WELCOMING WEEK 2026
For 175 Years, the Y Has Been a Place to Belongs
Every day at the YMCA of Greater Nashua we see what it looks like when someone finds their place. It might start with a simple visit, like a parent signing up a child, or a new neighbor walking through our doors, but over time, those small moments grow into something bigger: connection, community and a true sense of belonging.
For 175 years, the YMCA has been a place where people come not just to participate, but to belong. That’s why Welcoming Week, celebrated each September in partnership with Welcoming America, is such a natural extension of our mission. Long before “belonging” became a national conversation, the Y was already supporting people navigating new beginnings. From serving individuals arriving in growing cities in the 1800s to welcoming families building new lives today, the YMCA has long been a
bridge, connecting people to opportunity and to one another.
Here in Greater Nashua we see the impact of that every day. New neighbors bring fresh perspectives, cultures and energy that strengthen our community in ways both visible and deeply personal. Just as important are the connections that form:
conversations in a lobby, friendships built in programs, neighbors becoming part of Welcoming Week 2026 something larger than themselves.
This Welcoming Week, we’re opening our doors a little wider!
Join the Y during Welcoming Week, September 10–19, and we’ll waive your join fee! Plus, you can double dip with our September membership promotion for a chance to win $50 in Y program credit! Join online with promo code “WelcomeWeek26!” or visit any Y branch during Welcoming Week to join and take part in the fun! (Terms and restrictions apply. See promotion details for eligibility and program credit limitations.)
WELCOMING WEEK SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Come and celebrate community and connection during this week-long celebration as we will be hosting a variety of fun activities, special group exercise classes, and family-focused events that highlight what unites us as a community:
• Our Hands, Our Community | Kids Stop – All Branches
Kids can enjoy cultural stories and decorate handprints to add to our community display! Kids Stop reservation required [Register Here]
• SilverSneakers Generations Class | Nashua Y : September 13 @ 10:30–11:15 AM
Celebrate Grandparents Day with joyful movement and light exercises for grandparents and grandchildren, followed by light refreshments and time to connect! FREE for Y Members. Registration required through the YMCA360 App.
• Coco & Sugar Skull Celebration | Merrimack Y : September 14 @ 5:30–7:30 PM
Enjoy a family-friendly evening featuring a showing of Coco and a fun sugar skull art activity! Registration required [Register Here]
• Pop-Up Zumba Kids | Nashua Y : September 15 @ 4:30–5:15 PM
Move, dance, and have fun with a special Zumba Kids class! Ages 7–12. FREE for Y Members. Registration required through the YMCA360 App.
• World Cup Futsal Tournament & Soccer Clinic | Westwood Park Y : September 18 @ 5:00 PM Check-In
A day of connection through soccer fun! Join us for three FREE events: a Futsal Tournament, Soccer Clinic, and Inflatable Soccer Field! Click here to view the flyer for more information. Registration is required [Register Here].
• Fun at the Welcome Centers | All Week – All Branches
Stop by for special family-friendly activities celebrating connection, community, and belonging!
- – Mahjong Bracelet Making | Nashua Y : September 10 @ 11 AM
- – Henna Art with Ava | Nashua Y : September 11 @ 3–4 PM
- – Henna Art with Ellie | Nashua Y : September 12 & 13 @ 1–2 PM
- – Coffees & Teas from Around the World : Nashua Y | September 14
- – World Food Samples | All Y Branches Lobbies
About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. ymca.org
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between people and a deeper sense of belonging for all.
About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org