“REACH’s commitment to fostering racial equity motivates us to support regional efforts that address the health, well-being and inclusion of immigrants and refugees.”
The REACH Healthcare Foundation will join with nonprofit organizations across the Kansas City metro area in celebrating Welcoming Week, a national campaign spearheaded by Welcoming America and focused on strengthening inclusion of immigrants and refugees across America. Local nonprofit and civic organizations will host special events in September to highlight the cultures, talents and other contributions of immigrants and refugees in the Kansas City area.
The local events are part of a regional commitment to implement the Welcoming KC plan, a community-driven effort to elevate the importance of immigrants, refugees and other newcomers to the region’s neighborhoods, cultural life and economy. Vice President of Programs Carla Gibson, who currently serves on the board of directors of Welcoming America, helped launch the Welcoming KC effort in 2018 through a series of grants to Welcoming America. REACH now partners with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce to implement and advance the work after the plan developed. They, along with many community partners, are working diligently to ensure Kansas City is a welcoming place for all.
Gibson said the annual Welcoming Week celebrations help draw attention to the diversity and vitality of the Kansas City region. “REACH’s commitment to fostering racial equity motivates us to support regional efforts that address the health, well-being and inclusion of immigrants and refugees. Our support of the Welcoming KC plan aligns with REACH’s focus on strengthening healthy communities for all.”
Over a two-year period, and with support from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, more than 50 people across the Kansas City region worked to craft the Welcoming KC plan. The KC Chamber continues to coordinate community engagement and implementation of the plan.
Learn more about REACH’s investment in Welcoming KC.
To learn about the events, their location and how to attend, click the registration links below.
Segundo Encuentro de Padres Empoderados
Saturday, September 9 | Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Contact: Ivan Ramirez • ivan@revedkc.org
Registration Link
Celebrate AMERI’KANA
Sunday, September 10 | Time: 1:00 – 8:00 PM
Contact: Enrique Chi • enrique@artasmentorship.org
Registration Link
Know Your Rights
Tuesday, September 12 | Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Contact: Jenny Garmon • jennygarmon@kclibrary.org
Registration Link
Welcoming KC Naturalization Ceremony
Wednesday, September 13 | Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Contact: Dani Bennett • dbennett@kcchamber.com
Welcoming Garden Party
Thursday, September 14 | Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Contact: Amy Coffman • acoffman@literacykc.org
JVS Global Table to Go 2023
Monday, September 18 | Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Contact: Kate Jacobs • kjacobs@jvskc.org
Registration Link
Folklore – Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Thursday, September 21 | Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Contact: Luis Padilla • padilla@frescomktg.com
Registration Link
JVS Global Table to Go 2023
Tuesday, September 26 | Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Kate Jacobs • kjacobs@jvskc.org
Registration Link
Connect with the national Welcoming Week celebration by using the hashtag #WelcomingWeek2023.
