From Sept. 14-23, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast will join Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide to host events celebrating immigrants’ contributions to communities.
Welcoming Week activities are open to the public and include KidZone games, group exercises and world map activities.
“At the First Coast YMCA, we believe that Northeast Florida is stronger when every community member feels welcome and we are all working together for the common good,” said Eric K. Mann, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast’s President and CEO. “We are proud to be part of Welcoming Week, which highlights how people of all backgrounds can come together to create stronger communities. It is a time to celebrate the shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, and to make our communities more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls the First Coast home.”
During Welcoming Week, the First Coast YMCA branches will host various events. For example, the Brooks Family YMCA will have KidZone activities such as “Enrichment Passports,” where children and youth will learn about different countries and listen to music from other countries. The Brooks Y will also have a world map on display for individuals to mark where they are from, relaxing chair massages from KUDOs, complimentary Brass Tacks coffee and Leadership Team meet-and-greets with snacks, games and prizes. Visit firstcoastymca.org to see what events will be taking place at your local branch during Welcoming Week.
“These events are part of a powerful and growing movement in our country and around the world, demonstrating that communities want to be welcoming,” Welcoming America Executive Director Rachel Peric said. “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.”
