YMCA Cape Cod 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 during Welcoming Week, Sept. 10-19, at the West Barnstable facility.
Each year, Welcoming Week elevates the growing movement of communities that 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.
“This year, we’re reminding our community that “Belonging Begins with Us,” says Mark Thurman, Director of Operations. “Whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a new neighborhood, or starting a new school, we’ve all had moments where we felt like we didn’t belong. It’s a universal feeling that we all can relate to—but for people who move to this country experiencing language barriers, cultural differences and more, feeling excluded can take years to overcome. We all have the power to help others feel they belong; each of us can help others, regardless of their background, feel like they are seen, embraced, welcomed and included in our community.”
the YMCA Cape Cod will host an in person, physically distanced, outdoor screening of Disney’s “Moana” Friday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. at the Lyndon P. Lorusso YMCA in West Barnstable. Popcorn will be provided by Smith Family Popcorn. The event is being co-hosted by the Barnstable Village Association
In addition to the movie night, the YMCA will be working with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension to celebrate the multi-cultural palates of Cape Cod with “Everyone Eats,” Thursday Sept. 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Lyndon P. Lorusso YMCA in West Barnstable. Learn more about the ethnic gardens in our community, and how to prepare delicious traditional recipes with cookbooks in English and Portuguese.
