September 12 - 21, 2025
Welcoming Week
Date:
September 12 - 21, 2025
Location:
Contact:
Maria Rabaino
mrabaino@ymcacentralcoast.org
(831) 728-9622
JOIN US FOR:
WELCOMING WEEK
A CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, EQUITY AND COMMUNITY.
Friday, September 12: Where Belonging Begins (5 - 8 pm)
Kick off Welcoming Week with a vibrant celebration of culture and connection. Enjoy a cultural potluck, Latin dance workshop, kids coloring station, and a “Welcome Wall” where guests can share what makes them feel welcome.
Organizations Attending: Civil Rights Department
Saturday, September 13: Together We Thrive (1–5 PM)
Activities include mental health resource booths, family art stations, cultural performances, and mindfulness activities.
Organizations Attending: Community Bridges, Teen Health Outreach, Allcove, United Way, Central California Alliance for Health, White Hawk Dancers
Sunday, September 14: Bridges Not Barriers (10–1 PM)
Meet local organizations providing housing, healthcare, legal, and food resources. Bingo prize activity and food truck on site.
Organizations Attending: Center for Community Advocacy, Community Health Partnership, The Health Projects Center, Triple P | Positive Parenting Program, Esperanza Community Farms, Community Bridges, Monarch Services, Civil Rights Department, Catholic Diocese of Monterey, Central California Alliance for Health, Ventures, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz
Monday, September 15: Learning Has No Borders (5–8 PM)
Interactive “Teach Me Something from Your Culture” wall, online learning resource flyers, and demo tables with free educational tools.
Organizations Attending: Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Ventures
Tuesday, September 16: Voices and Values (5–8 PM)
Voter registration, “Vote with Your Values” activity, Mexican Independence Day potluck, and cultural photo backdrop.
Organizations Attending: Democratic Women of Monterey County, Ventures
Wednesday, September 17: Pathways to Belonging (5–8 PM)
Resource booths, “Citizens of the World” passport activity, and popcorn social.
Organizations Attending: Santa Cruz County Immigration Project, Catholic Diocese of Monterey
Thursday, September 18: Smart with Money (5–8 PM)
Youth financial literacy simulation “Bite of Reality” plus parent financial resource tables.
Organizations Attending: Catholic Diocese of Monterey, Ventures
Friday, September 19: Know Your Local Leaders (5–8 PM)
Meet local leaders, “If I Were Mayor…” kids activity, and mock city council.
Organizations Attending: Youth Center, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Ventures
Saturday, September 20: Safer Together (10–1 PM)
Resource booths, safety demonstrations, peace rock painting, and mindfulness activities.
Organizations Attending: The Health Projects Center, Triple P | Positive Parenting Program, Survivors Healing Center, Monarch Services, Ventures
Sunday, September 21: Connected in Action (10–2 PM)
Volunteer and community involvement fair with cultural performances.
Organizations Attending: Center for Community Advocacy, Community Health Partnership, The Health Projects Center, Triple P | Positive Parenting Program, Santa Cruz County Immigration Project, Survivors Healing Center, Esperanza Community Farms, Monarch Services, Allcove, United Way, Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Ventures, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz