Welcoming Week expands on YMCA New American Welcome Centers that build bridges for newcomers to our communities

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will join Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide in hosting events to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to our communities during Welcoming Week, September 13 – 22.

Welcoming Week will expand upon the work the YMCA is doing in its New American Welcome Centers, which help connect newcomers to community resources and build connections. Watch this video to learn more about YMCA New American Welcome Centers. The YMCA will also be a participant at the Welcoming Week event hosted by the City of Minneapolis on Friday, September 20, at Powderhorn Park. The event will feature music, dance, spoken word, interactive art, voter registration, food trucks and more, and will have city leaders and staff available to connect with the community.

“Our YMCA believes the Twin Cities is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can work together so all can thrive,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors – both immigrants and U.S.-born residents – to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values. Cross-cultural understanding and relationships build a stronger community for all of us.”

This year, 17 Y locations across the Twin Cities are hosting events for members and the community to participate. Upcoming events include:

  • Cultural Dress and Fashion Show at the Burnsville YMCA on September 19
  • ESL/ELL Classes at the Blaisdell YMCA on September 16, 17 and 19
  • Tea and Henna Time at the Midway YMCA on September 17
  • Guest Speaker: Elaine Tymchak of Cultivate International at the Maplewood Community Center on September 16

For more Welcoming Week events, please check schedules at these YMCA locations:

  • Forest Lake
  • St. Paul Eastside – New American Welcome Center
  • Blaisdell – New American Welcome Center
  • University Y – New American Welcome Center
  • Downtown St. Paul
  • Burnsville – New American Welcome Center
  • Emma B Howe – New American Welcome Center
  • Midway
  • Woodbury
  • River Valley – New American Welcome Center
  • West Saint Paul
  • Rochester
  • Eagan
  • Shoreview – New American Welcome Center
  • Youth Intervention Services
  • Maplewood Community Center
  • Ridgedale -  - New American Welcome Center

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 163 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across 12 counties of the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 28 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.