Welcoming Week (September 10 – 19) is an annual Y celebration of the rich diversity of our community, and offers a full assortment of resources and support for new immigrants. During this week, the Y and its partners create opportunities for connection among neighbors, who share in our mission to build a more just, equitable, and welcoming community for all.  

At the Y, we believe that our communities are stronger and more vibrant when everyone feels welcome and can fully contribute their unique talents to the rich fabric of America.  Nationwide, immigrants represent about 13 percent of the population, but in Seattle, immigrants make up 20 percent. The Y is here to connect these newcomers to their new community. 

For more than 145 years, the YMCA of Greater Seattle has helped immigrant families access the integration support needed to thrive, which contributes to the economic, civic, and cultural strength of our community.  

This year’s theme is Belonging Begins with Us, which is a challenge to each of us to take steps to find ways to engage and welcome immigrants and build a sense of belonging for all. The Y of Greater Seattle has expanded its outreach programs with support from the Y’s New American Center to support hunger prevention, mental health and chronic disease prevention during the pandemic. 

We’ve also been hard at work supporting vaccine access through the Seattle Ethiopian Community Center to provide wellness classes and nutrition workshops for the East African community. 

The Y offers a wide breath of programs for newcomers, including vaccine outreach and New American Welcome Centers in our Y locations. Join us at an upcoming event and learn more about how you can support this work all year. 

Belonging Begins with Us, become a Welcomer.

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 238,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities and financial circumstances annually through 13 branches, two overnight camps and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties. It nurtures more than 92,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts and give back to our community and engages 23,000 volunteers who contribute more than 388,000 hours of service each year. Visit seattleymca.org.