Welcoming Week
September 13th – September 22nd
Together, we can make sure everyone feels like they belong
Celebrated each year in September, Welcoming Week is a nationwide, non-partisan celebration that elevates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. It’s an intentional moment for neighbors — both immigrants and U.S.-born residents — to get to know one another and celebrate what unites us as a community.
BELONGING BEGINS WITH US
We’ve all experienced moments where we felt like we didn’t belong. Together, we can change that. “Belonging Begins with Us”, the theme for 2024 Welcoming Week, aligns with the national Belonging Begins With Us campaign, which is supported by a broad coalition of public and private partners working to help create a more welcoming nation where everyone can feel like they belong. We believe that communities are stronger and more cohesive when everyone has an opportunity to contribute and neighbors from all backgrounds work together on a shared vision for the future.
OPEN TO ALL
Greater Somerset County YMCA is proud to celebrate Welcoming Week at all of our branches! We are thrilled to open our doors to the community for various special activities as well as a chance to connect with neighbors in a nurturing environment that focuses on strengthening the community by connecting all to their purpose, potential, and each other. We welcome all, regardless of financial or physical circumstance and we strive every day to promote understanding, tolerance, and compassion within our community.
Welcoming Week Events:
Unity Day
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY & CULTURE! Enjoy music, food, games, and more from cultures around the globe. Stop by our tables to explore Chili, Colombia, Costa Rica, Haiti, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Paraguay, Persia, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Norway, Taiwan, and the USA!
When:
Hillsborough YMCA – September 13, 2024, 6-7:30 pm
Voter Registration
Join us at the Somerset Hills and Somerville YMCA locations for a dynamic voter registration event! Exercise your civic duty by registering to vote and ensuring your voice is heard in the upcoming elections. Engage in informative discussions, connect with fellow community members, and empower yourself to make a difference.
When: September 16th, 2 pm – 8 pm
Also Happening:
Sign Welcoming Pledges, Welcoming Week Activity Cards, Star Your Country of Origin, Find Your Flags, and Passport to Wellness* PLUS a FREE WEEK MEMBERSHIP for Newcomers!
WANT TO SEE MORE?
Click below to view all facility schedules for Bridgewater YMCA, Hillsborough YMCA, Princeton YMCA, Somerset Hills YMCA, and Somerville YMCA.
CURIOUS ABOUT CLASSES AND PROGRAMS?
Enhance your Y membership with classes and programs for all ages and abilities. Our Fall 1 session starts Monday, September 13th. From personal training and swim lessons to archery and dance – we have something for everyone.
BE OUR GUEST!
We invite you to Try the Y and see why we’re the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community! Please note: Community members must register and sign a waiver before any class or facility usage. Schedules are subject to change without notice.
THE Y’S COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY
- The Y is a global organization with an inclusive mission. We welcome all people.
- The Y’s core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. They guide everything we do.
- The Y is a non-partisan organization. We do not take public positions on partisan issues.
- We focus our energy and resources on our purpose: strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other.
IT’S WHO WE ARE & HAVE ALWAYS BEEN
Did you know that the Y has a long history of helping immigrants integrate into their new neighborhoods and preparing receiving communities to be inclusive?
- In 1856, the Y was the first organization in the U.S. to offer English as a Second Language classes to immigrants.
- In the late 1800s, YMCA immigration secretaries greeted hundreds of thousands of new arrivals at Ellis Island (New York) and Angel Island (San
- Francisco), helping them locate family members, housing and employment.
- In the early 1900s, the YMCA of Greater New York introduced adult night classes to new immigrants. As the U.S. population moved westward, Ys provided affordable housing to immigrating and migrating communities.
No matter where you are on your journey, the Y is where you can be, belong, and become.