Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

You are here: Home / Galowich

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Mission Strong Fund Receives $15,000 Donation from Midland States Bank Foundation

Every day the YMCA affirms its commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Y programs provide opportunities for all generations, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. And as a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to provide services and financial assistance for children, adults and families living in our community.

That is why the YMCA would like to thank the Midland States Bank Foundation, which recently provided a $15,000 donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund. This donation will provide assistance to YMCA Kid Zone families in our community, helping to ensure no child is turned away from before and after school care due to the inability to pay. 

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here. To show your support by making a donation, please click here. 

Pictured in top photo: (L-R) Midland States Bank Regional Community Development Relationship Manager Cornell Lurry, Midland States Bank Senior Vice President of Banking Dan Stevenson, Midland States Bank Banking Center Manager Araceli Sanchez, Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin, and Galowich Family YMCA Executive Director Patty Hall. 

SHARE THIS:

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Invites Families to Celebrate Healthy Kids Day

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is so excited to celebrate healthy kids day at each of our branch locations. Each site will feature fun educational activities and active play to keep kids moving and learning, helping them maintain healthy habits and academic skills to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Healthy Kids Day events are free and open to the community.

GALOWICH FAMILY YMCA 
Friday, April 28
4-7 p.m.

In addition to participating in a fun series of health and wellness activities, attendees will also receive a goodie bag and gain entrance into special raffles. Prizes include Y swag and a free summer membership. See below for a full schedule.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR – 4-7 p.m.
YMCA partners and local organizations will be on hand to provide families with important information.

SNACK MAKING – 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Kids will craft fun ‘insect’ snacks that look like bugs using fruits and vegetables.

BOUNCE HOUSE – 5-7 p.m.
Open to children ages 9 and under.

INFLATABLE OBSTACLE COURSE – 5-7 p.m.
Participants will be swim tested prior to starting the obstacle course. Families will need to bring their own swimsuits and towels.

FAMILY ZUMBA FITNESS CLASS – 5-5:20 p.m.
Feel the rhythm and get your groove on with this fun dance class!

KIDS AND CARDIO FITNESS CLASS – 5:30-5:50 p.m.
Your heart will be pumping with this energetic interval workout!

FAMILY BOOT CAMP – 6-6:20 p.m.
This class will test your strength and agility!

If you have any questions about YMCA Healthy Kids Day, please contact Equity & Engagement Director Aracely Rubio at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 328

MORRIS COMMUNITY YMCA
Friday, April 28
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Stop by the Y and enjoy:

– Healthy snack making with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers

– An interactive gardening demonstration

– A family group fitness class

– Arts and crafts

And so much more!

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register all individuals that will be in attendance.

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about YMCA Healthy Kids Day, please contact Youth and Family Director Jordan Overton at [email protected] or (815) 513-8080, ext. 513

C.W. AVERY FAMILY YMCA 
Saturday, April 29
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Stop by the Y and enjoy:

– An energetic family fitness class
– An interactive gardening demonstration
– Crafts to help support mindful breathing
– Fun in our bounce houses
– A special THRIVE Dance Team performance
– Swimming in the Family Pool from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

And so much more!

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register all individuals that will be in attendance.

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about YMCA Healthy Kids Day, please contact Youth and Family Director Shannon Stawikowski at [email protected] or (815) 267-8600, ext. 212

 

SHARE THIS:

Galowich Family YMCA Set to Host Employment Open House

Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than a job—you’ll enjoy a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

THE GALOWICH FAMILY YMCA IS NOW HIRING:

  • Reception Desk Attendants
  • Before & After School Care Counselors
  • Lifeguards
  • Swim Instructors
  • Custodians
  • Summer Camp Counselors
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Part-time employees receive the following benefits:
  • On the job training
  • A free Y membership and generous program discounts
  • Participation in the Y’s retirement plan (when eligibility requirements have been met)

To apply online, click below:

APPLY ONLINE

You can also learn more and participate in walk-in interviews by attending our upcoming Employment Open House:

Tuesday, April 11
5:30-7:30 p.m.

SHARE THIS:

Teamwork Happens Here: Celebrating a Successful 2023 Youth Basketball Season

[doptg id=”37″]

With the 2023 Youth Basketball League (YBL) season having drawn to a close, we’d like to send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this winter such a memorable experience for children in our community. With the support of our volunteer coaches and our generous league sponsors, the Y was able to provide playing opportunities for more 1,200 young athletes this season.

At the Y, we know that our youth sports programs help to keep kids physically active. But, as we reflect on this wonderful season, we know that the impact the Y has young athletes reaches way beyond what happens between the lines on the basketball court. In addition to healthy physical activity, kids who play sports develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school, and work better in groups. Our YBL program teaches kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Above all, kids have a lot of fun, which was evident over the last several months on YMCA basketball courts throughout Will and Grundy Counties.

YBL BY THE NUMBERS

1,275 – Players
115 – Teams
431 – Games Played
152 – Volunteer Coaches

The Y would also like to thank all the families, players, volunteer coaches and staff members who participated across our association’s programs, as well as the sponsors who helped make this season possible:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA:
Associated Orthodontists
Floor Coverings International Plainfield
Gus P. Rousonelos
Hayes Auto & Truck Repair
Legendary Escape Rooms
Old National Bank
Turk Furniture

Galowich Family YMCA:
Antione Edwards
Associated Orthodontists
Contractors Association of Will  & Grundy Counties
District 5 Councilman – Terry Morris
E-Z Auto Sales
Floor Coverings International
Fred Wells and Thomas Jones
JM3 Logistics Inc.
Krown Lux – Kiara Ford
Landscaping Experts
M&M AutoCrafts LLC
Minor – Morris F.H. Ltd
MulticultuReal – Troy Cicero
Nahrut Eci Sanitary Consulting LLC
Old National Bank
Pam Gant Sports Club
Ron Tirapelli Ford
State Farm – Howard Wright
State Farm – Jack Anderson
Transition Moving and Crating Inc.
Turk Furniture
Unidos Marketing Network – Cesar Cardenas
Vital Signs Solutions Inc.

Morris Community YMCA:
Advantage Realty – Anitra Brase
Advantage Realty – Erica Rath
Ameriprise Financial
Associated Orthodontists
Benson Insurance
Brandt & Associates, P.C.
Brandt Excavating Inc.
Brian Zabel & Associates
Busey Bank
Century 21 Coleman-Hornsby-Cindie Hunt
Century 21 Coleman-Hornsby-Lorrie Toler
Coldwell Banker REG – Dana Hathorn
Contractors Association of Will & Grundy Counties
Dairy Queen
E-Z Auto Sales
Morris Lions Club
Old National Bank
Quality Millwork
Quality Storage
R.L. Sohol General Contractor
Roth Jorstad Insurance
Turk Furniture
Wilkinson Chiropractice
Zig’s Fairway Auto Repair & Towing

We can’t wait to see everyone on the court next season!

SHARE THIS:

Staying Active For Life: Roger Powell’s Y Story

March Madness is underway! When it comes to basketball, few can match the passion of Galowich Family YMCA member Roger Powell.

Powell, who played basketball at Illinois State and was inducted into the Redbirds Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998, first became a member of the Y at the Ottawa Street location in downtown Joliet more than 50 years ago. And, to this day, he can still be found patrolling the courts in the Galowich gymnasium.

“Some of the younger guys ask me to play with them. I might not be able to go as fast, but if I get past halfcourt, they are in trouble. All I’ve got to do is get past half court and I can make my moves,” he said.

Powell, 68, said his daily routine is what keeps him feeling young and healthy.

“The early bird catches the worm, so I get up at 5:30 in the morning and I’ll get to the Y by 6,” he said. “I’ll shoot hoops and then I’ll do 500 sit-ups. Not 5, not 50, 500. I do some upper body lifting before I get on the bike for 5 or 6 miles. When I get done with that, I walk on the treadmill for 2 or 3 miles. That gets me to lunch time. I sit down in the lobby, have one or two coffees, and talk to people.”

Powell greets nearly every person who walks through the doors and his friendly demeanor shines in conversation, particularly when it comes to sports.

“You have to talk to people to connect and one way to talk to people is through sports. Everybody likes sports, whether it’s baseball, football, or basketball,” he said. 

Recent talk has been focused on the NCAA Tournament and Powell’s son, Roger Jr., who serves as an assistant coach for the Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball team.

“I told Roger that they were probably going to struggle early in the season, but as they would get closer to the NCAA tournament they would be a better team. That’s what has happened,” Powell Sr. said. “When they played St. Mary’s for the first time they got beat, then when they played St. Mary’s in the conference tournament they won by almost 30.”   

Powell watched the Bulldogs opening weekend wins over Grand Canyon University and TCU and said that seeing his son coach is always a rewarding experience.

“I used to bring Roger to the Y when he was little. I know he works hard at everything he does,” Powell said. “I really think he’s going to get a head coaching job soon.”

And, even if a national title eludes the Bulldogs this season, Powell said nothing will stop him from coming into the Y with a positive attitude. 

“I’m a dedicated man and I’m a blessed man. I’m strong and I feel good. That’s the important thing,” he said.

SHARE THIS:

Healthy Lifestyles Start Here: YMCA April Ab Challenge

April 1-30

Are you looking for a fun way to stay fit, try new exercises, and earn chances to win a free month of YMCA membership? The Y’s April Ab Challenge is for you! Here’s how it works:

– Each week during the month of April, a special abdominal workout will be posted on the YMCA’s Facebook and Instagram pages, in the YMCA On the Go App, and inside YMCA facilities.

– Members can complete the workout on their own before requesting a raffle ticket by
visiting the Membership Desk.

-Members can earn a maximum of 4 raffle tickets during the challenge.

-Winners will be drawn on Monday, May 1. Winner receives one free month membership. One winner per branch.

THIS CHALLENGE IS FREE AND OPEN TO YMCA FACILITY MEMBERS.

To learn more, please speak to a member of the Health and Wellness team at your local Y branch.

Week 1 Workout

Pick four of the six exercises below and continue each for 45-60 seconds:
1. Push-up to plank
2. Crunch and punch
3. Reverse leg lowers
4. Hip dips
5. Seated twists (opposite elbow to knee)
6. Standing or seated bicycle twists
Week 2 Workout (Coming Soon)

Week 3 Workout (Coming Soon)

Week 4 Workout (Coming Soon)

SHARE THIS:

Skip to content