National Family Week Nov. 19 – 25

Union County Family YMCA is asking Union County residents to spend time together during National Family Week, November 19-25. National Family Week: Connections Count is organized locally by the Union County Family YMCA and is being celebrated by families and organizations in communities nationwide.
Groups across the country will host National Family Week celebrations in honor of children and families in their communities. In Marysville, at the Union County Family YMCA, 1150 Charles Lane, celebrations will include family swim time, family gym time, arts and crafts, turkey toss, snacks and family story time.
National Family Week: Connections Count embraces the premise that children live better lives when their families are strong, and families are strong when they live in communities that connect them to economic opportunities, social networks, and services. These “connections” celebrated during National Family Week, include access to reliable transportation, employment opportunities, education, child care, housing, health care. And support from the community networks and institutions.
“ Ordinary families are extraordinarily important to our communities and our country, says Suzy Zumwalde, Executive Director of the Union County Family YMCA. “When America’s diverse families and children are healthy, our nation prospers. That’s why we hope everyone will take time during National Family Week to honor the connections that support and strengthen families year-round. Let’s recognize the value of families, as well as the importance of family values.
Sam Wiley, who was a teacher and administrator in Indianapolis, founded National Family Week in 1968. The Alliance for Children and Families, a nonprofit membership association representing child-and-family-serving organizations in the United States and Canada, has directed National Family Week efforts for more than 30 years. National Family Week is supported by The Annie E. Casey Foundation.
The ideas below are ways to celebrate National Family Week:
• Get involved in local National Family Week activities.
• Celebrate the connections you have with your family and community.
• Encourage employers to consider family-friendly work options such as flexible hours and time off to attend school functions.
• Select an issue that can improve your community. Work with local officials to effect change.
• Meet and get to know your neighbors.
• Volunteer with a nonprofit organization on projects that benefit your community.

Edited by UCP staff.