As a long time provider of before and after school care in Will County, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has the distinct pleasure of working each day with youth in our communities. As our community continues to navigate through this public health crisis, the Y is teaming up with local school districts to support area families and students during remote learning this fall through its Kid Zone PLUS program.
These efforts would not be possible without the support of local organizations like the Community Foundation of Will County, which recently awarded the Y a $15,000 grant in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund.
The Mission Strong Fund was established to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the YMCA in the wake of our COVID-19 related closure and aid continued community service efforts after our reopening. The Community Foundation’s grant will support multiple Greater Joliet Area YMCA youth development initiatives including:
- Providing much-needed financial assistance for Kid Zone PLUS families who are experiencing hardships due to COVID-19.
- Adapting our youth programs to incorporate lower staff-to-child ratios to meet social distancing guidelines.
- Implementing new safety guidelines in our child care and youth enrichment programs.
The Y would like to thank the Community Foundation for its generous donation.
To pledge your support for these programs through a charitable gift to the Mission Strong Fund, click here.
Pictured in top photo: (L-R) Community Foundation of Will County Chief Development Officer Gloria Dollinger; Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board Chairman Nick Macris, Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Jim Watts, Community Foundation of Will County Board Member Bill Habiger, and Community Foundation of Will County Board Member and Joliet School District 86 Superintendent Theresa Rouse.
