Church of Joy relocates to former Lake County YMCA location

WAUKEGAN – Church of Joy will celebrate the grand opening of their new ministry headquarters in the former Lake County YMCA building, at 2000 Western Ave. in Waukegan on Sunday, according to a news release.

At 10 a.m., Paster Luis Reyes of Waukegan and members of the church will showcase ministry services for children, teens, adults and families at the new headquarters. Church of Joy has been in the community for almost 20 years. Reyes and his wife, Tricia, founded the ministry in 1997, the release stated.

A multi-million dollar renovation project has transformed the 55,000 square-foot YMCA facility into a full ministry with a main sanctuary, various children's classrooms, full-service cafe, youth sanctuary, gymnasium and performing arts studio.

Reyes said he is especially proud to be bringing the ministry to his hometown.

"This is not only a win for the Church of Joy, it's a win for the entire community," Reyes said. "Great things are happening for the families in this region and Church of Joy is glad to be a part of it."

Church of Joy was previous headquarted on 27th Street in Zion.