Welcoming Week
Through Welcoming Week, the City of Bend aims to bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
Semana de Bienvenida en español
Welcoming Week this year centers the Stories We Share, recognizing and celebrating voices in our community who are actively building welcoming spaces by practicing belonging and resilience. On this page we’ll be sharing some of the stories of community organizers and leaders told through their voice and lens. Join us around town from September 12 – 21 for programming that models a more inclusive Bend.
Meet Sorahi Harati, Executive Director of Restorative Justice and Equity in Bend. Sorahi reminds us that equity isn’t just policy; it’s about centering human dignity, repairing harm, and creating space for all voices to be heard. Celebrate Welcoming Week with us Sept 12–21 and hear more stories like Sorahi’s that strengthen the fabric of our community.
Meet Priscilla Calleros, Events & Outreach Manager at the Environmental Center. Priscilla shares her story of weaving culture, sustainability, and celebration into community life in Bend. Join us Sept 12–21 as we uplift voices like Priscilla’s and celebrate the stories that connect us all.
Meet Sonia Capece, Home Source Director at NeighborImpact. Sonia’s story is about housing, stability, and the power of community to create opportunity for all families in Central Oregon. From Sept 12–21, Welcoming Week lifts up Sonia and many others working to make Bend a place where everyone belongs. Join Sonia for the Affordable Homeownership Fair!
When:
September 12 – 21
What is Welcoming Week?
On June 21, 2017, in large part due to the advocacy of the Latino Community Association, the Bend City Council unanimously supported a resolution for the City of Bend to be recognized as a Welcoming City during Immigrant Heritage Month (observed June). You can find more information about the Immigrant Heritage Month Proclamation, Welcoming City Resolution, and Welcoming America Membership Principles to which the Council committed in item 3C of the Council Agenda.
For Welcoming Week 2025, the City of Bend, in partnership with the St. Charles Foundation, are thrilled to announce the eighth annual celebration of Welcoming Week in Bend, from September 12-21. The City of Bend proudly supports Welcoming Week alongside numerous community partners in the shared commitment to foster a welcoming environment for all in Bend.
Past events have been hosted by organizations and individuals including the Latino Community Association, Vamonos Outside, Partners in Care, Bend Park & Recreation District, Deschutes County Health Services, NeighborImpact, Tower Theater, Benditas, The Environmental Center, Restorative Justice and Equity Group, Volunteers in Medicine, Mosaic Community Health, Bend Police Department, Oregon State University, Envision Bend, and Bola Gbadebo.
We invite our community to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information and look forward to celebrating Welcoming Week with you all!
Get Involved
Participate in one of the Welcoming Week Events hosted by our community partners!
Interested in Hosting a Welcoming Event?
Welcoming Week 2025 sponsorship applications are closed.
Stay tuned for information regarding Welcoming Week 2026!
In the Media
- Second annual Health and Wellness Fair aims to boost awareness, health care info in the Bend community | KTVZ | Sep 22, 2024
- Health and Wellness Fair Sunday at Ponderosa Park | Central Oregon Daily | Sep 20, 2024
- HumanHub with huong tran from Embrace Bend and Matt Muchna from Envision Bend | KPOV | Sep 19, 2024
- Bend filmmaker Bola Gbadebo debuts new film ‘Confidence’ | Central Oregon Daily | Sep 17, 2024
- City of Bend kicks off Welcoming Week with Friday events | KTVZ | Sep 13, 2024
- Welcoming Week with Priscilla Calleros from The Environmental Center | KPOV | Sep 12, 2024
- Bend Welcoming Week, highlighting community and culture, begins Friday | Central Oregon Daily | Sep 12, 2024
- Welcoming Week 2024 comes to the City of Bend | KPOV | Sep 10, 2024
- City of Bend and Oregon Community Foundation announce Welcoming Week 2024 | KTVZ | Sep 3, 2024
