- Find Your Reason to Give: Make a Donation to the Y During Our 12 Days of Giving Campaign
For nearly 100 years, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has worked hand-in-hand with our neighbors to bring about meaningful change in our community. As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, the Y is committed to strengthening our community by empowering young people, improving individual and community well-being, and inspiring residents of all ages to give back and connect with their neighbors.
At our three facilities in Joliet, Plainfield, and Morris, and at more than 50 program sites throughout our community, the Y is providing much-needed programs and services for children, families, and adults living in Will and Grundy Counties. Each and every day, kids of all ages are learning to swim and making new friends at summer camp and through our before and after school Kid Zone programs; teens are setting goals for their future while receiving college readiness and career training; seniors are becoming physically stronger and making connections; and families are staying active and spending quality time together.
We know that the true power of the Y lives in the hearts and actions of everyone who believes in our vision of a better us and a stronger community for all. Whenever we see a neighbor in need, the Y stands ready to help with open arms and caring hearts. This would not be possible without the support of our generous donors.
To ensure that the Y’s mission can continue to thrive and help those in our community who need it most, we invite you to make a charitable gift to the YMCA’s 2024 Mission Strong Fund during our 12 Days of Giving Campaign, which begins today and will continue through Giving Tuesday on December 3.
Your gift this holiday season will help people living right here in our community – your friends and neighbors – and ensure that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay.
- Chicago Tribune Names Greater Joliet Area YMCA a Winner of the Chicago Area 2024 Top Workplaces Award
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been awarded a 2024 Top Workplaces honor by the Chicago Tribune. A seven-time Top Workplace honoree, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been providing much-needed programs and services for children, families, and adults living in Will and Grundy Counties for nearly 100 years.
The annul Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. This confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, just to name a few.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
“Being recognized as a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune for the seventh time is truly a wonderful honor for our YMCA,” said President and CEO Katy Leclair. “Our organization is powered by the unwavering passion and commitment of our employees. They are dedicated to serving our community and growing the Y’s mission, and it is truly a privilege to work alongside this amazing team each and every day,” added Leclair.
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has more than 750 full and part-time employees who work at its three facilities and more than 50 program sites across Will and Grundy Counties. Driven by its mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. But, most importantly, its doors are open to everyone, regardless of age, income or background. At the Y, no one is ever turned away due to the inability to pay.
- Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Village of Shorewood YMCA Scheduled for November 21
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA announced today that it will hold a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Village of Shorewood YMCA from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 21. Open to the community, this celebration will be held at the site of the future facility, which will be located at 1801 W. Jefferson Street in Shorewood.
Located along the thriving Route 52 corridor, the new nearly 60,000-square-foot YMCA, which is being built in partnership with the Village of Shorewood, will feature a wellness center, gymnasium, an eight-lane lap pool, group exercise studios, community rooms, and outdoor spaces for summer camps and youth sports programs. Upon opening, the new facility will also serve as the home for the Y’s Regional Office, which provides support and leadership to all YMCA branches and program sites in Will and Grundy Counties. It is anticipated that the new Village of Shorewood YMCA will open its doors to the community in spring 2026.
Guests attending the Groundbreaking Ceremony are encouraged to park at the Shorewood Village Hall, which is located on the north side of Jefferson Street at 1 Towne Center Boulevard. Complimentary shuttles will be available to transport guests to and from the Groundbreaking site. Community Service Officers will also be onsite assisting guests crossing the street at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Wynstone Drive.
To learn more about the Village of Shorewood YMCA, please contact Executive Director Trisha Dust at (815) 744-3939 or visit www.jolietymca.org.
- Celebrate the Holiday Season at the YMCA
Ho, Ho, Ho! This holiday season, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has a series of festive activities planned for you and your family. Come ready to spread joy and cheer and join us in a winter wonderland of fun!C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Kids’ Night Out: Friendsgiving
Date: Friday, November 22
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYYMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of Thanksgiving themed activities, games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts! Pizza and drinks will also be provided.
Cost: $15 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Holidays Around the World
Date: Friday, December 6
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYJoin us for an evening highlighting holiday traditions around the world, including traditional holiday crafts, games, letters to Santa, reindeer food, bounce houses, a hot chocolate bar, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Families can also donate an item to our Winter Clothing Drive for a chance to win a prize!
Cost: Free and open to the community. Registration is required.
Kids’ Night Out: Holiday Pajama Palooza
Date: Friday, December 13
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYYMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided. Don’t forget to wear your most festive pajamas!
Cost: $15 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Family Fitness Friday: Family Reindeer Games
Friday, December 20
6-7 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYThese family oriented group fitness classes will help you and your family create healthy habits and have fun together! Celebrate the season with fun health and wellness activities fit for all ages! Open to ages 4 and up.
Cost: Free and open to the community,
Noon Year’s Eve Pool Party
Tuesday, December 31
10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYBack by popular demand! Make your plans to join us as we usher in the new year with a family-friendly party in the Y’s indoor waterpark. Festivities will include open swim, music, crafts, games, refreshments, and a New Year’s ‘countdown’ at noon.
Cost: $20, Open to Facility Members only.
PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited and registration is required.
Morris Community YMCA
Kids’ Night Out: Holiday Fun
Date: Friday, December 6
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYYMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of holiday themed activities, games, arts, crafts and a movie!
Cost: $15 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Galowich Family YMCA
Winter Wonderland at the YMCA
Date: Friday, December 13
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYSanta Claus is coming to town and making a special stop at the Galowich Family YMCA! Enjoy making reindeer food, interacting with Santa, ornament decorating, and more.
Cost: Free and open to the community
PLEASE NOTE: Reservations are available in 30 minute time slots from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a picture with Santa. Registration is required.
Noon Year’s Eve Pool Party
Tuesday, December 31
10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYMake your plans to join us as we usher in the new year with a family-friendly party in the lap pool. Festivities will include open swim, music, crafts, games, refreshments, and a New Year’s ‘countdown’ at noon.
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited and registration is required.
- My Y Rewards Special November Earnings Event
MY Y REWARDS SPECIAL NOVEMBER EARNINGS EVENT
Get ready to burn off those Halloween candy calories with a special bonus for My Y Rewards program participants!
Greater Joliet Area YMCA Facility Members, ages 16 and up, enrolled in the My Y Rewards program will receive 100 bonus points if they attend eight group fitness classes in the month of November .
Learn how to enroll by clicking below.
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll also 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.
If you should have any questions or any feedback on the My Y Rewards Program, please be sure to stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit or email [email protected].
C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
