​
Newcomers and immigrants are among the most underserved groups in communities throughout the United States.  One of the pillars for the Seattle Y’s Global strategy is to focus on immigrant/newcomer communities in our region to assure our constituency reflects the communities in which we work.  Working with other organizations the Y seeks to address critical issues facing these populations so they can fully participate in our community.  With historical roots in responding to the immigrant communities, and as part of a worldwide network, the YMCA is uniquely positioned to support integration efforts. 

Case Study – Matt Griffin YMCA
The Matt Griffin YMCA is in the most diverse emerging community in the Seattle YMCA’s service area.  Located near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the community represents the fastest growing Hispanic/Latino population in the county as well as emerging Southeast Asian and East African communities.  There is also a full range of income levels represented in the community. 

The Seattle Y strives to be welcoming to all and with the opening of the Matt Griffin Y in 2009, a decision was made to assure this new branch would meet the wants, needs and interests of the community, including several targeted groups that the Seattle YMCA had not previously been successful in reaching.  The Executive Director at Matt Griffin and her team work diligently to make sure the Y is reflective of the community. 

A full-time Community Engagement Executive, at a senior leader level, was hired to support the efforts of this branch, develop a model for community engagement, and replicate the process at other Seattle Y branches. Collaborations were formed with various local ethnic specific organizations and nonprofits that work with immigrants and refugees in the community. These partners provided assistance in recruitment of staff and program/membership marketing.   Focus groups were held with potential members/participants of all ages in the targeted ethnic communities.

We are proud of the results.  Our membership reflects the diversity of the Highline/SeaTac community, our staff speaks more than ten different languages and our materials are produced in Spanish and other languages.   Programs included cultural nights hosted by the various communities.   With respect to the Muslim community, women only classes and swim times are offered.   Cross-cultural components are included in all youth and teen programs.

Going Forward
Based on the Matt Griffin model, the Auburn Y, and Dale Turner Y in North Seattle are now implementing focused integration strategies.  A new association-wide community engagement leadership team is in place to share best practices and support the replication of programs.