YMCA of San Diego County Celebrates New Americans During ‘Welcoming Week’ — September 15-24, 2017
SAN DIEGO, SEPTEMBER 12, 2017
The YMCA of San Diego County joins Welcoming America and hundreds of other organizations nationwide in hosting Welcoming Week events, bringing together immigrants and US-born residents to promote cross-cultural understanding and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. Welcoming Week takes place September 15-24, 2017.
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.
“At the Y, we too believe we’re stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Baron Herdelin-Doherty, President and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County. “Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values — all for a better us.”
During Welcoming Week, the YMCA will host the following activities throughout San Diego County. All events are free and open to the public (space may be limited in certain workshops).
Welcoming Week — September 15-24, 2017
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at South Bay Family YMCA — 1201 Paseo Magda, Chula Vista
- Mexican Consulate Informational Session
- “Know Your Rights” workshop by Alliance San Diego
- The conversation will be facilitated in the English language with Spanish translation regarding the immigration-related executive orders, Department of Homeland Security memos, DACA, Know Your Rights, naturalizations, fraud prevention and other immigration relief options to the immigrant community.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Copley-Price Family YMCA — 4300 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego
- Workshop: “Refugee Resettlement 101” by the International Rescue Committee
- Project CHOP: Farm To Table
- Mexican Consulate Informational Session
- Alliance San Diego: Know Your Rights (Spanish): “¡Conoce tus derechos y obtén los últimos informes de inmigración!” (The Latest in Immigration News)
Saturday, September 23, 2017
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at McGrath Family YMCA — 12006 Campo Road, Spring Valley
- Workshop: “Refugee Resettlement 101” by the International Rescue Committee
- Project CHOP: Farm To Table
- Dance Performances and Cultural Fair in the Gym
- Mexican Consulate Informational Session
- Alliance San Diego: Know Your Rights (Spanish): “¡Conoce tus derechos y obtén los últimos informes de inmigración!” (The Latest in Immigration News)
Additionally, six YMCA branches will display interactive maps where members and visitors can place a small dot on their country of origin to showcase our diverse population. Maps will be displayed from September 15-24 at the following facilities:
Copley-Price Family YMCA (City Heights)
Mission Valley YMCA
McGrath Family YMCA (Spring Valley)
Peninsula Family YMCA (Point Loma)
Rancho Family YMCA (Rancho Penasquitos)
South Bay Family YMCA (Chula Vista)
The YMCA of San Diego County is committed to ensuring it is reflective of the communities it serves. The Y intentionally focuses on attracting and developing staff and volunteers who reflect its service areas, as well as support Diversity and Inclusion efforts. The Y’s focus is to infuse Diversity and Inclusion into daily operations.
Recently, the YMCA of San Diego County also developed an Inclusivity Statement. It is now posted at every YMCA facility and reads: The YMCA of San Diego County is an organization open to all people. We welcome and value individuals of all age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, gender expression, ability, sexual orientation and financial circumstance. We are committed to having programs and services that embrace diversity, reflecting the people and needs of our community.
About the YMCA of San Diego County
The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential through the development of the spirit, mind and body. It is the second largest Y in the nation serving more than 400,000 San Diego County residents and employing more than 5,000 people. Through a variety of programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y unites men, women and children — regardless of age, income or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Visit www.ymcasd.org to find your local YMCA or call (858) 292-YMCA (9622).