YMCA of San Diego County Celebrates New Americans During ‘Welcoming Week’ — September 14-23, 2018

Welcoming Week logoSAN DIEGO, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

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 14-23, 2018.

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 Events — September 14-23, 2018

Monday, September 17, 2018

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Jackie Robinson Family YMCA — 151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102

“Know Your Rights” workshop by Alliance San Diego — Including, but not limited to, the following topics:

  • California Values Act (SB 54)
  • DACA / DREAM Update
  • What's the difference: ICE vs CBP
  • Know your rights! Including at home, in the street, while driving, and at work
  • Family planning
  • Fraud prevention
  • Other forms of immigration relief (U-Visa and VAWA)

Friday, September 21, 2018

5:00 to 6:00 pm at Copley-Price Family YMCA — 4300 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego

International Rescue Committee will speak about Refugee Resettlement 101 — This interactive session is focused on increasing cultural competence regarding the refugee population experience. Topics will include:

  • The current refugee crisis
  • Who is a refugee?
  • How a refugee camp is set up overseas
  • The U.S. refugee resettlement process
  • Security checks
  • What is provided to refugees when they arrive in the U.S. and San Diego

Saturday, September 22, 2018

10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Mission Valley YMCA — 5505 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92110

Community Social Event — Meet and greet local community members from different backgrounds!

  • 10:00-10:30 am Sign in
  • 10:30-11:00 am Ice Bbreaker
  • 11:00 am-12:30 pm Rotation stations
  • 12:30-1:00 pm Group game and activity wrap-up
  • 1:00-1:30 pm Cold drinks and snacks
  • 1:30-2:00 pm Closing thoughts

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 14-23 at the following facilities:

Beach and Bay Family YMCA (Pacific Beach)
Border View Family YMCA (Otay Mesa West)
Copley-Price Family YMCA (City Heights)
Dan McKinney Family YMCA (La Jolla)
Eastlake YMCA
John A. Davis Family YMCA (La Mesa)
Jackie Robinson Family YMCA (Mountain View)
Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA (Encinitas)
McGrath Family YMCA (Spring Valley)
Mission Valley YMCA
Palomar Family YMCA (Escondido)
Shepherd YMCA Firehouse (Village of La Jolla)
South Bay Family YMCA (Chula Vista)
Toby Wells YMCA (Kearny Mesa)

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.