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Through Sept. 20, the Suffolk Family YMCA is free and open to the public as part of its Welcoming Week that began Sept. 12.

The program is part of a partnership with Welcoming America in which YMCAs in South Hampton Roads and across the country will celebrate Welcoming Week, in which it honors immigrant contributions to communities and brings together residents in a spirit of unity.

The idea of the program, according to the YMCA, is to promote cross-cultural understanding and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone.

“At the Y, we seek to build bridges and heal communities,” said Anthony Walters, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. “We invite all of our neighbors to use Welcoming Week as an opportunity to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values and contributions.”

Walters said he wants people to think of the Y as a place where the community comes together in a safe, welcoming and uniting place, and be given the tools to be their best selves.

During Welcoming Week, YMCAs across South Hampton Roads will have various events, including art projects in drop-in childcare, music and voter registration at select Ys.

Anyone who joins the Y through Sept. 30 can save up to $75 by not having to pay a joining fee.

Those coming to the Y during Welcoming Week should bring their photo ID and complete a guest waiver.