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. Through its commitment to youth development, the Y nurtures the potential of every child by incorporating the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in a resource-rich environment for children in grades K-8. These efforts are made possible through the generosity of organizations like M&M Bank, which recently awarded a $5,000 grant in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund and Kid Zone PLUS.
This generous grant was donated through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Targeted Impact Fund, which was created to provide relief for populations hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and promote racial equity in communities across Illinois and Wisconsin.
By supporting Mission Strong, the donation will provide assistance to 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 M&M Bank for this donation and the role it will play in providing important services to students and families this fall.
To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund or to pledge your support, please click here.
Pictured in top photo: (L-R) Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Operating Officer Katy Leclair, Galowich Family YMCA Executive Director Patty Hall, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board Chairman Nick Macris, M&M Bank Senior Vice President Erik Schelling, Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Jim Watts, and Smith Family YMCA Executive Director Donnie Chestnutt
