Three young women exercise at the High Street YMCA | YMCA of Central KY

Bringing People Closer

YMCA of Central Kentucky hosting Welcoming Week Sept. 8-17

This Welcoming Week (September 8-17), YMCA of Central Kentucky will join Welcoming America, other YMCAs and organizations nationwide to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity. Each year, Welcoming Week elevates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of the country. The event is an opportunity for neighbors - both immigrants and U.S.-born residents - to get to know one another and celebrate what unites people as a community and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone!

YMCA of Central KY staff and members will be engaging in fun and easy ways to expand their perspectives and make our community a more welcoming place for all.

  • Activity #1: Join the Y and pay nothing until October
    During Welcoming Week, all YMCA of Central Kentucky locations will be offering new members to join and pay nothing until Oct. 1. 
  • Activity #2: After School Activities
    After school leaders and staff will lead activities in YMCA of Central KY after school programs that encourage, explore, and celebrate the diversity in our community. Youth participants are encouraged to think and share about why welcoming others is important, and how creating a sense of belonging for all creates a better community.
  • Activity #3: Super Saturday Open Houses Sept. 16
    The community is welcome to visit High Street YMCA (Lexington, KY) and Prevention Park YMCA (Frankfort, KY) on Saturday, Sept. 16 to check out the Y, take a tour, and even participate in group exercise classes for free! For a complete list of activities and schedule, check out the High Street event or the Prevention Park event. 
  • Activity #4: Global Map
    Members, staff and guests will be encouraged to mark their country of origin or heritage on a large map that will be displayed in our lobby during Welcoming Week.

For more information about Welcoming Week, visit https://welcomingamerica.org/initiatives/welcoming-week.