YMCA hosts week promoting inclusion and diversity

WEST CHESTER » The YMCA of Greater Brandywine believes our 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 September 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 YMCA of Greater Brandywine Chief Operating Officer Andi Youndt. “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 (UMLY), 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Road, Berwyn, will kick off the week on September 13 with an Open House for the community from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon Drive, Exton, will kick off with a food drive, collecting non-perishable food items throughout the week for those in need, as well as by hosting an art project featuring a different country daily in the lobby from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Several branches have big events on Friday night, September 21:

The West Chester Area YMCA, 605 Airport Road, West Chester, will host an International Night from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, featuring food, dance, art and more!

UMLY will host an International Evening of Peace from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, celebrating 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, 1 E. Chestnut Street, West Chester, will host a community event from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, featuring 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 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Please bring a dish to share, including a recipe card.

The Kennett Area YMCA, 101 Race Street, Kennett Square, will host a Multicultural Night from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, celebrating diverse cultures through music and activities.

Among the other events throughout the week:

· September 14- ALL Abilities Dance Party at UMLY, 7:00-8:00 pm, with music from around the world.

· September 15- World Celebration Day, at UMLY, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, with games, crafts, dances, World Cup goal shoot out, Yoga demonstrations and more!

· September 15- World Cup Tournament at the Kennett Area YMCA, 1:00 -6:00 pm, a day of fun and soccer. Registration is required, dsilva@ymcagbw. org.

· September 18- Community Event, at the Brandywine YMCA, 295 Hurley Road, Coatesville, 5:00-7:00 pm, organizations from the community will be available to provide information and highlight resources available to residents.

· September 18- Breaking Bread at the Kennett Area YMCA, 6:00-8:00 pm, a night of sharing food and conversation.

· September 20- Around the World Experience at the Brandywine YMCA, 5:007:00 pm, with members showcasing the uniqueness of their home countries.

· September 22- Hawk Migration Watch and Raptor Presentation at UMLY, 11:00 am-12:00 pm.

For event information, visit https://www.ymcagbw. org/welcomingweek2018.

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is an association of eight YMCAs that offer life-changing programs for children, families and adults throughout Chester County.