Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Meet Morris Community YMCA Membership Manager Irene Aguilera

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is incredibly proud of the work our employees do to ensure a high quality experience for our members. One of the newest full-time employees at the Morris Community YMCA is Membership Manager Irene Aguilera. Irene joins the Morris team with a wealth of Y experience, having previously worked at the Galowich Family YMCA for nearly five years. Irene’s kind and helpful personality makes her perfectly suited to welcome members to the Y. You can learn more about Irene in the Q&A below. 

Q: How did you first get started with the Y? 

Irene: In June of 2018, I lost my job. To relieve the stress I was going through, I would take my kids to go swim at the Galowich Family YMCA. I was talking to the front desk staff at the time and I ultimately applied to join the membership team. By the end of July, I was hired. Now, four and half years later, I am excited to join the Morris Community YMCA as Membership Manager.  

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at the Y? 

Irene: The one thing I enjoy the most would be meeting new people. Every day there is someone new to talk to and I love hearing everyone’s stories.

Q: What are you looking forward to most in your new role with the Morris Y? 

Irene: I am new to Morris and the idea of being in a new city, meeting new people, is exciting. I’m already getting to know the members.

Q: What are some of your favorite Y memories?  

Irene: I have so many memories of the Y including Halloween Truck-or-Treats and the time the ‘Grinch’ visited the Galowich Y at Christmastime. One thing I will never forget is having my daughters learn how to swim at the Y. When they first started swim lessons, they were so scared to jump into the shallow end of the pool. By the end, they were jumping into the deep end without any hesitation. 

Q: What are some of your hobbies outside the Y? 

Irene: When I am at home, I try to do as much as I can with my daughters. Right now they are at an age where they want to learn how to cook, so most of our time is spent in the kitchen. 

Q: What are some helpful tips you would give to someone looking to join the Y? 

Irene: The Y is more than a place where you can come in to workout or take a group fitness class. The Y is a place where you meet new people. Everyone here is so friendly and willing to help.

We encourage members to meet with Irene or anyone from the membership team when visiting the Y. They are a great resource and always ready to help provide the best possible Y experience.

And, if you are looking to start your Y journey, there is no better time to join than during our January Membership Sale. Join by January 31 and you’ll pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120!

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Chicago Tribune Names Greater Joliet Area YMCA a Winner of the Chicago Area 2022 Top Workplaces Award

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been awarded a 2022 Top Workplaces honor by the Chicago Tribune. A five-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 more than 95 years.

The Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage, LLC, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“During this very challenging time, Top Workplaces has proven to be a beacon of light for organizations, as well as a sign of resiliency and strong business performance,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization, so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business.”

“Being recognized as a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune for the fifth time is an extraordinary honor for our YMCA,” said President and CEO Katy Leclair. “These past several years have been like no other in our organization’s history, and through it all, our dedicated staff team has used innovation and creativity to ensure the long-term sustainability of our organization, while working tirelessly to meet the needs of the communities we serve. It is truly a privilege to work alongside this 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 nearly 500 full and part-time employees who work at its three branches 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.

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Meet the Y’s Teen Achievers Facilitators

It’s Thanksgiving week and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA would like to highlight a wonderful group of individuals we are thankful for this holiday season. We are so excited about our 2021-22 Teen Achievers program, which wouldn’t be possible without the help of our incredible team of school facilitators. You can learn more about this Rock Star team below: 

Chris Tagler – Minooka Community High School

About Mr. Tagler: 

Chris has taught at the high school level for 15 years, mostly in Personal Finance education, and is starting his second year at Minooka Community High School.

Why he is excited for Teen Achievers: 

“I joined the YMCA’s Teen Achievers team because I have made it one of my missions to help young people become smarter and ready for the world that awaits them.”

Jillian VanTuyle – Plainfield East High School and Plainfield Central High School

About Ms. VanTuyle:

Jillian is an ELD teacher at Plainfield East, and has two kids that love the Y! Her dream is to travel the world, knit endless hats, and eat cake at every opportunity.

Why she is excited for Teen Achievers: 

“Navigating the transition into adulthood is a tough one, and I’m looking forward to helping young adults find the path that helps them achieve their personal goals. Teen Achievers is an amazing way for students to explore the question of, ‘What’s next after graduation?’, without cookie-cutter responses and support for taking action. I can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish!”

Walter Ornelas – Plainfield South High School

About Mr. Ornelas:

Walter was born in Mexico and raised in Pilsen, a neighborhood in Chicago. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education at UIC and a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University. He has worked with the at-risk youth population within many communities, including Pilsen, West Lawndale, South Chicago, and most recently in Joliet and Plainfield. 

Why he is excited for Teen Achievers:

“I have spent my professional career helping young people advance their lives through education and vocational training. My goal as an educator is to enrich the lives of students I work with by making a positive contribution while creating lifelong learners.”

Tycee Bell – Joliet West High School and Joliet Central High School

About Ms. Bell:

Tycee is a proud Joliet native, community cultivator, and public affairs professional. She is a founder and Visionary Director of Seven Mountains LLC, a mission-driven enterprise looking to change the world through large-scale events that bring people together and empower new leaders to advance the movement for social justice.

Why she is excited for Teen Achievers:

“When teens excel, it’s because of programs like Teen Achievers, which provide opportunities for them to learn and focus on their future. My hope is to help foster a leader centered environment as a facilitator because I believe in the YMCA’s mission to build the mind, body, and spirit of our youth. This is vital when building a foundation for success.”

Robbi Hicks – Morris High School

About Ms. Hicks: 

Robbi is a music educator, currently serving as Director of Bands at Morris Community High School. After graduating from VanderCook College of Music (Chicago, IL) with a B.M.Ed. in Music Education in 2018, she worked in Joliet Public Schools for two years. In her time at Joliet PSD 86, she served as a K-5 music educator as well as the Social-Emotional-Learning Liaison for the Fine Arts. In 2021, Robbi became certified as a yoga teacher with plans to teach classes in the coming year. 

Why she is excited for Teen Achievers: 

“Along with a passion for music, I have a passion for social and emotional learning. I believe in the power of enriching communities through mindfulness, movement, and music.”

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Challenge Yourself: Kevin Carew’s Story

Throughout the year, YMCA members have the opportunity to participate in a number of fitness challenges to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With registration underway for the Y’s Operation Transformation challenge, we are excited to share the story of one of our very own staffers, Kevin Carew. Carew, who works part-time in the custodial department at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA in Plainfield, lost 18 pounds by participating in the 2020 Ho Ho Hold Your Weight Maintenance Challenge. We invite you to read more about Kevin’s story below:

Q: Did you have any previous experience with YMCA Fitness Challenges?

Kevin: This was my second time doing the Ho-Ho Hold Your Weight challenge. I just love the concept of trying to maintain or lose weight during the holidays when it’s the hardest. The first time I did the challenge, I only gained one pound so it was a success. This time around I really wanted to focus on my health.

Q: What did the challenge help you address when it came to living a healthy lifestyle?

Kevin: You name it, I was doing it bad. Eating bad, not exercising. My clothes didn’t fit. I felt lethargic. I think it was a combination of all that which made me realize I had to do something. I actually started the process a little earlier before the challenge because I think I’ve been at it now for right around 100 days. The challenge was a way to supplement my efforts and keep myself motivated and focused.

Q: How did Y staff members help you during the challenge?

Kevin: I think that the staff involved in the challenge do a really good job of being available. I came at it with a perspective of wanting to learn. Whether it’s a nutrition tip or fitness tip, they did a great job of being generous with their time. I took notes on some ideas and best practices. I really had a good support system from within.

Q: What was it like to see how far you had come once the challenge ended?

Kevin: I think when I saw progress, I felt a few things. I think a lot of it was that in my mind, I had never considered myself very mentally strong. It was good to know that I was dedicated enough during this time of year, where you’ve got all the sweets and the treats, to be able to do well during that stretch. It gave me a lot of confidence.

Q: What are your goals moving forward?

Kevin: Like a lot of people, I try to get on a roll in my workouts. I shoot for 30 minutes a day, seven days a week. Once you get on a roll with eating better, sleeping better, feeling better, and all of the sudden you’ve worked out 25 days in a row. You don’t want day 26 to be the day you don’t do something, you want to keep the streak alive. I want to keep the train moving to where I want to be. I’m down about 45 pounds overall and I’d really like to lose another 50.

We congratulate Kevin on his success and thank him for sharing his Y story. Registration for Operation Transformation, which will get underway on February 8, is open now! 

Register Today

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Creating a Better World: Sports Manager Ken Iverson Closing Remarkable Run with Morris Community YMCA Youth Basketball League

Saturday will mark the final time Morris Community YMCA Sports Manager Ken Iverson participates in a Youth Basketball League (YBL) weekend. And when Ken thinks about his last day, he can’t help but think of his own childhood. 

“I fell in love with the game of basketball when I was just a boy,” Ken said. “My dad, a Norwegian immigrant, had never played the game, but he put a hoop up for me. Just a piece of plywood sitting on a pole. I went out and shot on a slanted driveway and just played and played.”

Iverson, a Morris native, has been a fixture in the community’s sports scene for more than 40 years and his passion for basketball burns with the same intensity as it did when he was a kid.

“I can remember sitting on the steps of the bleachers at Morris High School games because there was nowhere else to sit. People were screaming and yelling and I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen in my life,” he said. 

Ken would go on to play at Morris High School and also got a chance to walk-on at Western Illinois University. He returned home to coach middle school basketball throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s and, after retiring in 2005, he was approached to help expand the Y’s presence in Morris.

“We started off with the youth programs, which was my wheelhouse. I’ve been doing that all my life,” Ken said. “But it’s also been rewarding to expand programs to adults and seniors.”

YBL’s growth under Iverson’s leadership opened the door for more sports programming and eventually the Y’s expansion into its current downtown Morris location. Ken played a role not only scouting locations for the Y, but also recruiting the likes of Executive Director Missy Durkin to join the Y team. 

“Over the past six years it’s been an honor to work with Ken and watch his passion for the Y continue to grow,” Durkin said. “I can’t even begin to imagine how many lives he’s touched through his Y career from YBL and adult leagues, to fishing camp and more. We’re grateful he is not retiring just yet, but we know he will be deeply missed in the gyms next year when YBL resumes.”

After 14 years, Ken still relishes his opportunities to make an impact at the Y, particularly working with kids. 

“I’m convinced the reason sports are so important is because of the life lessons you learn for outside the game. It’s about never giving up, hanging in there, always trying your best. For kids, there are virtues that are better learned in this environment than anywhere else,” he said.

Ken is also excited for the future of YBL having worked with Chris Interial, who was named the Y’s new Sports Director last summer. 

“Chris is amazing. I was worried about who was going to come in for me and now I think they might just forget all about Mr. I. Chris is going to take what we have started here and run with it. He’ll make it even bigger and better,” Ken said.

Iverson shared that it has been a tremendous joy to make a difference in his hometown.

“I think the Y is the biggest and best thing that’s ever happened in my life and I think it is the biggest and best thing that has ever happened in Morris,” he said. “It has truly been a blessing.”

On behalf of all the athletes, coaches and staff members who have participated in our Morris YBL program, we would like to thank Coach I for his passion and dedication to the Y and the game of basketball. If you would like to help celebrate Coach I’s last YBL weekend, feel free to stop by Morris Grade School this Saturday. Games begin at 9 a.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon.

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Inspire, Educate, Motivate: Ken Miller Celebrating Final Season as Coal City YBL Coordinator

Ken Miller will close out his final season as the YMCA’s Coal City Youth Basketball League (YBL) Coordinator this Saturday, bringing an end to an incredibly successful five-year run with the Morris Community YMCA.   

Ken joined the Y staff prior to the start of the 2014-15 YBL season after 33 years in education. He served as an administrator in Coal City Unit School District 1 for more than a decade, coached high school football for 14 years (winning a state title in 1993), and also helped coach basketball. Ken said one of the most rewarding aspects of the last five years has been overseeing the program’s continued growth in Coal City.

“The biggest thing is that interest has spread throughout our community. We had over 180 kids participate last year, which was the highest number we’ve ever had,” Miller said. “I have been fortunate to watch the first graders from the first year go all the way through the program.” 

Miller’s leadership of the Y’s Coal City youth basketball league has helped to expand the organization’s footprint throughout the community. One of the Y’s most highly visible youth development programs, YBL teaches young athletes the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship while supporting their development in the game of basketball. 

“Our primary goal is to make basketball fun for everyone. There are always going to be different skill levels, but one thing you can always do is have fun. Whether at practice or in games, we try to make sure it’s a great experience for all the kids involved,” Miller said. 

Miller said he has been proud to work alongside dedicated Y staff members. 

“It’s been a team effort. I’ve had total support from everyone at the Y. Any time I’ve ever had a question or concern, everyone has been helpful in making sure our needs in Coal City were met. We all work together, much like a coaching staff would,” he said.  

Ken also said he still gets excited when he watches players make their first basket and that inspiring kids is what makes the Y experience so special.    

“At the end of the year, I give each of our participants a basketball. One time, we had a third grader who couldn’t be there on the last day to receive the ball. I said ‘Don’t worry, we’ll get it to you the week before’. When he got it he was just thrilled, started crying and gave me a big hug. He had never had a basketball of his own,” Ken said. “Those are the types of things that have made it really neat and the memories I’ll take with me forever.”

The Y is also thankful for everything Ken has brought to YBL.

“As we looked to expand our reach in Grundy County with the YBL program we knew there was one perfect man for the job and that was Ken Miller,” Executive Director Missy Durkin said. “Ken has been an exceptional coach and mentor for young athletes. We are grateful for his dedicated service and leadership and he will be greatly missed around the courts.”

If you would like to help celebrate Ken’s last YBL weekend, feel free to stop by Coal City Intermediate School this Saturday. Games begin at 9 a.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon.

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