This week marks the start of the 2024-2025 school year and the Y is ready to once again welcome students into our before and after school Kid Zone program! Before and After Care Director Lori Barrie is starting her first year at the helm of the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s Kid Zone program in Plainfield School District 202. We are so excited to have Lori on the Y team. You can learn more about her in the Q&A below!
Q: How did you get involved with the YMCA’s Kid Zone program?
I have been with the Y’s before and after school team for more than seven years. My journey began as a counselor at Eichelberger Elementary School and I later became a site supervisor for the schools in the northern portion of the district. I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to visit and get to know students, parents, and counselors throughout the years, and I’m so happy to get started as the director of this wonderful program!
Q: Why do you have a passion for youth development work?
Working with children is an amazing experience. My goal is to provide children with a safe, fun, and rewarding learning environment, making a positive impact on their lives each and every day.
Q: What do you think makes YMCA Kid Zone a special experience for kids?
I think the sense of community and family that we create at our Kid Zone sites makes it special. We also offer a variety of crafts, STEM projects, games, and physical activities that we know create well rounded learners.
Q: With the new school year officially underway, what are some of the most exciting activities you have planned for the months ahead?
Each month, we base our curriculum around a core character development theme. Our first theme is ‘Relationship Building,’ so we are incorporating different activities for kids to start building positive relationships with their classmates and counselors. We are also excited to have guests from the Plainfield Library visiting sites for reading activities, and the games and themes we have planned for our Fun Fridays are always a favorite activity for our students!
Q: What are your favorite things to do outside of the Y?
My favorite thing to do outside of the Y is to spend time with my family. We enjoy exploring new places on walks and hikes. I am also a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and love attending games and watching them on TV!
If you are interested in joining our Kid Zone staff team, visit our Employment Opportunities page or apply online today.
The Y is excited to offer health and wellness programs for homeschool families this fall! These five-week programs are open to kids, ages 4-14.
The Joliet Y JETS swim team offers a range of practice groups, from beginner to advanced, based on age, skill, speed and commitment. To be placed on the beginning level of the team, swimmers must be able to swim freestyle for one length of the pool (25 yards) without stopping while demonstrating the ability to comfortably swim at the surface with arms reaching forward over the water, their face in the water, and taking breaths to the side. They must also swim 25 yards of backstroke without stopping, showing they are comfortable floating on their back while maintaining a rhythmic, supportive kick.
Join the YMCA for a morning of joy, support, and celebration as we create a welcoming space for swimmers of all abilities. Designed to be inclusive and accommodating for kids with diverse sensory needs and their families, YMCA Sensory-Friendly Swims will feature a quiet environment with no music and little-to-no whistle use by our lifeguards. The water features in the Family Pool will also be turned off during this time.
Every day the Greater Joliet Area YMCA affirms its commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Y programs provide opportunities for all generations, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. And as a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to offer these services and programs for children, adults and families living in our community. 
The Morris Community YMCA is excited to announce a generous $30,000 gift from the Jason Clearwater Fund in support of the Community Grows Here Capital Campaign. This donation will provide invaluable equipment and resources to sports programs at the future Morris Hospital YMCA, which is set to open in early 2025 at its location adjacent to Morris Grade School. 