YMCA of Columbia joins Welcoming America & hundreds of communities to celebrate new americans during Welcoming Week
September 15, 2017
This Welcoming Week, taking place today through September 24, YMCA of Columbia will join Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide in hosting special programs to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity.
“At the YMCA of Columbia, we believe the Midlands is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Wendy Broderick, Chief Development and Marketing Officer. “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.”
During Welcoming Week, the YMCA of Columbia will host a free community Open House on Saturday, September 16 at locations throughout the Midlands. All are welcome to visit and enjoy full use of Y facilities. Special community programs and events are planned through September 24. Contact your local Y or visit columbiaymca.org to learn more.
“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.
