This Welcoming Week, taking place Sept. 15–24, 2017, The Summit Area YMCA (and its three branches the Berkeley Heights YMCA, Summit YMCA, and The Learning Circle YMCA) will join Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide in hosting events to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity. Welcoming Week activities are open to the public and include various activities including but not limited to arts and crafts, dance classes, international meals, and more.
“At the Summit Area YMCA, we believe our community is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Paul Kieltyka, President & CEO of the Summit Area YMCA. “Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors – both immigrants and U.S.-born residents – to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values – all for a better us.”
The Summit Area YMCA is proud to be New Jersey’s first Diversity, Inclusion & Global Innovation Network, committed to creating a culture where diversity and inclusion are integral to everyday operations. As an organization with welcoming, inclusive practices and environments, the Y welcomes and engages people of all diverse groups in the community to help and impact lasting, meaningful change.
Parent’s Night Out
Art From Around the World
Food From Around the World
Parranda! A Latin Dance Party with Zulma
Speak 4 Silent Voices in Kolkata, India - Info table & Collection Drive
Spanish Open House
Kid Zone Activities & Crafts
Youth Soccer League
Shop Rite Product Taste Testing
Senior International Potluck Dinner
Wibit Hand Family Swim
Join Us for Water Fitness and/or Arthritis Class
For more information about Welcoming Week events, visit www.thesay.org/ww
“Communities recognize the benefits of being welcoming and ensuring that everyone can fully contribute to a community’s prosperity,” said David Lubell, founder and executive director of Welcoming America. “Welcoming Week events are a powerful way to promote cross-cultural understanding and build bridges between new and long-time residents, which results in stronger communities for all.”
###
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual celebration bringing together thousands of people and hundreds of local events that celebrate the contributions of immigrants and refugees and the role communities play to foster greater welcome. Welcoming Week is Sept. 15-24 across the country and now expanding to other parts of the world.
Welcoming America is leading a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by making everyone who lives there feel like they belong. Welcoming America believes that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of both our communities and our shared future. www.welcomingamerica.org.
The Summit Area YMCA is one of area’s leading 501c3 organizations. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those with demonstrated need. To strengthen your community and provide others with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, make your tax-deductible donation today at www.theSAY.org/give.