YMCA of Greater Brandywine to Host Welcoming Week, Events Promoting Inclusion and Diversity

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine believes the community is stronger when everyone feels welcome and we work together for the common good.

Celebrated annually at the YMCA, Welcoming Week is a chance for neighbors – both immigrants and U.S.-born residents – to get to know one another and celebrate what unites us as a community.

From Sept. 13-23, all seven branches of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine will celebrate Welcoming Week 2018 with special displays, events, music, and activities. All special events are free of charge and open to the public.

“The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is one of over 300 YMCAs across the country celebrating Welcoming Week to focus on the power of inclusion and to build bridges that will bring us together,” said Andi Youndt, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Chief Operating Officer. “This has always been the Y mission; we are for all.

“This week gives us an opportunity to highlight some of the unique offerings at the Y and to reinforce that the Y’s doors are open to everyone, for all, all the time. Please come join us!”

The Upper Main Line YMCA will kick off the week on Sept. 13 with an Open House for the community from 4-7 PM. The Lionville Community YMCA will kick off with a food drive, collecting non-perishable food items throughout the week for those in need, as well as host an art project featuring a different country daily in the lobby from 6-8 PM.

Several branches have big events on Friday, Sept. 21:

• The West Chester Area YMCA will host an International Night from 5-8 PM that features food, dance, art, and more.
• UMLY will host an International Evening of Peace from 6-7:30 PM that celebrates diversity through music, prayer, poetry, and a moment of silence. The event concludes with a potluck supper. Please bring a dish to share to celebrate your culture.
• The Oskar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center will host a community event from 6-8 PM that features music, live entertainment, crafts, sports, fencing and dancing demonstrations, a family dance party, and more.
• The Lionville Community YMCA will host a Pot Luck and International Dance Night from 6-8 PM. Please bring a dish to share, including a recipe card.
• The Kennett Area YMCA will host a Multicultural Night from 6-8 PM that celebrates diverse cultures through music and activities.

Among the other events throughout the week:

• Sept. 14: All Abilities Dance Party at UMLY, 7-8 PM, with music from around the world.
• Sept. 15: World Celebration Day at UMLY, 10 AM-12 PM, with games, crafts, dances, World Cup goal shootout, Yoga demonstrations, and more.
• Sept. 15: World Cup Tournament at the Kennett Area YMCA, 1-6 PM, a day of fun and soccer (registration is required by e-mailing dsilva@ymcagbw.org)
• Sept. 18: Community Event at the Brandywine YMCA, 5-7 PM; organizations from the community will be available to provide information and highlight resources available to residents
• Sept. 18: Breaking Bread at the Kennett Area YMCA, 6-8 PM, a night of sharing food and conversation
• Sept. 20: Around the World Experience at the Brandywine YMCA, 5-7 PM, with members showcasing the uniqueness of their home countries
• Sept. 22: Hawk Migration Watch and Raptor Presentation at UMLY, 11 AM-12 PM.

Click here for more information.