Welcoming Week 2026

Welcoming Week is an annual celebration that brings together people from different backgrounds to build connections, encourage cross-cultural understanding and celebrate what unites us as neighbors.

At the Y, strengthening community starts by creating spaces where people can meet, learn from one another and feel a sense of belonging. Welcoming Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate that commitment across Greater Cleveland.

Celebrate With Your Local Y

YMCA of Greater Cleveland branches will celebrate Welcoming Week with activities and events throughout the week.

Details about 2026 Welcoming Week activities at our branches are coming soon. Check back to see how your local Y is celebrating September 10–19.

Everyone Is Welcome at the Y

Welcoming Week may happen once a year, but creating a welcoming community is part of who we are every day.

Our Y brings together people of different ages, backgrounds and experiences through fitness, youth programs, swimming, sports, volunteering, community events and much more. These everyday connections help make Greater Cleveland a stronger place for all of us.

Join Us September 10–19

Come celebrate Welcoming Week with the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and discover new ways to connect with your neighbors and your community.

Check back soon for branch activities and event details.

Celebrate cultures from around the world and the diverse backgrounds of our Geauga Y community during Welcoming Week.

• Around the World Display: Look for flags representing different countries outside the Y and around our lobby tree.
• Where Are You From?: Add a pin to our world map and help us show all the places represented in our Y community.
• Ethnic Cookie Day: Enjoy a selection of small cookies and desserts representing different cultures from around the world.

More Welcoming Week activities are being planned, so check back for updates.

Celebrate the cultures and backgrounds that make up the Lakewood Y community throughout Welcoming Week.

• Share Where You're From: Add a pin to the world map to show where you are from.
• Celebrate Cultures Around the World: Explore flags representing countries from around the world displayed throughout the lobby.
• Share a Taste of Home: Members are invited to bring in a snack from their country to share with the Y community.

Welcoming Week Passport

Members and guests can pick up a Welcoming Week Passport and explore everything the Y has to offer. Complete activities such as trying a new class, visiting the pool, meeting YMCA staff, touring the facility, trying new fitness equipment and learning about YMCA programs. Complete five activities to enter the grand prize drawing.

Community Day | Saturday, September 19

Celebrate the final day of Welcoming Week at North Royalton's Community Day. Stop by to explore the Y and connect with your community. Activities will include:

• Open house
  Fitness demonstrations
  Free InBody scans at the Ask a Trainer table
  Membership information
  Facility tours
  Local vendors and community partners, as available

Join the Warrensville Heights Y for activities that bring members together and celebrate connection throughout Welcoming Week.

• Y-Stars Challenge: Beginning September 10, visit the Y and earn stars for participating. Members can earn additional stars by working out on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a Y-Star T-shirt awarded to members who collect the most stars.
• Where Were You Born?: Add a pin to our world map and help show all the places represented in the Warrensville Heights Y community.
• Welcoming Week Treats: Stop by on Friday, September 11 for snacks available to morning and evening members.
• Group Exercise Activities: Look for special welcoming activities incorporated into land and water Group X classes throughout the week.
• Annual Campaign Kickoff & Member Appreciation Day: Join us Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m. as we celebrate our members and kick off the Annual Campaign.
• Community Connections: The Y is inviting local businesses and organizations to participate in Welcoming Week and experience the Warrensville Heights Y.

West Shore is planning several ways for members to connect, try something new and celebrate the community during Welcoming Week.

• Interactive Community Map:** Add a pin to show where you are originally from or where you currently call home and help showcase the many places represented in our West Shore community.
• Try Something New Challenge:** Explore the Y and take on a bingo-style challenge featuring different activities throughout the branch. Complete your card for a chance to be entered into a prize drawing.
• Community Connections:** West Shore is working with local businesses and community partners on additional activities and opportunities to celebrate together.

More details will be added as plans are finalized.
 

Join the West Park Y for activities celebrating our community, our cultures and 69 years of serving our neighbors.

• Pin Your Origin:** Add a pin to our world map to show where you are from.
• Coffee Talks:** Join us Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. for coffee and conversation about where we come from.
• Country Flag Making:** Children in Pathways can create flags representing countries from around the world.
• West Park's 69th Birthday Party:** Help us celebrate 69 years of the West Park Y on Thursday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m.