(Dan Cepeda, Oil City)

CASPER, Wyo. — The YMCA of Natrona County is participating in a national “Welcoming Week” celebration of immigrants and refugees.

50 new Americans were sworn in as citizens on Sept. 3 in downtown Casper.

“’At the YMCA of Natrona County, we believe the Natrona County community is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,’ said Risa Phillips, Senior Membership Director. ‘Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born—to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values.'”

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YMCAs across the country are joining “Welcome America” to celebrate immigrants from Sept. 13-22.

“‘We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which is demonstrating that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities,’” Phillips added.

The celebration is meant to foster unity across the country.

“’These events are part of a powerful and growing movement in our country and around the world, demonstrating that communities want to be welcoming,’ said Rachel Peric, Executive Director of Welcoming America. ‘Welcoming Week is a reminder of the resilient and inclusive spirit of American communities.'”

“‘Thousands of local leaders nationwide are bringing their communities together to bridge divides and build stronger local economies where everyone belongs.’”

Welcoming Week is an annual event organized by Welcoming America to “celebrate the contributions of immigrants and refugees and the role communities play to foster greater welcome.”