KANKAKEE AREA YMCA
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.
Social Responsibility
For a young immigrant, the Y was more than a place to play basketball. It was a safe haven from life on the streets.
Born in Panama, Joshua moved to the United States with his mother when he was eight. After a year in New York, they moved to Columbus, Ga. With little money and no support system, the transition to life in the U.S. was difficult for them, particularly Joshua.
“I couldn’t understand English well, so I started doing bad things to impress the kids in the neighborhood,” he said. “I was constantly getting into trouble at home, in school and with the law.”
One day, Joshua was hanging out a park with “friends who were older and always getting into trouble.” A coach from the nearby A.J. McClung YMCA approached Joshua and invited him to play basketball at the Y. He accepted the coach’s invitation—“the best decision I have made for my family and me.”
Joshua started spending more time at the Y and less time on the streets. His grades and behavior improved, thanks to the mentoring and academic assistance he received. He developed a love and talent for basketball. He made his high school’s varsity basketball team, which won the state championship. He graduated from high school.
Now a college student, Joshua volunteers at the Y regularly.
“My YMCA was my safe haven and is for all kids in the community. It gives hope and inspiration for troubled kids,” he said. “If it were not for my YMCA, I would probably be in jail or dead. Those YMCA coaches and staff literally saved me.”
Now Happening at the Y
- Lamplighters Club
- Les Mills BODYPUMP
- New Cardio Equipment Is Here!
- Preschool
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.
What Is a Lamplighter?
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.
Read more...Les Mills BODYPUMP
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
- Burn up to 600 calories per class for fat loss
- Improve your strength
- Improve your general fitness
- Shape and tone your musclesImprove your bone density (helps ward off osteoporosis)
- Gives you a sense of achievement
Check out this body pump class at the Louisville YMCA
Contact our wellness center staff to set up an equipment orientation
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.
Session Dates
Winter II (Feb 20 - April 15)
Registration opens
Members -Jan. 30
Prosp. Members - Feb. 6
Spring Session (Apr 16 - Jun 3)
Registration opens
Members -Mar. 26
Prosp. Members - Apr. 2
Y Fall Newsletter
New Y Videos
Cardio Kickboxing
Cardio Kickboxing from Kankakee Area YMCA on Vimeo.
Youth Basketball
Youth Basketball from Kankakee Area YMCA on Vimeo.
