Above / To kick off the new International Circle of Friends at Kroehler YMCA, Polly Rhodes displays a sign with “Welcome to the Y” in different languages.
The International Circle of Friends at the Naperville YMCA, a nonpartisan group of immigrants and U.S. born neighbors, will host its first monthly meeting at 9AM, Sat., Feb. 11.
The new group is looking to increase awareness of the diverse community making up the YMCA and Naperville by hosting monthly gatherings to foster unity, feature guest speakers and encourage conversation at the Kroehler YMCA.
Kroehler YMCA is located at 34 S. Washington St. in downtown Naperville.
Kroehler YMCA celebrates international community
To kick off the formation of the International Circle of Friends at the Naperville YMCA on Jan. 14, 2017, the gymnasium at the historic Kroehler Family YMCA was transformed into a colorful International Festival. Families sampled food, entertainment and stories celebrating many different countries.
The free family-friendly event welcomed Y members and community members to celebrate diversity and the Y’s international community. Since the YMCA worldwide serves more than 45 million people in 119 countries, it can be a familiar presence in the community for international families. Additionally, with the Y being a nonprofit organization accessible to people of all ages, genders, nationalities and income levels, the YMCA ensures its doors are open to all.
The International Festival featured performances by the Silat Seni Gayong martial arts group from College of DuPage and the Bharatam Dance Academy of Naperville.
Food for the event was donated by Y members, community members, and several local restaurants, including Front Street Cantina-Naperville and La Sorella Di Francesca and Belgio’s Catering.
Folks representing Lebanon, Poland, Malaysia, Iran, Venezuela, Norway, India, Mexico, Italy and China were all in attendance Children were able to participate in international crafts and play with interactive displays as they learned about other countries.
For more information about the International Circle of Friends, contact Courtney Rozek at crozek@ymcachicago.org.
Story and photos submitted by Miranda Barfuss for the Kroehler YMCA.
