GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

At the Y, we take pride in creating welcoming spaces by offering programs and services that have a positive impact on families. Families like Morris Hospital YMCA members Stacey and Matt Baker and their sons Luke (age 7) and Nathan (age 5). 

The Baker Family’s YMCA experience first began when Luke played t-ball at the Y. It soon expanded to the Y’s before and after school Kid Zone program, eventually leading to Facility Membership at the Y’s original location in downtown Morris. 

“I joined to be able to get out of the house and stay active. Now we all probably come in three or four times a week in the summer. The facility here is top notch,” Stacey said.  

Matt said the entire family has been amazed by the expanded offerings at the new location, which opened last December.  

“I think it’s noteworthy how often we end up with both family cars here because we’ve arrived at separate times doing different things. There’s something here for all of us,” Matt said. “The wellness center is probably what both Stacey and I use most, but what really stuck out was the gymnasium. Having access to the two-lane track is a big deal. And the new Y has been really good for the boys. There’s so much space and new resources they get to use in the Activity Center and Kids Corner.”

Stacey said the youth spaces help build a sense of community for kids.  

“Luke and Nathan get to be around kids that they know. We’ll see families from school or from sports teams here all the time. And there’s a lot of crossover with staff, so counselors from Kid Zone will greet the boys by name when they come into the Activity Center. They make every kid feel so welcome, which in turns makes us want to bring them back,” she said. 

Regular visits to the Y have also opened the door to new activities. 

“The session-based programs allow them to explore and do a lot of different things. They are always asking ‘Mom, can I try that?’ Luke did a cooking class this winter which is something he had never gotten an opportunity to do,” she said. 

And new opportunities aren’t limited to youth programs. Stacey said she has enjoyed the expanded group fitness class options. 

“I started doing a cycling class in the last few months which I had never done before,” she said. “There is always a variety of ages and abilities and everyone is welcomed. It doesn’t feel exclusive or that you can’t be the new person in the room. The instructors are always there to help you. You start to see familiar faces and it gives you accountability. It’s a fun community.”

We would like to thank the Baker family for their support of the Y! 

If you are interested in joining the Y community, now is the perfect time! Our Summer Membership Sale is underway and continues through August 11. Learn more here. And don’t forget, registration for fall programming is underway for Facility Members! View our program guides to learn more or register online by clicking here.