Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Morris Hospital YMCA Celebrating One-Year Anniversary with Community Open House on January 10

The Morris Hospital YMCA is turning 1 and we are so excited to host a Community Open House from 10 a.m.-Noon on Saturday, January 10!

Make your plans to join us for a festive celebration, complete with activities for all ages:

-Tours to explore the facility, including the lap pool
-Opportunities to learn more about membership, classes, and programs like YMCA swim lessons
-Meet and a greets with our amazing staff team
-Games and bounce house fun in the gym
-A celebration of the the Y’s big day with cookie decorating and designing your very own birthday hat

PLUS…

Enjoy demos, exclusive membership specials, and exciting prizes. Free and open to the community!

#WhataONEderfulYear

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2025 Holiday Card Design Contest Winners

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is proud to announce six winners for our 2025 Holiday Card Design Contest. These designs were selected from hundreds submitted to our branches and are be featured on the Y’s 2025 Holiday Cards. Thank you to all who participated! You can see the winning designs below.

Evelina, Age 10

Katelyn, Age 11

Adelina, Age 10

Soshna, Age 7

Sophie, Age 9

Penelope, Age 8

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Registration Underway for 2026 Illinois YMCAs Statewide 2-Ball Tournament Qualifying

As part of the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs dynamic collaboration with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA), the Greater Joliet Area YMCA will host qualifying rounds of the Illinois YMCAs Statewide 2-Ball Tournament on Sunday, January 25.

Under the statewide theme, “The Dream Starts Here,” this collaboration brings together the resources and expertise of YMCAs across Illinois, the IHSA, and the IESA to inspire a new generation of leaders and athletes by promoting participation in youth sports statewide. Additionally, the initiative encourages young people to consider jobs and volunteer opportunities at the Y where they can gain valuable skills and hands-on experience to pursue career pathways in sports-related fields like coaching, officiating, and sports administration.

EVENT DETAILS
The Illinois YMCAs Statewide 2-Ball Tournament is open to kids ages 14 and under. Teams of two will be able to “Shoot for State” by competing in a qualifying round hosted by a local YMCA.

Boys and Girls Divisions will be available for each of the following age groups:
9U
10U
12U
14U

Participants can register for one of three event locations. Teams will compete some time between 9 a.m.-Noon. Registration is required for both team members. Participants will be contacted with their competition time slot after completing registration.

Event Sites:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544

REGISTER TODAY

Joliet Junior College – Event Center
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

REGISTER TODAY

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450

REGISTER TODAY

HOW IT WORKS

During the qualifying round, each team will have 60 seconds to score as many points as possible, shooting from designated spots on the court. The top scoring team from each division will then have their score entered into the statewide contest to be compared to winners at other event sites.

The top two statewide scores from each girls division will advance to compete in the 2-Ball finals during the championship weekend of the IHSA Girls Basketball Tournament in Normal on March 7, 2025.

The top two statewide scores from each boys division will advance to compete in the 2-Ball finals during the championship weekend of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament in Champaign on March 14, 2025.

COMPETITION RULES 

To learn more, please contact your local Y branch:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Maria Freeh, Sports Director
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 217

Galowich Family YMCA
Zach Jarosz, Sports Manager
[email protected]
Phone: (815) 744-3939, ext. 317

Morris Hospital YMCA
Chris Interial, Sports Director
[email protected] 
(815) 513-8080, ext. 514

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Support the YMCA During the Season of Giving with a Matching Gift

This holiday season, you have the power to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA invites you to join us in spreading joy by contributing to the Mission Strong Fund. 

And you may be able to double the impact of your donation through the Matching Gifts program.

The Mission Strong Fund ensures that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay. By making a charitable gift to this fund, you contribute directly to empowering individuals, promoting healthy living, and fostering a stronger sense of community.

Here’s how you may be able to amplify the impact of your donation:

  1. Donate to the Mission Strong Fund: Visit our website or drop by any of our YMCA locations to make a charitable contribution. Your support helps create a more inclusive community where everyone has access to the YMCA’s transformative programs.
  2. Check for Matching Programs: Many employers share our commitment to community well-being and offer gift matching programs. Contact your HR department to find out if your company matches charitable donations.
  3. Submit Matching Gift Forms: If your employer has a matching gift program, complete the necessary forms they provide. Whether it’s a paper or online form, the process is simple and well worth the effort.
  4. Maximize Your Impact: Once your employer processes the matching gift, your contribution to the Mission Strong Fund will be doubled. It’s an incredible way to increase the positive change you can make in our community.

Remember, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. That means your donation is not only impactful but also tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. 

Your support helps create a stronger, healthier, and more connected community, and we’re immensely grateful for your commitment to our mission

DONATE NOW

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Hollywood Casino Donates More Than $9,000 to YMCA Mission Strong Fund

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 provide services and financial assistance for children, adults and families living in our community.

That is why the YMCA would like to thank the Hollywood Casino Joliet, which recently provided a $9,354.30 donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund. This gift will help to ensure that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay.

“Fulfilling the Y mission is not possible without the kindness of local businesses like Hollywood Casino, and we are so grateful to have their support,” Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair said. “We know that this donation will make a difference for children and families participating in programs throughout the Y,” added Leclair.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here. To show your support by making a donation, please click here. 

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Offering ‘Jobs in the Trades’ Workshop on January 28

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to host a free workshop for area students and young adults on Wednesday, January 28.

Free and open to the community, the Y’s ‘Jobs in the Trades’ workshop will provide area participants with important resources to help them prepare for their futures while hearing directly from industry professionals who can guide them toward successful careers in the trades.

Time:
10 a.m.-Noon

Location:
Joliet Junior College, Room U-1024
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

Refreshments will also be served. Register early and enter to win a $50 gift card. Additional raffles will also be available the day of the event.

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more please contact: 

Darrell Collins
Teen REACH & Teen Achievers Director
[email protected]
(815) 782-0828

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United Way