• Morris Hospital YMCA Set to Host Community Open House on January 11

  The Morris Hospital YMCA will host a Community Open House at its new Dupont Avenue location from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, January 11. Open to the community, this fun-filled event will provide YMCA members and area residents with the opportunity to explore the new Morris Hospital YMCA, meet the staff team, and learn more about all of the exciting programs and services the Y has to offer the community.

  Invite your family and friends and make your plans to join us for this exciting celebration, which will include:

  Facility Tours
  Take a tour of our state-of-the-art facility, which features an eight-lane lap pool, a wellness center, group exercise studio, cycling studio, healthy eating kitchen, multi-purpose rooms, gathering and meeting spaces, engaging youth play spaces, a gymnasium, basketball courts, pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor walking tracks, outdoor fields, and a playground. Representatives from Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers also will be onsite to answer questions about the services that will be offered at its new facility, located within the YMCA.

  Program Demonstrations
  Learn more about our health and wellness, aquatics, youth development, and youth sports programs.

  Meet our Team
  Meet the Morris Hospital YMCA team, who will be on hand to answer your questions and help you get started on your YMCA journey.

  Family Fun
  Join us for activities for all ages, including games and crafts.

  Special Offers and Giveaways
  Take advantage of special membership opportunities, raffles, and giveaways. Plus, the first 1,000 adults who attend the Community Open House will receive a free commemorative t-shirt, while supplies last.

  Make your plans to join us!

• Join the Y During Our January Membership Sale

  

  The new year is the perfect time to join the Y!

  During the Y’s January Membership Sale, new members and alumni members who join the Y will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee – a savings of up to $120.

  When you are a member of the Y, you show a commitment to more than just a healthy lifestyle. You support the values and programs that strengthen your community.

  Current YMCA members who refer a friend to the Y can earn a FREE month of membership! To learn more, visit the Membership Desk at your local Y branch.

  LEARN MORE

  OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:

  Access to Three Branches

  Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s four YMCA locations, including:

  • Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center, all fully programmed with activities for the entire family, including family swim time, swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs and lap lane access.
  • Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
  • Free fitness orientations and daily group exercise classes (programs vary by location).

  Quality Programming
  In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swim lessons, sports programs and personal training, among a slew of other options.

  Child Care
  If you have a Family Membership, you can drop your child(ren) off at our supervised playroom while you exercise.

  Free Basic Access to the YMCA On the Go App
  The On the Go App will provide Y members with access to the YMCA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This new interactive tool is loaded with free workouts, on-demand videos, and nutrition tips.

  Free Access to the My Y Rewards Program
  Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll earn points each time you check-in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.

  So Much More
  A complete list of member benefits can be found here. You can also check out a full list of our programming by taking a look at our Winter 2025 Program Session Schedules.

  *Programs, classes, and amenities vary by location and are subject to change

  THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

  C.W. Avery Family YMCA
  15120 Wallin Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544

  Galowich Family YMCA
  749 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL 60431

  Morris Hospital YMCA
  2200 W. Dupont Avenue, Morris, IL 60450

• YMCA Gala Cash Raffle Tickets Now On Sale

  The 2025 YMCA Gala, generously presented by Midland States Bank, will be held on Saturday, February 22, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

  Funds raised from this year’s event will benefit the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay. Cash raffle tickets are now available!

  Cash Raffle Tickets On Sale Now

  This year’s Cash Raffle is generously sponsored by Grundy Bank.

  3 amazing prizes are available: $2,000, $1,000 and $500

  The winning tickets will be drawn during the YMCA Gala on February 22.

  You can deposit your ticket stub by:

  1. Returning it to the person who sold you the ticket
  2. Mailing it to: Greater Joliet Area YMCA, Attn: YMCA Gala Cash Raffle, 749 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431. Tickets must be received by 4 p.m. on February 21.
  3. Depositing it in the raffle drum at the YMCA Gala on February 22, 2025, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook, IL

  Winners are responsible for all applicable income taxes and must be at least 18 years old to enter. Prize must be claimed within 30 days of notification. Winners are subject to all raffle procedures, rules, regulations, directives, and state and local laws. Winner agrees by entering the raffle to authorize the release of his or her name and likeness for promotional purposes. According to the IRS, a raffle ticket is not tax deductible. Check with your financial advisor for additional information.

  PURCHASE CASH RAFFLE TICKETS

  Sponsorship Opportunities

  Limited sponsorship opportunities remain. Don’t miss out on your chance to support this amazing event!

  PURCHASE GALA SPONSORSHIP

  For More Information

  If you have questions about the 2025 YMCA Gala, please contact:

  EVENT INFORMATION
  Dori Fugate
  Volunteer and Special Events Director
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: (815) 782-0502

  SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
  Donnie Chestnutt
  Mission Advancement Director
  Email: dchestnutt@jolietymca.org
  Phone: (815) 782-0800

• C.W. Avery Family YMCA Members Eligible for Jumpstart Your Health Program Special Offer from Endeavor Health

  Beginning Tuesday, February 25 at 6 p.m., Endeavor Health will offer Jumpstart Your Health with Group Lifestyle Balance™ in-person at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA.

  What is Jumpstart Your Health?
  Jumpstart Your Health is a year-long lifestyle change program designed to help people lose weight, increase activity and prevent disease. Jumpstart Your Health utilizes Group Lifestyle Balance™, a research-based curriculum that helps individuals make lasting lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease and develop healthy lifestyle habits.

  What will the program entail?
  -1 hour group classes with a trained lifestyle coach
  -22 total classes over the one-year program (Class will meet weekly for the first two months, bimonthly for months 3-6, then monthly for months 7-12)
  -Education on nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification
  -Self-monitoring of weight, food and activity
  -A trained lifestyle coach to help guide and encourage you
  -Support from other participants with the same goals as you

  Are you a candidate?
  Jumpstart Your Health is for anyone over the age of 25 looking to lose weight and take charge of their health. A one year commitment is required. Attendance at class is a key indicator of success in the program.

  How much does it cost?
  The one year program fee is $199 for C.W. Avery YMCA members and $249* for non-members.

  *May be eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement. Not covered by most insurance.

  Jumpstart participants may be eligible for a free 30-day membership at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA and will be offered a $0 joiner’s fee to continue their membership. This offer is only available for new members.

  To register for the class with this offer, please call Class Registration at 630-527-6363 and let them know you would like to sign up for the Jumpstart class at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA. Non-members may call Class Registration or email [email protected] for more information.

• Happy Holidays to You: Give the Gift of the YMCA This Holiday Season

  Guest article courtesy of YMCA of of the USA.

  Stumped for ideas for your family and friends this holiday season? Looking to do something creative and a bit unexpected this year? Take a break from the malls and online shopping sites and give your loved ones the gift of health, wellness, and community.

  Whether your holiday shopping list includes a college-age nephew just starting his fitness journey, the sister who just discovered pickleball, or the grandmother who already has everything, there is––quite literally––something for everyone at the Y.

  Here are five reasons why a Y membership makes the perfect holiday present.

  1. The gift of self-care? Priceless. Sometimes the best gift you can give your loved one is an opportunity to prioritize and take care of themselves––body, mind, and spirit. Finding balance in life can be difficult, but the Y can help, from stress-relieving yoga classes to complimentary childcare services so parents and caregivers can take time for themselves without having to find a sitter.
  2. Connection and belonging. A Y membership does more than just provide access to a gym. Through group activities, events, and volunteer opportunities, it also provides a space for real human interaction and social connection, leading to new friendships and a sense of belonging. It’s a supportive environment where you can find people who share similar interests, are encouraged to achieve your goals, and can feel accepted and valued for who you are.
  3. There’s something for everyone. Sports leagues, water aerobics, personal training, cooking classes, nutrition counseling––the Y offers all that and so much more. The wide variety of programs, classes, and amenities at the Y not only help support one’s physical and mental health, but they also encourage personal growth and, yes, provide opportunities for fun and creativity!
  4. It’s a gift that gives back. When you give the gift of a Y membership, you’re not only enriching the life of the recipient, but you are also impacting the lives of others. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities, Y membership fees help provide scholarships to families in need, ensure kids receive nutritious snacks at after school programs, and create opportunities for everyone to connect and thrive. It’s an investment in people and communities, not corporations.
  5. Versatility is key.  Memberships come in a variety of options—it depends on your local Y. They can be used to access welcoming facilities, pools, for specific programs, lessons, training, or classes, making it a thoughtful and flexible way to let your loved ones know you support their health and well-being. The possibilities are endless!

  To give the gift of the YMCA, please visit the membership desk of your local Y branch today to purchase a gift card. Bonus coupons can be used towards YMCA memberships or programs and are valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location.

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