DEKALB – For the first time ever, the Kishwaukee Family YMCA will hold a week of physically distanced events to celebrate local immigrants in the community.
Dubbed Welcoming Week, the events will go from Sept. 14 through Sept. 22, according to a news release. The Kishwaukee Family YMCA will join Welcoming America and 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 brings together immigrants and U.S.-born residents to promote cross-cultural understanding and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. This is the first year the Y will celebrate Welcoming Week with its community. To ensure the safety and participation of all, the Y’s 2020 Welcoming Week events will be physically distanced, according to the release.
“It is critically important to celebrate Welcoming Week in 2020, as our country faces the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread civil unrest,” said Martin Miller, member experience director. “At the Y, we seek to build bridges and heal communities, and we invite neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born residents—to use Welcoming Week as an opportunity to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values and contributions.”
Events are open to both YMCA Members and the community.
September 14-September 22
Try the Y Week:
Have you considered a YMCA Membership, or do you know someone who might enjoy being a member? During Welcoming Week, we are inviting the community to Try the Y Free of charge. Photo ID and a mask are required for entry.
September 14, 2020
Welcome Walk
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Join us for a one-mile family-friendly community walk to celebrate our immigrant and refugee community members. Walk anytime between 4:30-5:30 p.m. This walk is free and open to the community. Registration is required. This will be a safe, socially distant walk. Masks are required for check-in. To register, please visit www.kishymca.org/welcoming-week
Outdoor Community Zumba
5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
Stay for our outdoor Community Zumba party! Zumba is free and open to the community. Registration is required. Masks are required for check-in.
To register please visit www.kishymca.org/welcoming-week
Celebrating Culture Coloring Contest
Children and Adults can pick up the coloring sheet at the YMCA front desk or visit www.kishymca.org/welcoming-week to download and print a copy of the coloring sheet. Entries can be returned to the front desk by Sept. 18. The winners of each age group will be selected and announced on Sept. 21.
Citizenship Day Celebration: Sept. 17
Map your origin! We will display an interactive map where members and visitors can place a small dot on their country of origin to showcase our diverse population. Maps will be displayed from Sept. 17-22 at the YMCA Front Desk.
Outdoor Goat Yoga, Sept. 19
Noon to 1 p.m.
We are excited to partner with Live Learn and Lead to present Goat Yoga for a Cause! Proceeds from the event support Live Learn & Lead: A vocational farm program for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the Kishwaukee Family YMCA scholarship fund for programs and membership. Registration is required. Fee: $30. To register, please visit www.kishymca.org/welcoming-week
National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 22:
Exercise your rights! Register to vote on Sept. 22 for National Voter Registration Day. We will be hosting a virtual registration event on Facebook to encourage citizens to register to vote.
For information, please contact Casey Martinez, community engagement coordinator at caseym@kishymca.org or call 815.375.5392
About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 60 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in DeKalb County. www.kishymca.org
