Belonging Begins with Us Welcoming Week

We know communities are stronger when people from all backgrounds have the chance to connect and work side by side for the common good. Created by Welcoming America, Welcoming Week is a national celebration that brings residents together through community events to promote cross-cultural understanding and highlight the benefits of welcoming everyone.

Central Florida is one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, with more than 1,000 people moving here each week from across the country and around the world. It has also become the top destination for people relocating from other parts of Florida. This growth brings exciting opportunities to celebrate cultures, backgrounds and stories that shape our community.

At the YMCA, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate Welcoming Week across all 14 YMCA of Central Florida locations. The Y is here to be a welcoming place for all new residents in Central Florida who move to our community to grow healthier together.

Celebrate Heritage Through Healthy Eating

Indian-Spiced Lentils

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Shrimp ceviche in glass bowl with lime

Shrimp Ceviche

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Classic Potato Latkes

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Vietnamese rice paper rolls with shrimp, red cabbage, carrot and rice noodles. Asian cuisine food. Spring rolls

Summer Spring Rolls

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Creamy Everyday Hummus

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Jollof Rice

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Salade Niçoise

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Thai Peanut Noodles with Chicken

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My Y Stories

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Getting a Peace of Mind

“I felt like they needed to learn quickly because my younger son loves water, but I didn’t feel safe with him in it yet.”

My Y Stories - Neighbors

Taking Care of Our Neighbors

“It sounds cliché to say ‘the Y saved my life’ but it really saved us. We didn’t have a community. Now basically everything we need, I can ask my Y community for advice.”

Take it to a New Level

“Exercise has always been in my life. I thought that I was great at working out, but having a personal trainer has changed my life.”

Grow a relationship with God

“I thought it would be a good idea to go to the conference. I just didn’t expect to have such a deep connection with all of these different people I hadn’t met before.”

Making Dreams a Reality

“Without the YMCA I don’t know how my kids would’ve received the experience they’re getting now in sports or even to be part of a family, because the YMCA is family to us.”

Did you know…

The Y is a global nonprofit organization committed to providing life-changing benefits to our neighbors in need and strengthening our community.

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Women embracing in friendly hug

Make an Even Bigger Impact

YMCA family of volunteers helping out at a food drive while wearing YMCA t-shirts

Volunteer

Each of our volunteers helps deliver the benefits of good health, strong connections, greater self-confidence and a sense of security to all who seek it. Visit your local Y to learn more about how to volunteer.

Give

When you donate to the Y, your gift will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own neighborhood.

Two women smiling while sitting on bikes during a cycling class

Invite Others

Invite your friends to discover all the ways the Y can help them grow stronger and healthier together alongside you!