This #WelcomingWeek, meet Sue, Neil, Matthew and Thomas, Y members who moved here from England last year and found a sense of community at our Y. They are pictured here with flags representing their heritage – the children are ¼ each Australian, Scottish, Greek and English – as well as flags representing their new home in America and a sixth flag for their solidarity with Ukraine.

“We came here from England in May 2021, and in the summer we were looking for child care and someone told us about the Y. I emailed – and figured it was full – but found out there was one spot available. We took a tour, loved it straight away and signed up. In addition to Thomas being in the Y’s child care program, our older son Matthew was in the after care program and both boys went to Y camp over the summer.

I found that the child care teachers were incredibly welcoming. Ms. Beth (Thomas’ teacher last year) is the warmest person and she made us feel so welcome. Early in the year, we attended a back to school night and a few other parents came. I didn’t know anyone but there was such a relaxed vibe. I started to get to know people at pick up and it wasn’t long before the birthday parties started. We felt very included and I think a lot of that had to do with the teachers and how they bring everyone together. Thomas also acclimated so quickly, which was something I was worried about.

When we first moved here, we didn’t know anyone in town. Now, a year later, we’ve met so many people – mostly through the kids. It’s been great and now we feel included in the community and the Y has a lot to do with that. Through after care, camp and the Owls classroom, it’s given us a great foundation.”