The Y celebrates belonging and wellness in WNC
The Y celebrates belonging and wellness in WNC during Welcoming Week
The YMCA of Western North Carolina will be joining 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 week-long 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. This year, the Y will host a variety of events, including international inspired group exercise classes, presenting fun facts from around the world, themed activities for kids, and more.
In addition to the celebration, the Y will be hosting their biannual Hispanic/LatinX Health Fair with bilingual (English & Spanish) staff available at the Reuter Family YMCA in Biltmore Park, Sept. 17-20*. Participants can participate in free health screenings (diabetes checks, mammograms, etc.), receive vaccines, explore job opportunities, and learn more about community resources. This event is being presented in partnership with 22 community organizations.
“At the Y we truly believe that belonging begins with us and that Western North Carolina is stronger when everyone feels welcome and collaborates for the common good,” said Ashley Tee, Executive Director of Community Health at the YMCA of WNC. “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.”
*Sept. 17: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sept. 18-19: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sept. 20: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
About the YMCA of Western North Carolina
The nonprofit YMCA of Western North Carolina strengthens local communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1889, the YMCA of WNC engages more than 100,000 people – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the region’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support the community. It does this through seven YMCAs, dozens of program sites, and YMCA Camp Watia. As the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age childcare, it gives more than 1,000 children a day the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.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.
About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.