YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Hosts Naturalization Ceremony

The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City hosted a Naturalization Ceremony earlier today at the Edward L. Gaylord Downtown YMCA, celebrating 26 local community members representing 15 countries as they took the oath of U.S. citizenship.

The Ceremony took place during Welcoming Week, an initiative of YMCA of the USA’s national partner, Welcoming America, an annual event that connects neighbors and celebrates communities coming together to promote cross-cultural understanding and to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone.

At the Y, we take immense pride in our work to strengthen communities and help all of us be our best selves. We provide a place to play, to learn, to be healthy, and to give back. We give parents childcare, young adults job training, seniors a way to connect and children a safe place to go. We believe that everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from— deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Everything the Y does is in service of making sure people and communities thrive.

“Welcoming Week is about building connections and celebrating the many ways our community is stronger when everyone feels valued,” said Kelly Kay, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. “We bring people together, inviting them to share their unique perspectives and experiences and discover their shared passions. It was an honor to recognize and celebrate our newest citizens at the Y today.”

Today’s ceremony linked this legal milestone to everyday life for our country’s newest citizens. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, countries, perspectives, and generations, we ensure more people have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow, and thrive. 

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