Greater Somerset County YMCA Celebrates Belonging During Welcoming Week
Unity Day Kicked Off the Celebrations, Highlighting Diversity & Culture
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, September 30, 2024 – Greater Somerset County YMCA joined Welcoming America, other organizations, and YMCAs across the country to celebrate Welcoming Week, September 13-22. Each year, Welcoming Week elevates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of our country.
This celebration is an opportunity for neighbors – both immigrants and US-born residents – to get to know one another and celebrate what unites us as a community.
As part of Welcoming Week, Greater Somerset County YMCA hosted a series of events that celebrated diversity. Unity Day, held at Hillsborough YMCA, a branch of Greater Somerset County YMCA, kicked off the celebrations with music, food, games, and activities representing various cultures, including Colombia, India, Italy, and the Philippines. YMCA staff members set up each table, highlighting their own nationalities and cultures. This event was open to the public, allowing staff and members to learn more about each other and providing an opportunity for the broader community to engage and discover the rich diversity among their neighbors.
Additionally, a voter registration event took place at both Somerset Hills and Somerville YMCA branches, encouraging civic participation. Throughout the entire Welcoming Week, members engaged in activities like signing Welcoming Pledges, identifying their country of origin on global maps with stars, and participating in the Passport to Wellness initiative. The Y also offered newcomers a free week of YMCA membership, signaling that all are invited and welcome at the YMCA.
“At Greater Somerset County YMCA, we truly believe that belonging begins with us and that our communities are stronger when everyone feels welcome and collaborates for the common good,” said Darnell Hayes, Senior VP and COO, Greater Somerset County YMCA. “We are proud to participate in Welcoming Week, showcasing how people from all backgrounds come together in communities both large and small to build stronger connections. This is a time to celebrate the shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, making our community more welcoming to all.”
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About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.
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