Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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First Midwest Bank Awards $20,000 Grant to Smith Family YMCA Youth Programs

Although the start of the school year has looked a little different for many families in our community, the Y has remained dedicated to working with our partner school districts to provide much-needed child care through our new Kid Zone PLUS program. These efforts would not be possible without the generous support provided by community organizations like First Midwest Bank.

The First Midwest Bank Charitable Foundation has awarded a $20,0000 grant for youth programs, including Kid Zone PLUS, at the Smith Family YMCA. The YMCA would like to thank First Midwest Bank Vice President and YMCA Board Member Cheri Rubocki, along with YMCA supporters Jim Roolf, Mike Kruchten, and Rob Stenzel, for their deep commitment to our mission. First Midwest Bank will also partner with Kid Zone PLUS for virtual volunteering during the school year.

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. Through its commitment to youth development, the Smith Family YMCA nurtures the potential of every child through its Kid Zone before and after school programs. This donation will help support multiple 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.

To learn more about youth programs at the Y, click here.

Pictured in top photo – (L-R) Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board President Nick Macris; First Midwest Financial Network Vice President and Financial Consultant Mike Kruchten; Great Joliet Area YMCA CEO and President Jim Watts; First Midwest Bank Senior Vice President and Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board Member Cheri Rubocki; First Midwest Financial Network Vice President and Senior Financial Consultant Rob Stenzel; Smith Family YMCA Executive Director Donnie Chestnutt; Smith Family YMCA Staff Member Kiara Butler

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