YMCA of Metro North Joins Welcoming America in Celebrating New Americans During Welcoming Week

This Welcoming Week, taking place September 13-22, the YMCA of Metro North, will join Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide in hosting events to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity. Welcoming Week activities are open to the public and include a sampling of food from around the world, chance for community members to pinpoint their place of heritage on a map, free family nights, and cultural activities for youth to learn about different countries.

“At the YMCA of Metro North, we believe the each city and town we serve is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North. “Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born—to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values. We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which is demonstrating that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities.”

 During Welcoming Week, each of our YMCA of Metro North branches have unique activities planned to welcome in and celebrate the people in the communities they serve.  Some highlights across the Association include a Taste of Diversity at the Lynn YMCA on September 18th, a Back to School Festival Family Night at the Melrose Family YMCA on September 13th, Family Open Gyms at the Saugus Family YMCA on September 15th and at the Gymnastics Center on September 19th, as well as a Welcoming Week Kick Off celebration at the Torigian Family YMCA on September 13th.  During Welcoming Week from September 13-September 22 there will be a number of smaller events happening in each of the branches to celebrate diversity and welcome the community into the YMCA.

“These events are part of a powerful and growing movement in our country and around the world, demonstrating that communities want to be welcoming,” said Rachel Peric, Executive Director of Welcoming America. “Welcoming Week is a reminder of the resilient and inclusive spirit of American communities. Thousands of local leaders nationwide are bringing their communities together to bridge divides and build stronger local economies where everyone belongs.”

Welcoming Week Events

Lynn YMCA
9/16 – 9/17 – Join us in the lobby to take part in our diversity photobooth where you can take a picture with props from around the world.
9/18 – Taste of Diversity – sample ethnic foods from local restaurants.
9/19 – Flag Pride Day – wear a flag to the Y that represents your culture.
Melrose Family YMCA
9/13 – Back to School Night Festival 6:15-7:15PM
9/17 – Member Appreciation event 9:00-11:00AM
9/18 – Storytime Adventures 10:30-11:00AM * Please register in advance
9/18 – Cooking Demo with Kim! 11:30AM-12:00PM
9/20 – Mini Olympics 3:30-4:30PM * Please register in advance
FREE and open to members and the community! All are welcome at the Y!
Saugus Family YMCA
9/15 – Open Gym/Moonbounce 11:30AM – 1:00PM
9/16 – Energy Express for Kids 9:15AM – 10:00AM
9/18 – Complimentary Coffee in the Lobby 8:00AM – 10:00AM
9/19 – Gymnastics Center Family Open Gym 11:30AM – 12:30PM
Torigian Family YMCA

9/13 – Welcoming Week Kickoff Celebration 4:00-7:00PM FREE to the Community
Open Swim, Bounce House/Open Gym, Climb Mt. Everest (ages 5+), Around the World Food Tasting, Global Minute to Win it Challenge
9/14 – 9/15 – Your Nation’s Pride Coloring Contest
9/21 – International Water Olympics 2:00-4:00PM
9/13-9/22 – Y Academy Participant food from around the world scavenger hunt!

About Welcoming Week

Welcoming Week, founded by Welcoming America, is an annual celebration bringing together thousands of people and hundreds of local events that celebrate the contributions of immigrants and refugees and the role communities play to foster greater welcome. Welcoming Week is Sept. 13-22 across the country and now expanding to other parts of the world.

Welcoming America is leading a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by making everyone who lives there feel like they belong. Welcoming America believes that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of both our communities and our shared future. www.welcomingamerica.org.