Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA Celebrates Welcoming Week Sept. 10-19

This Welcoming Week, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA will join Welcoming America, other YMCAs and organizations nationwide to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity.

Held from Sept. 10-19 this year, Welcoming Week elevates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of the country. The event is an opportunity for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born residents—to get to know one another and celebrate what unites people as a community.

“This year, we’re reminding our community that ‘Belonging Begins with Us,’” says Kim Decker, CEO of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. “Whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a new neighborhood, or starting a new school, we’ve all had moments where we felt like we didn’t belong. It’s a universal feeling that we all can relate to—but for people who move to this country experiencing language barriers, cultural differences and more, feeling excluded can take years to overcome. We all have the power to help others feel they belong; each of us can help others, regardless of their background, feel like they are seen, embraced, welcomed and included in our community.”

During Welcoming Week, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA will offer several activities for its members and guests, including a Welcoming Week Activity Card, interactive maps in their lobby and the creation of “I’m A Welcomer” signs. The Y will post their activities and photos of participants on its Facebook page, where more information also can be found.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y also will be hosting several donation drives during this week. September is Hunger Action Month and there are bins located outside the Y’s main building at 1340 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains for the collection of non-perishable food items for local food banks. In addition, the Y will collect new, unused school supplies to be donated to a local immigrant services agency.

Plus, YMCA of the USA is hosting free virtual Welcoming Week celebrations. On September 13 at 4:30pm, join attendees from around the globe to kick off Welcoming Week with an event featuring exciting music, dance performances, inspiring stories and more. Register here.

Then, on September 20 at 2:00pm, YMCA of the USA will host a virtual closing event, where there will be important dialogue on what belonging means and how Ys can play an important role in welcoming all. Register here.

# # #

About the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities it serves through programs and services that build wholeness of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, serving people of all ages, races, faith, cultures and socio-economic conditions. For information, please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit https://fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

# # #

About the Y

Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn more at ymca.org.