C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
The Morris Community YMCA’s Capital Campaign, which is raising funds to develop a new 50,000-square-foot YMCA and healthcare center adjacent to Morris Grade School, is excited to announce a generous $25,000 gift from Clarius Partners LLC, which will be recognized in the future full facility.
For more than a decade, the Morris Community YMCA has been serving residents in Grundy County by offering programs in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. To further grow its impact in the community, the Y announced plans in 2018 for the development of a new full-facility in partnership with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. While the YMCA hopes to open this new facility within the next several years, the size, scope, and timing will ultimately be determined by the generosity of the community in support of this project.
“We are honored to receive this generous donation from Clarius Partners and we continue to be inspired by our community,” Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin said. “We look forward to making progress toward our goals throughout the year-end season of giving and beyond.”
To learn more about the Morris Community YMCA’s Capital Campaign, please contact Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin at (815) 513-8080 or visit www.jolietymca.org.
Pictured above (left to right): Morris Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Member and Corporate Committee Co-Chair John Sparrow, Clarius Partners Managing Principal Kevin Matzke, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin, Clarius Partners Senior Vice President Taivo Tammaru, Clarius Partners Senior Vice President Craig Dannegger, and Morris Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet Member and Corporate Committee Co-Chair Steve Barr.
At the Y, we know that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. The way children spend time outside the classroom can make a big difference in their personal development. By providing a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values, YMCA Kid Zone offers an enriching experience for the students and families we serve. These efforts are designed to support parents like Gina at Wood View Elementary School in Valley View School District 365U.
Gina and her husband Joseph have three kids in the YMCA’s Kid Zone program at Wood View Elementary: Bobby (11 years old), Emory (7 years old) and Theo (6 years old), each with their own unique and impactful experiences.
For Bobby, Gina noted that the Y has been particularly responsive to his special emotional needs.
“If the Y hadn’t been able to accommodate Bobby that would have been difficult to navigate. From the get-go, (Childcare Director) Sarah Porzel and the Y staff have been amazing. They have worked very hard to put any worries we had at ease,” Gina said.
Porzel credits the training YMCA Kid Zone staff have received for the high quality of childcare afforded to area families every day.
“We have worked with Valley View School District 365U to provide comprehensive training to our counselors and it has allowed them to be responsive to a wide range of situations with our students,” Porzel said.
Gina said that Kid Zone has also facilitated important social interaction for Theo, who began Kindergarten this fall.
“For him to be able to play together with other kids was very important. Kid Zone really gives kids another structured setting to interact with their peers and that has meant the most to us,” she said.
Providing students an opportunity to explore their personal interests is another important aspect of Kid Zone programming, something Gina has noticed with Emory.
“My daughter is very artsy and I know the Y offers regular craft time and projects, which has been great,” Gina said.
Overall, Gina said the YMCA Kid Zone experience has gone above and beyond to help her children thrive.
“From the moment the staff greet the kids, the level of engagement and structure is noticeable. We couldn’t be more grateful for YMCA Kid Zone,” Gina said.
If you are interested in registering for Kid Zone during the second semester of the 2022-23 school year, visit the program homepage by clicking here.
Ho, Ho, Ho! This December, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has a series of festive, Christmas-themed activities planned for you and your family. Come ready to spread joy and cheer and join us in a winter wonderland of fun! All events are free and open to the community. Registration is required.
C.W. Avery Family YMCA – Evening with Santa
Date: Friday, December 9
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Families are invited to kick off the Christmas season by enjoying Holiday Fun at the YMCA! There will be Christmas crafts, games, story time, a hot chocolate bar, bounce houses and an opportunity to get a photo with Santa!
The Y will also offer a special sensory friendly session of our Evening with Santa event from 5-6 p.m. This session will provide opportunities for children to meet Santa and do arts/crafts/games in a limited crowd noise setting. PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited.
Morris Community YMCA – Holiday Fun at the YMCA
Date: Thursday, December 15
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Galowich Family YMCA – Santa’s Workshop at the YMCA
Date: Friday, December 16
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Santa Claus is coming to town and making a special stop at the Galowich Family YMCA! The Y is excited to partner with the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet for some family fun! Enjoy making reindeer food, interacting with Santa, ornament decorating, and more. This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Pre-registration for one of our three event sessions is required. Space is limited.
5-6 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
6-7 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
7-8 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Each day at our three YMCA facilities and at program sites throughout our community, the Y’s mission is making an impact. Kids are learning to swim and making new friends at summer camp and through our before and after school programs; seniors are experiencing community and connecting with neighbors once again; and teens are setting goals for their future while receiving college readiness and career training. None of this would be possible without the support of charitable giving.
This year, we invite our supporters to join the #GivingTuesday movement by making a tax-deductible donation to the Y’s Mission Strong Fund. A gift of any amount will help to change the lives of people living right here in our community – your friends and neighbors.
Winter Green with Roasted Pears and Pecorino
Yields 6 servings
Ingredients
Directions
Nutrition Facts
179 calories; protein 7 g; carbohydrates 12; fiber 3 g; total fat 12 g; saturated fat 3 g; sodium 341 mg
