Press release from YMCA of Western North Carolina:
The YMCA of Western North Carolina is joining Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to our community during Welcoming Week, Sept. 13-22.
YMCA locations throughout the region are hosting events to bring together all residents in a spirit of unity. Welcoming Week activities are open to the public and include multicultural potlucks, group exercise classes with themes from around the world, cooking demonstrations, fun for kids, and more.
“At the Y, we believe our community is stronger when everyone feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Paul Vest, president and CEO of the YMCA of WNC. “Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors, both immigrants and U.S.-born, to connect, find common ground, and celebrate our shared values. 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.”
“These events 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.”
For more information about Welcoming Week and YMCA events, visit ymcawnc.org/welcomingweek.
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