Welcoming Week 2025

 

WHAT IS WELCOMING WEEK?

We believe our community is stronger when everyone feels welcome and we work together for the common good. Celebrated annually at the YMCA, Welcoming Week is a chance for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born residents—to get to know one another and celebrate what unites us as a community.

HOW DOES MY BUSINESS GET INVOLVED?

Welcoming week is all about bringing our community together- we would love to have you join us! Here's how you can participate:

  • Be a Vendor: Set up a table to connect with families and showcase your business or organization. Engage kids with a fun, youth-centered activity to make your booth interactive and memorable. 
  • Support the Event: Businesses can financially sponsor the event to help provide exciting experiences and activities for local families. For more information on sponsorship, email Christine Paliewicz at cpaliewicz@duluthymca.org. 
  • Join the Fun: Be part of a community-wide effort to inspire healthy habits and active play for kids and families!

 

From Friday, September 12 - Sunday, September 21, 2025, all branches of the Duluth Area Family YMCA will celebrate Welcoming Week. 

Here's what you can expect at some of our different locations:

Downtown Duluth YMCA 302 W. 1st St., Duluth, MN 55802

  • Through the week in our lobby: 
    • Help us put together our new All are Welcome Here jigsaw puzzle in our lobby
    • Decorate your own family flag
    • Learn games from around the world
  • September 15: The Y will host a Zoom call at 9:00 a.m. in the YMCA Conference Room in celebration of Welcoming Week. Peter and Nicola from the East Jerusalem YMCA will share their powerful story and answer questions, fostering understanding, building bridges, and cultivating a sense of global connectedness.  Click here to learn more
  • Tuesday September 16th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM - Discover the history and beauty of the Bonsai tree.  Join us for a opportunity to experience the artistry of bonsai up close while learning about its rich cultural roots. Often thought of as a Japanese tradition, the art of bonsai can actually be traced back to ancient China as early as 500–1000 BC, before evolving into the refined practice we know today. Explore how these miniature masterpieces are carefully cultivated, shaped, and nurtured, and gain a deeper appreciation for this living art form that combines patience, skill, and creativity.
  • Saturday, September 20th, 10:00 - 11:30 AM - Story Stitch by Green Card Voices - a storytelling tool that sparks empathy-building conversations across lines of difference. This session focuses specifically on racial equity, health equity, and gender and sexuality—areas that deeply impact our communities but are too often left out of collective dialogue.  Learn more about Green Card Voices and Story Stitch here. 
  • Cultural story time in Kids Club

Superior YMCA 9 N. 21st St., Superior, WI 54880

  • Monday, September 15, 6:30-8:00 PM - Story Stitch by Green Card Voices - a storytelling tool that sparks empathy-building conversations across lines of difference. This session focuses specifically on racial equity, health equity, and gender and sexuality—areas that deeply impact our communities but are too often left out of collective dialogue.  Learn more about Green Card Voices and Story Stitch here. 
  • Cultural story time in Kids Club

YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center 4289 Ugstad Rd., Hermantown, MN 55811

  • Stories Around the World: Join us in Kids Club for a special story time featuring tales from different cultures that celebrate diversity, imagination, and community.
  • Moving to the World’s Beat: Work out to the sounds of international music as we honor the diversity that makes our community strong.
  • Flavors of Belonging: Stop by the Firefly Café during Welcoming Week to enjoy featured dishes inspired by cultures from around the world, celebrating community through food.
  • Monday, September 15  
    • Asian cuisine by Firefly Cafe*
    • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Discover the history and beauty of the Bonsai tree.  Join us for a opportunity to experience the artistry of bonsai up close while learning about its rich cultural roots. Often thought of as a Japanese tradition, the art of bonsai can actually be traced back to ancient China as early as 500–1000 BC, before evolving into the refined practice we know today. Explore how these miniature masterpieces are carefully cultivated, shaped, and nurtured, and gain a deeper appreciation for this living art form that combines patience, skill, and creativity.
    • 1:30 p.m. Parkinson's Support Group 
    • 6:00 p.m. Young Onset Parkinson's Support Group
  • Tuesday, September 16 
    •  Italian cuisine by Firefly Cafe*
  • Wednesday. September 17
    •  Mexican cuisine by Firefly Cafe*
    • 11:30 -1:00 PM - Story Stitch by Green Card Voices - a storytelling tool that sparks empathy-building conversations across lines of difference. This session focuses specifically on racial equity, health equity, and gender and sexuality—areas that deeply impact our communities but are too often left out of collective dialogue.  Learn more about Green Card Voices and Story Stitch here.
  • Thursday, September 18
    •  Filipino cuisine by Firefly Cafe*
  • Friday, September 19
    • Greek Cuisine by Firefly Cafe*

* All cultural foods will be available starting at 10:00 am until gone. 

Cook County Community YMCA 105 5th St., Grand Marais, MN 55604

  • September 15: The Y will host a Zoom call at 9:00 a.m. in the YMCA Conference Room in celebration of Welcoming Week. Peter and Nicola from the East Jerusalem YMCA will share their powerful story and answer questions, fostering understanding, building bridges, and cultivating a sense of global connectedness. 

    Click here to learn more

  • September 16th and 17th: World Press Institute journalist forum and potluck hosted by CCHE (learn more here) 
  • September 18th and 19th: Blood Drive with Memorial Blood Center.
  • September 20th: Save the Boundary Waters Event 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the YMCA Gym

Join us throughout the week for activities, celebrating culture and diversity in our community!

 

If you are ages 16+ and are not an active member of the Y, you will need to present a valid photo ID to enter the event.