Welcoming Week

WHERE WE BELONG

We know communities are stronger and more cohesive when people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to get to know one another and work side by side to advance the common good. Created by YMCA of the USA's national partner, Welcoming America, Welcoming Week is a national celebration that brings together immigrants and U.S. born residents at community-based events to promote cross-cultural understanding and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone!

Welcoming Week is a time when a chorus of thousands—in communities large and small, rural and urban—celebrate the benefits of an inclusive society and deepen their commitment to creating places that are welcoming to everyone, including immigrants. The purpose of Welcoming Week is to elevate a spirit of unity that shows the successful multi-racial democracy we can be if everyone truly belongs in the places they call home, including immigrants. Welcoming Week is an opportunity to celebrate the values that unite us as neighbors, parents, and colleagues, and to make our communities more welcoming to all those who call New Jersey home.

 

This year, Welcoming Week celebrates its 10th anniversary with the "Where We Belong" theme! From September 8 through September 18, the Summit Area YMCA will join in the nationwide movement to encourage all communities to celebrate its diversity and that which unites us in a nurturing environment that focuses on the mind, body and spirit. Join us at the Y to recognize and celebrate the people, places, and values that ensure everyone feels welcome and belongs in our communities, no matter where they come from.

OPEN HOUSE

To share our love for community and diversity, we're hosting an open house, for all to visit and experience the Y, whether that's our fitness center, open gym, group exercise classes or indoor pools. 

schedules

$0 JOIN FEE

We welcome all, regardless of financial or physical circumstance and we strive every day to promote understanding, tolerance and compassion within our community. As a bonus, during this week our join fee will be $0 for all new members who join – for a savings of up to $95!

GUEST WAIVER

Please note: All guests must sign-in and fill out a guest waiver upon entry or online here before participating in any activities. Guests ages 18 years and over must show a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID to enter our YMCA locations.

     

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA

In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association, but today, we are The Y. An association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.

Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.