JJC and YMCA Announce New Partnership to Serve Youth in the Community

Joliet Junior College (JJC) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Greater Joliet Area YMCA to strengthen both organization’s shared commitment to serve youth in the community. This collaboration strengthens JJC’s community ties, offering valuable services and supporting organizations that improve residents' quality of life.

The partnership was celebrated with an official ribbon cutting held at the JJC Event Center and hosted by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Feb. 6. Leadership from JJC, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA and other community leaders were in attendance.  

“Our mission at JJC goes beyond education — it’s about building community,” said JJC president Dr. Clyne Namuo. “By welcoming these YMCA programs to our campus, we are providing more than space; we are creating new opportunities for young people to grow, explore and feel a sense of belonging at JJC.”

Through this partnership, JJC and the YMCA will work together to host programming on the college’s Main Campus. These programs will include year-round youth sports leagues and camps, offered as part of YMCA Junior Wolves, where youth will have the opportunity to train with JJC athletes and coaches and YMCA staff. Another initiative is the newly launched Paws on the Street program, which brings JJC student-athletes into schools and the YMCA’s after-school Kid Zone program to mentor and inspire younger students. This spring, the YMCA Junior Wolves NFL flag football league, supported in part by a partnership with the Chicago Bears, will also be hosted at JJC, giving local youth access to high-quality training and facilities.

“This partnership is a win-win for everyone,” said JJC athletic director Gregg Braun. “Not only do we get to extend our outreach and introduce more families to JJC athletics, but we also get to collaborate with a like-minded organization that prioritizes youth development and community engagement.”

JJC first opened its doors to YMCA summer day camps in 2024, providing a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn and play. The success of that initiative laid the foundation for a more formalized collaboration.

“We are so grateful to our partners at JJC for sharing their beautiful facilities with the YMCA and the kids and families we have the privilege of serving in our programs each day,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA president and CEO Katy Leclair. “Together, we will work tirelessly to reimagine the ways we can support families in the greater Joliet area by expanding YMCA summer camps and youth sports programs.”