“In my work as the vice president of social impact, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community,” shares Anne Dean when asked about her role at the Y.

What she says is true. We take our mission to heart: To strengthen communities through programs and services that build healthy spirit, mind, and body. We promote healthy living, foster social responsibility and nurture the potential of our community’s children. We aim to positively affect people out in the community, as well as every individual who walks through our doors.

Last month we shared the type of work we do, both inside our facilities and out. Our organization has made a commitment to which the impact extends far beyond the activities and programs we provide — to foster connected communities that are in service to the common good and based on mutual respect and acceptance so that all people can thrive regardless of their background.

What does this mean in everyday practice? It means that no one is turned away based on their background. We are here for all.

To highlight our commitment, the Y hosts Welcoming Week, a celebration each September that epitomizes this commitment to embracing everyone, reinforcing our commitment to creating connections. This year Welcoming Week will be celebrated starting Monday, Sept. 15 and running through Saturday, Sept. 20.

Welcoming Week is an annual celebration, organized in partnership with Welcoming America, that encourages communities to embrace everyone, to ensure that regardless of where they come from, they feel they belong. At the Y, we see this week as an opportunity to reflect on our shared values and the integral role that welcoming plays in our neighborhoods.

Moreover, sharing our cultural traditions enriches our community life, fostering an environment where we can all learn from one another. At the Y, we witness daily how programs that bring people from different backgrounds together lead to greater understanding and mutual respect. Whether it’s through connection in a group exercise class or simply sharing stories over a cup of coffee in our member’s lounge, these interactions break down barriers and build lasting connections.

During Welcoming Week, we will be extending one free entry to anyone who wants to come check out the Y and our offerings. We have many activities and events people can try: exercise classes; a workout in our Wellness Center; a leisurely swim; relaxing in the hot tub and/or sauna; or the simple joys of sharing coffee and refreshments while visiting with other guests.

We will have a morning reception each day from 8-11 a.m. We hope the week will be a true multi-cultural exchange where we can learn about our guests through the sharing of backgrounds, traditions, interests and hobbies. We want to celebrate our commonalities as well as our differences.

The impact of Welcoming Week extends far beyond the activities of the week. It sets the tone for how we interact with each other every day, fostering an environment where everyone feels they belong. This sense of belonging is crucial for the well-being and success of all community members. Research shows that feeling welcomed and experiencing social connectedness is directly linked to better health outcomes, higher educational achievements and more robust economic participation.

As we celebrate Welcome Week Sept. 15-20, let us remember that our strength lies in our togetherness. By embracing our neighbors, we not only uphold the values of the Y but also build a more resilient, innovative and compassionate community. This week will be a reminder that each of us has role to play in making our community a place where everyone feels at home.

Let us come together to celebrate our shared humanity and commitment to building bridges. Welcoming our neighbors is not just an act of kindness, it’s an investment in the future of our community. At the Y, we are proud to lead this charge, ensuring that Sequim and our surrounding communities remain a place where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information about Welcoming Week, visit our blog at olympicpeninsulaymca.org/blog/welcoming-week.

Photo courtesy of Olympic Peninsula YMCA Sequim YMCA staffers (from left) Joey Belanger, Jaiden Hailey and Will Plasch celebrate last year’s Welcoming Week. This year’s Welcoming Week will be Sept. 15-20.