The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is the recipient of a $10,000 grant courtesy of Midland States Bank. The gift will directly benefit the Y’s Teen Achievers Program, an academic-based program that guides local students on their path to graduating high school, attending college and achieving career goals.
Senior Vice President of Banking Dan Stevenson presented the check this past Thursday to members of the Y’s leadership team. Among them were Katy Leclair, Larry Weirs, Maurice Fears, Lynette Sartori, Saundra Russell-Smith and Julie Wilkinson. Joliet Township High School Director of Special Partnerships Jeff Riley was also in attendance.
Since 2005, the YMCA has offered the Teen Achievers Program to Joliet high school students. This past fall, the program expanded its services to Plainfield South High school. The growing program currently serves 107 area students in total. This spring, an estimated 50 students will embark on an annual out-of-state college road trip that gives students the opportunity to visit several esteemed universities.
As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit charities, the YMCA is committed to strengthening local communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through its financial assistance and scholarship program, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA works to fulfill its mission of ensuring that its programs are available to everyone and no one is turned away due to the inability to pay.
The Midland States Bank Foundation was created to provide for the improvement of the general welfare, education and health in the communities where the bank operates and where its employees reside. Since its creation in 2011, the Foundation has contributed more than $500,000 to non-profit organizations throughout Midland’s footprint.
Pictured above (from left to right): YMCA Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Katy Leclair, Midland States Bank Senior Vice President of Banking Dan Stevenson, YMCA Teen and Young Adult Advancement Council Chairman Dr. Larry Wiers, YMCA Teen and Young Adult Advancement Executive Director Maurice Fears, YMCA Teen and Young Adult Advancement Manager Lynette Sartori, YMCA Teen and Young Adult Advancement Council Member Saundra Russell-Smith, Joliet Township High School Director of Strategic Partnerships Jeff Riley and YMCA Senior Development Director Julie Wilkinson.
To accompany its 
This fall, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA will be introducing a fresh, new swim lesson curriculum, designed to enhance its tradition of keeping the community safe and secure around the water and instilling a healthy lifestyle.
Fall into fitness this autumn at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA! Whether you’re a young athlete, a busy parent or a health seeker in search of new challenges, the Y has programs that are just right for you.