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 19.5 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 pe
Welcoming Week banner
YMCA Welcoming Week
We believe our communities are stronger when everyone feels welcome and we work together for the common good. Welcoming Week 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 virtual or physically-distanced events to help immigrant and U.S.-born neighbors connect and celebrate what unites us as a community. Contact your local Y to find out what Welcoming Week activities are happening near you.
Welcoming Week 2021 takes place September 10-19.
Welcoming Week is an initiative of Welcoming America and a proud expression of the Belonging Begins With Us campaign.
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 sign templates below. Take a photo with your sign 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, 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.
How Do We Find Common Ground?
Partnering for a More Cohesive Community
Finding a Common Cause
Asking the Questions that Matter
Making an Impact
Seeing Faces, Seeing Humanity
Newcomer Stories
Watch more Y stories
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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 Week at the YMCA
Welcoming Week, an initiative of Y-USA's national partner Welcoming America, celebrates the growing movement of communities across the U.S. that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. During Welcoming Week, which takes place annually in September, communities bring together immigrants and U.S.-born residents to promote cross-cultural understanding raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone! In 2017, 75 YMCA Associations in 34 states hosted more than 700 Welcoming Week event nationwide.
Produced by YMCA of the USA.
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Welcoming All at the Y
The Y is a safe space where everyone is welcome. Our New American Welcome Centers and Welcoming Week celebrate the diverse communities we serve and provide resources for all to become their best selves.
