As your new CEO, I was so pleased to celebrate my first Welcoming Week with the YMCA of Central Ohio. Last week we joined Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCA’s and other organizations nationwide in hosting events to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together our neighbors in a spirit of unity. Here, our week was highlighted with a Naturalization Ceremony of 125 new Americans at the North YMCA.

At the YMCA, we believe the communities we serve are stronger when everyone feels welcome and we work together for the common good. In the spirit of Welcoming Week and the work we do each and every day, I’d like to take this opportunity to share the importance of how we show up and speak up, as Y leaders in service to all.

Whether outside or inside of the Y, it is our responsibility to embrace our mission to serve all; to live and serve by the standards of our four core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility; and to protect those who look to the YMCA for acceptance, empathy and a voice of support.

The Y is a diverse organization of men, women and children. Our movement is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life. Regardless of religion, gender, nation of origin, income or background - the Y is here to welcome all. 

Welcoming Week is our reminder to fully embrace the uniqueness of every individual, family and community.  The YMCA of Central Ohio has a commitment to making our community a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for all.