WILMINGTON — A thriving community is one where everyone has the opportunity to feel welcome, connected and included. As Southeastern North Carolina continues to grow, new neighbors, cultures and stories are adding to the richness and vibrancy of our region, helping shape the community we call home.
At the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, bringing people together has always been at the heart of our mission. The Y is more than a place to exercise or swim—it’s a place where people of different ages, backgrounds and experiences can connect, build relationships and find a sense of belonging.
From September 10th through September 19th, the YMCA is celebrating Welcoming Week—a national initiative that brings together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong, connected communities. Throughout Welcoming Week, the Y invites everyone in our community to join the celebration. No membership is required to visit participating YMCA branches, giving neighbors an opportunity to experience the Y, connect with others and discover a place where everyone is welcome.
No Membership? No Problem. During Welcoming Week, neighbors across our community are invited to experience all the YMCA has to offer—no membership required. It’s an opportunity to explore our facilities, try something new, and experience the welcoming sense of community that sets the Y apart from a traditional gym.
Visitors can stop by the Midtown YMCA (709 George Anderson Dr.) and Nir Family YMCA (2710 Market St.) to make use of the YMCA’s health and wellness centers, indoor pools, courts, and community spaces. Whether you’re looking to start a new wellness routine, spend time with family, or find a supportive community, there’s something for everyone at the Y.
And if you decide to join during Welcoming Week, you can take advantage of a $0 joining fee and pay no membership dues until October.
Come Celebrate with Us! Welcoming Week goes beyond free access to the Y. Throughout the week, YMCA branches will host free events and activities designed to bring neighbors together, celebrate different cultures and create opportunities for connection:
- Free Latin Dance Night (September 15): Partnering with the passionate instructors from Wilmington Latin Dance, the Nir Family YMCA will host a completely free, high-energy dance session featuring Salsa and Bachata. This event bridges cultural divides through movement, welcoming all skill levels—no experience or dance partner required.
- Pop-Up Momilates Event (September 19): Championing inclusivity also means supporting diverse family structures and stages of life. The Nir Family YMCA is hosting a special pop-up class with The Momilates Group, offering a dedicated, supportive village for local mothers and children to connect and prioritize their physical and mental wellness together.
- International Potluck (September 18): Food has a unique power to unite us. Members and neighbors are invited to bring a dish that represents their specific cultural heritage, creating a literal and figurative melting pot where stories are shared over a communal meal.
- Interactive World Map: Throughout Welcoming Week, members and visitors can add a pin to a world map displayed at YMCA branches, representing where they or their families are from. As the map fills throughout the week, it will offer a colorful picture of the many places, cultures and experiences represented within our YMCA community.
A Place to Belong “Our diversity is our greatest asset, but connection is what binds us together,” says Josh Gravette, Executive Director, Nir Family YMCA. “Welcoming Week is an intentional reminder that the Y is a ‘third place’ for everyone. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what language you speak, or what your background is—when you are here, you belong.”
The doors are wide open. Whether you want to experience a new cultural rhythm, find your village, or simply see what happens inside the walls of your local branch, the Y invites you to be a part of the fabric of our community.
Give The Y a Try Visit any participating YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina branch between September 10–19 with a valid photo ID to enjoy free access during Welcoming Week. Explore the full schedule of Welcoming Week events and register for activities at: https://www.ymcasenc.org/event/welcoming-week-at-the-ymca/.
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