Wilmington, DE, September 14, 2018 –This Welcoming Week, taking place September 14-23, the YMCA of Delaware is joining Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide in hosting activities to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity.
“At the YMCA of Delaware, we believe that we are stronger when everyone throughout the state feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Matt Clements, Chairman of the Diversity, Inclusion and Global Excellence Committee. “We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which is demonstrating that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities. It is a time to celebrate the shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, and to make our towns more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls our community home.”
During Welcoming Week, YMCA branches across the state are hosting activities for members to celebrate immigrants and share information about their heritage and background. Y Members and visitors are encouraged to visit the Member Services Desk to participate or learn more.
“These activities are part of a powerful and growing movement in our country and around the world, demonstrating that communities want to be welcoming,” said Rachel Peric, Executive Director of Welcoming America. “Welcoming Week is a reminder of the resilient and inclusive spirit of American communities. Thousands of local leaders nationwide are bringing their communities together to bridge divides and build stronger local economies where everyone belongs.”
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest non-profit organization committed to strengthening the citizens of Delaware through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed long-standing relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of every child and teen, improve Delaware’s health and wellbeing and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. www.ymcade.org.
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week, founded by Welcoming America, is an annual celebration bringing together thousands of people and hundreds of local events that celebrate the contributions of immigrants and refugees and the role communities play to foster greater welcome. Welcoming Week is Sept. 14-23 across the country and now expanding to other parts of the world.
Welcoming America is leading a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by making everyone who lives there feel like they belong. Welcoming America believes that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of both our communities and our shared future. www.welcomingamerica.org.