THE GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA RECEIVES A $850,000 GRANT THAT WILL SUPPORT FAMILIES AT THE SALVATION ARMY OF JOLIET


THE GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA RECEIVES A $850,000 GRANT THAT WILL SUPPORT FAMILIES AT THE SALVATION ARMY OF JOLIET

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood presented the award Wednesday at The Salvation Army of Joliet

JOLIET — Building on their past collaboration for e-learning during the pandemic and summer day camp programming, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA have been awarded a grant of $850,000 from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development that will help families at The Salvation Army of Joliet.  

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood joined YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair, Envoy Scott Hurula, Corps Administrator at The Salvation Army of Joliet, and Major K. Kendall Mathews, Associate Chicago Area Commander, on Wednesday for a check presentation. The $850,000 will be used to create a family innovations lab and STEAM after-school programing space at The Salvation Army of Joliet. 

Congresswoman Underwood championed the grant, which will provide the needed facility upgrades at The Salvation Army of Joliet.

Features of the new center include:

•    A computer programming and coding lab, including robotics and 3-D printing.

•    A fine arts studio for painting, sculpture, vocal and instrumental music, etc.

•    A video production studio, including green screen technology. 

•    A maker space where children and families can express their creativity.

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA have pledged support for staffing the program during after-school hours and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months, as part of the Y’s summer day camp program. 

The Salvation Army of Joliet will contribute to the programming with specialized ministries for men, women and families, Pathway of Hope services, and Healthy Food for All activities for nutrition and healthy living.

The following photos can be use when covering this story. Photos from the check presentation at The Salvation Army of Joliet.


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