YMCA of Greater Seattle Celebrates Welcoming Week and Reminds Greater Seattle Community That Belonging Begins With Us

Celebrations to take place throughout King County from September 8-17.

Seattle, Wash., September 1, 2023 —This Welcoming Week (September 8-17), YMCA of Greater Seattle will join Welcoming America, other YMCAs, and organizations nationwide to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and unite 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 Greater Seattle, we believe our community is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome, and we can all work together for the common good,” said Meesh Talbott, Director of Volunteerism and Community Engagement. “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, all YMCA of Greater Seattle locations will host events, classes, and activities throughout the celebration. Experience engaging events and activities, including multilingual hikes, story times, open mics, and celebration nights, as well as food, clothing, and school supply drives. Find a Welcoming Week activity at one of our local Y locations throughout the week – where even a small interaction can have a powerful impact. 

View Welcoming Week events calendar >> 

Learn more about Welcoming Week >> 

Events & Activities by Location

Auburn Valley Y

• World Relief Drive
  August 31 - September 17, 2023
  We are partnering with World Relief to gather and organize essential household supplies for Bed & Bath Welcome Kits. Learn More>
   
• Foster Care Information Session Display
  All-Week Long
   
• Local Y Social Impact Center Services Display
  All-Week Long

Bellevue Family Y

• Ready to Work Drive
  August 31 - September 17, 2023
  We are partnering with the International Rescue Committee to gather and organize essential supplies for refugees entering the workforce.
  Learn more>
   
• Multilingual Story Time*
  September 12, 2023 at 9:00 am
  Learn More>
   
• Blanket-Making Workshop
  September 16, 2023 from 12:00-2:00 pm
  Learn More>

Coal Creek Family Y

• World Relief Drive
  August 31 - September 17, 2023
  We are partnering with World Relief to gather and organize essential supplies for youth in elementary school.
  Learn More>
   
• Mental Health Monday
  September 11, 2023
  Learn more about mental and behavioral health resources in our community.
  Learn More>
   
• Sustainable Renton
  September 14, 2023
  Find food security resources in our community.
  Learn More>
   
• Transportation Tuesday
  September 12, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 pm
  Our King County partners share community transportation resources.
  Learn More>
   

Dale Turner Family Y

• World Relief Drive
  August 31 - September 17, 2023
  We are partnering with World Relief to gather and organize essential supplies for youth in elementary school.
  Learn More>
   
• Open Mic Night
  September 15, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm
  A special night of poetry, song, music, and readings.
  Learn More>
   
• Potluck
  September 15, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm
  Bring a dish to share and enjoy delicious food from around the world!
  Learn More>

Downtown Seattle Y

• Elementary School Drive - Lowell Elementary
• Multilingual Story Time*

Kent Y

• International Rescue Committee Drive
  August 31 - September 17, 2023
  We are proud to partner with the International Rescue Committee to gather and organize essential school supplies for newcomer youth. 
  Learn More>
   
• Multilingual Classes or Workshops* - Dates TBA

Matt Griffin Y

• International Rescue Committee Drive
  August 31 - September 17, 2023
  We are proud to partner with the International Rescue Committee to gather and organize essential school supplies for newcomer youth. 
  Learn More> 
   
• Multilingual Story Time*
  Monday through Friday from 5:00 - 5:30 pm
   
• ¡Bailemos Juntos! - Hispanic & Latinx Dance Party
  September 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
  A Y dance party in honor of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. Our dance party is open to all. Everyone is welcome.
  Learn More>

Meredith Mathews East Madison Y

• International Rescue Committee - Ready to Work Drive
  We are proud to partner with the International Rescue Committee to gather and organize essential supplies for refugees entering the workforce.
  Learn More>
   
• Community Art Display
   
• Multilingual Story Time* - Date TBA

Northshore Y

• World Relief Drive
  We are proud to partner with World Relief to gather and organize essential household supplies for Kitchen Welcome Kits.
  Learn More>
   
• Multilingual Walk
  Celebrate the many languages spoken among our members by taking a walk with the Northshore YMCA
  Learn More>

Sammamish Community Y

• Events showcasing local immigrant artists - Date TBA

Snoqualmie Valley Y

• World Relief - Kindergarten Ready School Supply Drive
  August 31 - September 17, 2023
  We are proud to partner with World Relief to gather and organize essential supplies for youth in kindergarten.
  Learn More>
   
• Job Opportunity Showcase
   
• *Passport to Fitness on September 9, from 10:30 am - 3:00 pm: in connection with the Snoqualmie International Block Party. Get ready for some fun. Fitness stations with various themes. All ages are welcome. Prizes, snacks, and water are provided. Please note: a United States passport is not required for this activity. 
   
• *Suncatchers Kids Create Program on September 13, 2023, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm: Inspire creativity and imagination in this art workshop for kids. Ages 6-9 welcome.

University Family Y

• Sandpoint Elementary School Supply Drive
• Local business features in our lobby.
• Multilingual Story Times*

West Seattle Y

• Food Drive for West Seattle Food Bank in the Highpoint Neighborhood, serving immigrants & refugees in West Seattle
   
• Multilingual Story Time
  Join us for global stories to celebrate Welcoming Week.
  Learn More>

*these activities require a Y membership.

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About the Y MCA of Greater Seattle

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Y provides crucial programs and services to more than 120,299 people every year in the Greater Seattle area. With the help of generous donors, we are able to provide more than 450 youth experiencing homelessness with safe, stable housing every night, over 400,000 meals served across King County annually, and more than $11 million in financial assistance to ensure everyone has a chance to succeed and belong at the Y. 

About Welcoming Week

Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and

communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.

About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities with the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.