All Are Welcome

WE WELCOME ALL
WHO WELCOME ALL

To better strengthen our community, we believe all parts of society must have access to the Y. As neighborhoods change, societal perspectives and attitudes evolve, and communities become more globalized, the Y implements important actions to advance social equity and create a safe, welcoming space for all.

Daily, we work toward empathy in all interactions and activities. We recognize, value, and embrace all dimensions of diversity and work towards the full inclusion of all people. We develop cultural competencies, social awareness, and global perspectives, which build bridges between communities and foster the safe exchange of ideas, beliefs, and perspectives within and through the Y, locally and globally.

Culture of Inclusion

The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette staff, volunteers, members, participants, and guests thrive in culturally diverse and vibrant communities. We embrace all individuals and families and are inclusive and welcoming to all people regardless of the following protected classes.

  • Ability,
  • Age,
  • Background,
  • Ethnicity/race,
  • Faith,
  • Gender,
  • Gender identity,
  • Gender expression,
  • Sexual orientation,
  • Income,
  • HIV or Hepatitis C,
  • Breastfeeding,
  • Whistleblower,
  • The presence of sensory, mental, or physical actual Disability or perceived Disability,
  • Marital status/familial status,
  • Sex / Pregnancy

Our staff and volunteers are members of our communities and are integral to ensuring that the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette remains a vital resource to our members. We believe that, in a diverse world, we are stronger when we are inclusive, our doors are open to all, and everyone has the opportunity to be part of our mission and cause.

To be truly inclusive and welcoming for all, it’s important to think about the different factors and influences that make up a person. By understanding the many dimensions of diversity, we can better recognize and act on opportunities to effectively engage, connect and serve all segments of society.

 

YMCA CW Youth Development & Childcare

Inclusion & ADA Statement

The YMCA of Columbia Willamette believes every child deserves equal opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. We are committed to including children of all abilities in our childcare programs and to complying fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)and all applicable state laws.

We will provide reasonable accommodations that allow children to participate meaningfully in our programs, so long as those accommodations do not fundamentally alter the nature of the program, pose an undue burden, or compromise the safety of participants and staff.

Our staff are not clinicians or educators; we focus on observations and program supports that help children succeed in a group setting. We work in partnership with families and schools to identify strategies that promote success. When a child requires more intensive support than we can reasonably provide, we will collaborate with the family to explore options, including family-provided aides.

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for notifying YMCA staff if their child may need a reasonable accommodation related to a disability, so that a formal interactive process and any necessary paperwork can be initiated. The YMCA’s commitment is to foster an environment of dignity, respect, and inclusion for every child.