Welcoming Week takes place September 13–22 this year and the Summit Area YMCA will join Welcoming America and hundreds of other YMCAs nationwide in hosting events that celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities in the United States. Welcoming Week activities are open to the public and include various activities including bilingual fitness classes, cultural dance classes, henna tattoos and more!
“Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors – both immigrants and U.S.-born residents – to learn about each other and celebrate our shared values. It's a time of empathy, education and connection." said Pam Halpin, Senior Director of Strategic Innovation and Membership at the Summit YMCA.
As New Jersey's first Diversity, Inclusion & Global Innovation Network, the Summit Area YMCA encompasses a culture of diversity and inclusion. As an organization with welcoming, inclusive practices and environments, the Y welcomes and engages people of all diverse groups in the community to help create lasting, meaningful change.
For more information about Welcoming Week events, visit www.thesay.org/ww
“These events are part of a powerful and growing movement in our country and around the world, demonstrating that communities want to be welcoming,” said Rachel Peric, Executive Director of Welcoming America. “Welcoming Week is a reminder of the resilient and inclusive spirit of American communities. Thousands of local leaders nationwide are bringing their communities together to bridge divides and build stronger local economies where everyone belongs.”
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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 501(c)(3) 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.