Belonging Begins with Us
Together, we can make sure everyone feels like they belong. Welcoming Week is a chance for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born residents—get to know one another and celebrate what unites us as a community.
Join us September 14-20 for culturally-inspired activities and come by our branches to try the Y for free on Saturday, September 20 during our Open House.
Welcoming Week: September 14 - 20
Independent Health YMCA
Monday: "Where are you from" activity
Tuesday: Board games
Wednesday: Legos
Thursday: Festive Food
Friday: Play-doh and Slime day
Saturday: Open House - Open to the public! Bounce houses and gym games!
Lockport YMCA
All week: Recipe swap board - place in lobby for members to share recipes
Monday: Member Mingle
Tuesday: Games in lobby
Wednesday: Story Hour in Child watch
Thursday: Lobby Craft
Friday: Friday Fact or Fiction - Fitness edition
Southtowns YMCA
Monday: Thank You Day
Tuesday: Culturally-influenced Lego building
Wednesday: Coffee and Fruit/Water in the lobby
Thursday: World Map puzzles
Friday: Scavenger Hunt
Ken-Ton YMCA
New country highlighted every day of the week.
Food and drinks from each country will be available
Monday: France
Tuesday: Austria
Wednesday: New Zealand
Thursday: Ukraine
Friday: Greece
Traditional pot luck
William-Emslie YMCA
Monday: Kickoff Day
Tuesday: Member Stories
Thursday: Cultural Exchange and Naturalization Ceremony
Friday: Potluck Celebration (1:00 – 3:00 pm)
Saturday: Unity in the Community (11:00 am – 1:00 pm)
Special Event: Closing celebration and prize drawing