just five years old. At that time, she looked up to her older brother and his place in the JETS swim program.

“He had started when he was eight and swam until he graduated high school. I saw that he was having so much fun with the team and I wanted that as well. It motivated me. One of my goals was to improve on my swimming, but I also wanted to make friends,” Wang said.

Wang has maintained a strong relationship with her team members and says their support has made going to practices and meets some of the best experiences of her life.

“You feel like you’ve accomplished something because they are there to cheer you on. We’re highly motivated and hold each other accountable,” she said.

Wang, a junior at Joliet West High School, has taken what she has learned from her time on the JETS and put it into action for her school’s team.

“It’s a very different dynamic. Our team is in development and we’re trying to build a culture and a program. I came in as a freshman and was the fastest swimmer. When you’re in a situation like that a lot of people look to you. I realized you have to set a good example. The JETS has helped me strive to work harder,” Wang said.

Thomas said one of Wang’s strengths is her drive to be successful in a wide range of activities. Wang is a straight-A student and also plays the french horn for her school band.

“Julie is extremely well-rounded which is great if you’re going to compete in anything. She has this creative musical side to her and when you put her in groups she works well with different people,” Thomas said.

Wang tries to apply the principles of patience and dedication she has learned from JETS into everyday life.

“Swimming has taught me a lot about responsibility and time management. I always looked up to the older kids on the team and watched them succeed. I strived to do that as well and become the best version of myself,” Wang said.

In addition to the on-site “swimposium” aspect of the conference, academy assignments include online learning, interviews, self-assessment and a service project. Topics addressed will include leadership styles, communication, problem-solving and decision-making, difficult conversations, inclusion, influencing culture and mentorship. Wang is looking forward to what the program can teach her.

“I was honored to be considered. Being called a leader is a huge compliment. Ever since I was little, I have liked to take action to help people. It’s really rewarding,” Wang said. “I am blessed with so many opportunities and I want to make a difference and help the people around me. I feel like I’ll get to work on my leadership skills and meet other people with the same mentality.”

We congratulate Julie on her accomplishments and are proud to have her representing the Great Joliet Area YMCA this week!