Welcoming Week at the Y
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Sneak Peek: Welcoming Week at the Y
Welcoming Week, happening Sept. 8-17, celebrates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace newcomer immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country.
Ys across the country are planning in person and/or virtual events to help immigrant and U.S.-born neighbors connect and celebrate what unites us as a community. Contact your local Y or use the map below to find out what Welcoming Week activities are happening near you.
Find a Y hosting Welcoming Week near you!
Enter your city, state, or zip code to locate a participating Welcoming Week location in your community. Contact your Y to learn more!
Family YMCA of Emporia/Greensville
Florida's First Coast YMCA - Metropolitan
Kentucky YMCA Youth Association Inc.
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Association Services
YMCA of Northwest Illinois
YMCA of Northwest North Carolina
NEWCOMER SNAPSHOT
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13%
More that 13 percent of the U.S population (or 40 million people) is foreign born. The combined population share of foreign born individuals and their U.S.-born children is approximately 26 percent.
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1 in 4
In the U.S., one in four kids under the age of six is a child of immigrants.
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19.5 million
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are approximately 32.5 million refugees in the world. Fifty-one percent of all refugees are children under the age of 18. Annually, the U.S. typically accepts less than three percent who apply for refugee status.
Show Your Community Why You Welcome
During the month of September, take a moment to let all neighbors know that they are welcome and appreciated in your community by filling out one of the "I am a Welcomer" templates below. Take a photo with yours and share it on social media using the hashtags #WelcomingWeek and #YforAll.
Learn More About Y Immigrant Integration Services
The Y has a long history of serving immigrants and helping receiving communities to be prepared and welcoming for all. Through integration services such as job training, wellness programs or adult education classes like English as a Second Language (ESL), the Y empowers people to be self-reliant, connected and contributing members of their new communities. Click here to watch how the YMCA of Greater Houston helps immigrants — including vulnerable refugee populations — successfully transition into their new communities.
Why We Celebrate Newcomers
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Belonging Begins With Us
Welcoming Week is an initiative of Welcoming America and a proud expression of the Belonging Begins with Us campaign sponsored by Ad Council.
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Selina's Newcomer Story
Selina immigrated to the U.S. from China to provide her daughter Fiona with more opportunities. When she struggled with isolation, she turned to the Chinatown YMCA, where she found language and job assistance, enrichment activities, friendships and more. Now she and Fiona are thriving in their new community.
Welcoming Week provides a chance to welcome newcomers like Selina and for U.S.-born neighbors to connect and celebrate what unites us as a community.
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Welcoming All at the Y
See how the YMCA of Greater Seattle unites newcomers and longtime residents through their Welcoming Week events.
