Central YMCA Celebrates Welcoming Week and Reminds the Community that Belonging Begins with Us

Welcoming Week is September 13-22, and the YMCA of the Inland Northwest 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. Each 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.

“At the YMCA of the Inland Northwest, we believe the Spokane Region is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Alan Lesher, President and CEO “We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which is demonstrating that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities. It is a time to celebrate the shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents, and colleagues, and to make our towns more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls our community home.”

During Welcoming Week, the Central YMCA at 930 N Monroe will host a Celebration Event on Thursday, September 19, from 5:30-7:30pm, to join together in community and bring immigrant and non-immigrant residents, encouraging dialogue, building connections over activities, crafts for kids, food, family time everywhere and most of all fun in an inviting atmosphere!

Our sponsors make this event possible and share why they support being a welcoming place for all. Beth Hegde, Director, Communication and Community Relations, Providence Inland Northwest Washington shares, “Providence is proud to be a part of YMCA’s welcome week. This beautiful, welcoming celebration shows our local refugees that the Spokane community has healthy spaces for our new residents. Together, the YMCA and Providence are making a difference in the lives of the families who have come to Spokane seeking a new and safe home.”