Volunteer and staff leaders from the Greater Joliet Area YMCA and Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers gathered at the future site of the Morris Hospital YMCA for a special beam signing ceremony on Monday, October 16. 

YMCA Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin kicked off the event by welcoming guests and introducing YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. Leclair offered an invocation and expressed gratitude for the dedication and service from all those involved with the project and invited Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers President and CEO Tom Dohm to speak about the importance of the Hospital’s partnership with the Y. 

Dohm noted the common vision both organizations share to promote healthy living for residents of all ages in Morris and Grundy County, and spoke about the exciting opportunities that lie ahead to expand programs and services to the community when the new facility opens.

Dohm then introduced Grundy Bank President and CEO and Morris Community YMCA Council Chairman Kevin Olson, who thanked government officials across federal, state, and local levels for their continued support of the project.

Olson introduced 16th U.S. District Representative Darin LaHood, who spoke about including the Morris Hospital YMCA in his 2024 Community Project Funding requests; 38th District Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin, who discussed the impact of securing funding from the state of Illinois; and City of Morris Mayor Chris Brown, who expressed the community’s unwavering support of its $2 million investment in the facility. 

YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Guy Christensen then concluded the program by recognizing the incredible work of the Morris Community YMCA Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet, whose extensive efforts to raise awareness and funds for the new building have allowed the dream to build a full-facility YMCA in Grundy County to become a reality. Christensen then invited all those in attendance to ceremoniously autograph their name on a steel beam that will be placed in the heart of the new facility, which is expected to open to the community in early 2025.

To learn more about the future Morris Hospital YMCA or to make a donation to the Capital Campaign, please visit the Morris Community YMCA Capital Campaign homepage today.