
For a young immigrant, the Y was more than a place to
play basketball. It was a safe haven from life on the streets.

It began as a woman’s search for a place to build endurance
during her cancer treatments. Today, her family has come to
rely on the Y as a source of unity, strength and belonging.

Sometimes teens need a little extra guidance when they are
Government gave her just that, with some added advantages.
Sometimes teens need a little extra guidance when they are unsure of which career path to choose. For Victoria, Youth in Government gave her just that, with some added advantages.
Now a senior in high school, Victoria has been participating in the YMCA’s Youth in Government Program since eighth grade. Created to prepare students for responsible leadership in the American democratic process by providing guidance, training and experience in the theory and practice of determining public policy, Youth in Government gives kids the support and opportunities to figure out who they are and what they can achieve.
“I love the program because it has given me so much insight about the world around me, especially within the government,” Victoria says. “It also has helped me prepare for my future career in law, which I will begin pursuing shortly after graduation in May of this year.”
Victoria credits the YMCA Youth in Government Program for helping her persist and remain focused on her life goals. She, like so many youth who benefit from this program, feels more confident in her abilities, and is more independent and able to make sound decisions while she continues to develop a strong character and work ethic.
Proof positive of her hard work, Victoria was delighted to learn she has been accepted to five colleges, and each of them has offered more than $10,000 in scholarships.
“Participating in Youth in Government is an opportunity of a lifetime,” she explains. “I would encourage any young teen that isn’t sure as to what career path they might choose to join this program.”
Our philanthropic gifts create a tremendous ripple effect, from ourselves to our families and on to the world around us – usually reaching so far that we may not even realize the benefits our gifts have created in the lives of others.
When you cast your stone our way, you help ensure a long life for the Kankakee Area YMCA. Your charitable gift contributes to a future of new possibilities for families and children throughout Kankakee County.
In addition, your gifts to the YMCA can benefit your current financial plans and help you meet your family's needs for years to come. Many avenues are available to blend your philanthropic goals with your own financial, tax and estate plans – while ensuring that your resources are utilized to their fullest capacity, for your family and your favorite charitable interests.
In this booklet you will find descriptions of many options that may fit your situation and goals. Please allow us to partner with your legal and tax advisors to help you plan for tomorrow, as well as receive maximum benefits today.
Back in the days before electricity, many cities and towns still could keep their municipalities illuminated at night: they had streetlights that used oil, and later gas. And every night at dusk one man had the job of going to each individual streetlamp, setting it aglow from the torch he carried, and continuing on to the next. Though he had moved on, he left the world behind him bright, safe, and warm. This stalwart of the community was the Lamplighter.
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BODYPUMP™ is the fastest way to shape up and lose body fat. It's a toning and conditioning class with weights and is for just about everybody who wants to add strength training into their aerobic workout. The simplicity of the class makes BODYPUMP™ a great starting point to develop strength and confidence. Hot sounds and compelling choreography keep you going through each 45-minute or one-hour workout. You'll use a step platform, a bar and a set of weights.
If you're new to weights-resistance exercise or you're out of shape, you should start with light weights. After a few classes you'll recognise the correct weight for you. If you're unsure, ask your instructor.
BODYPUMP™ Benefits
Check out this body pump class at the Louisville YMCA


The four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility form the basis for all activities in the PNC Grow Up Great Preschool Program. Our staff model YMCA values and assist children in developing positive attitudes based on these core values.
An array of daily learning experiences in the program can be found in our Activity Centers. These choices, based on age appropriate activities in a child-centered, fun environment, offer our children a chance to learn, to imagine, to relax—a chance to grow.
Cardio Kickboxing from Kankakee Area YMCA on Vimeo.
Youth Basketball from Kankakee Area YMCA on Vimeo.
The mission of the Kankakee Area YMCA is: "to put Christian principles into practice through programs building healthy spirit, mind, and body for all."