3

Feb 12

An Eye-Opening Experience at YWCA Hartford Region

Written by guest blogger, Bijal Shah

Three days of “externing” at YWCA Hartford Region taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I was given the amazing opportunity to learn about an organization I admire, YWCA, and witness the principles of nonprofit organizations in action.

The staff at YWCA Hartford Region eagerly introduced me to the incredible programs they provide to the community. I was able to tour Soromundi Commons, the YWCA’s emergency shelter, transitional housing and long-term supportive housing, and learned more about the facility and what it does for individuals in need. I also attended the Young Women’s Leadership Corps (YWLC) at East Hartford High School and observed the different programs the girls participated in. One of my favorite parts of my time with YWCA was touring the Early Learning Center. I loved seeing the projects the children were working on and the important lessons being taught at such a young age. Lastly, I was able to visit the Kidslink program and observe how much the children loved their staff members and the fun afterschool activities that they participated in.

In addition to learning about YWCA, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend Advocacy Day 2012 hosted by CT Speaks Up. At the conference I listened to Deb Heinrich, Connecticut’s Nonprofit Liaison to the Governor, speak about her experiences managing the relationship between nonprofit organizations and the governor. She spoke about how to effectively advocate for causes and how best to contact legislators. She stressed that the best avenue for effective advocacy was to build a close relationship between your organization and the legislators. It is important to view the relationship as a partnership, between legislator and organization, both of whom work together to help the community. At this same event, I was also given the opportunity to hear, and even meet, the commissioners of Connecticut. This was a great experience for me because it really helped me learn more about the needs of nonprofit organizations and their advocacy goals. I felt privileged to be able to attend such an informative conference filled with passionate individuals bent upon changing their communities for the better.

This externship has shown me the large impact nonprofits can have on a community. I am excited to continue expanding my knowledge of nonprofit organizations and I hope to one day contribute my skills to an organization which betters my community.

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16

Nov 11

for every woman looking for a chance to give back

be the change with ywca…

Lisa Sundean, RN and YWCA Board Member

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi’s mantra resonates with me, whether it is through support for YWCA, for children’s health care and support organizations, for national health care research organizations, or for global humanitarian relief organizations. Be the change, be the change – be part of meaningful change in the world. I had been a guest at YWCA’s In the Company of Women luncheon several times. I became a Table Captain for the luncheon, the signature fundraiser of YWCA. “It’s a great organization to support,” I told my friends and local contacts, urging them to attend the luncheon and become members of YWCA as I had done. Still, I was searching for a more meaningful way to “be the change…”

It wasn’t until I read the high impact book, Half the Sky by Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas Kristof that I began to understand the direct influence I could have on social change in my community. Half the Sky describes the global oppression of women and its negative effects on whole communities. Most importantly, the book describes the hope for social change through women’s empowerment programs, lifting the heavy thumb of oppression to access the incredible power and strength of women to positively influence community health and economics, and to address issues of the vulnerable and underserved. Be the change, be the change…My family life was not conducive to me traveling around the world seeking opportunities for social change. But Half the Sky affected me so deeply; I knew I had to find a local way to fulfill this purpose in my life.

That’s when I realized YWCA Hartford Region was just the local organization to allow me to share my time, talent and monetary resources toward social change–toward improving circumstances for all women, toward being part of meaningful change in the world. I was already familiar with YWCA and connected to its mission. I was already advocating for support of YWCA in my social network. It was a natural step for me to align more closely with YWCA to advance social change in my community, and to fulfill my need for greater purpose in life. A sometimes lost fact, YWCA is a nonprofit organization operating at local, state, national and global levels. Its mission is simply stated yet powerful: eliminating racism, empowering women. Truly, YWCA is a perfect fit for me! Leveraging my social network, I deepened my commitment to YWCA Hartford Region and was voted in as a member of the Board of Directors in January 2011.

Immediately, I could see the mission of YWCA in action through successful programs like the racial justice learning curriculum, the Early Learning Centers for children, before and after school programs, Teens as Successful Parents, Young Women’s Leadership Corps, Suromundi Commons supportive housing and emergency shelter for women, Stand Against Racism, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and Money Conference for Women. YWCA Hartford Region is actively engaged in advocacy for women at the local, state and national levels.  YWCA partners with like-minded organizations as a collective voice for the vulnerable and underserved, supporting social needs in our communities. I have learned empowering women is inextricably linked to eliminating racism and one without the other is futile. Gender inequity and racial inequity are inseparable issues and must be attacked through united fronts.  YWCA is here to attack these difficult issues and to steward positive, sustainable change.

Today, I am playing a part in that positive change through my work as an active member of  YWCA on the Board of Directors. I continue to support the luncheon as a Table Captain. I have stepped up as chair of the Development Committee and I serve on the Program Committee Task Force. I see first-hand the high level of integrity of YWCA, its commitment to social change by empowering women and eliminating racism and its dedication to eradicating barriers for all women everywhere.

Sheryl WuDunn, Nicholas Kristof and Mahatma Gandhi inspired me to seek deeper engagement in social change for women. I found the opportunity to partner for change with  YWCA. I am a wife, a mother, a graduate student, a Registered Nurse, a certified yoga instructor and I am your neighbor. I am a proud member of YWCA and grateful for the opportunity it has given me to fulfill meaningful purpose in my life.  We can all play a role in meaningful change in our communities. It takes passion, motivation and action. Perhaps you will consider being part of positive social change through membership with YWCA Hartford Region as I did? Be a part of positive change for all women everywhere. Join me as a member of YWCA. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”         

 To be the change..click  here and become a YWCA member today.

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14

Sep 11

Day of Caring: CIGNA Celebrates Diversity at YWCA

Guest Blogger: Derek Fero, TECDP Associate at CIGNA and Day of Caring Volunteer

YWCA Day of Caring

CIGNA volunteers at YWCA's Elmwood Early Learning Center in West Hartford for United Way's Day of Caring. Photo credit: United Way

On Wednesday, September 7, the United Way held their 20th annual Day of Caring. Bloomfield-based CIGNA, a global health service company, was just one of the companies participating in this year’s Day of Caring. The United Way “advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all and focuses on the building blocks of a good life: education, income and health,” which aligns directly with CIGNA’s mission “To help the people we serve improve their health, well -being, and sense of security.” CIGNA’s President of U.S. Commercial Markets, Bert Scott embraced CIGNA’s mission by holding the honor as the United Way Chairperson for the 2011 Hartford Campaign.

CIGNA volunteered at several sites in the Hartford area including YWCA Hartford Region’s Early Learning Centers in East Hartford, Hartford and West Hartford. YWCA Hartford Region was selected by United Way as a signature project as part of the Day of Caring 20th anniversary celebration. At YWCA’s Early Learning Center in West Hartford, CIGNA’s TECDP (Technology Early Career Development Program) team associates split into two smaller groups to engage with toddlers and preschoolers. Both groups read the book “Loudmouth George and the New Neighbors” to the children while discussing thoughts on embracing diversity.

After reading the book, the children created “friends” out of stenciled paper figures and decorated them with various arts and crafts materials. After all of the children make their paper people, they drew a picture of their friend and wrote how each of them would welcome their new friend to the classroom. All of their pages were combined to create a book for the classroom! This project helped children understand the harm that racism can cause. The project also focused on empathy and how to understand and deal with racism—eliminating racism is the core mission of YWCA.

It was a rewarding experience to work with children. I saw first-hand the importance of quality early learning child care. I was amazed at how engaged the children were in the activity and the dedication of their staff. The day meant a lot to me personally as I prepare to welcome a baby of my own into the world.  It also made me proud to be part of the CIGNA team.

About CIGNA’sTECDP: TECDP targets recent college graduates and early career professionals with a degree in Information Technology or a related discipline. The program offers its associates an opportunity to develop technical, leadership, and business skills through a structured rotational program including a variety of positions in both the business and technical areas of IT. TECDP also provides its associates the opportunity and encourages them to serve local communities through continued charity work.

YWCA Day of Caring

Photo credit: United Way

 

Click here for more photos from YWCA’s Day of Caring event.

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16

Aug 11

opp and ywca unveil mural at ywca’s growing tree

Mural at YWCA's Growing Tree Early Learning Center

Mural at YWCA's Growing Tree Early Learning Center

On August 12, Our Piece of the Pie, Inc. (OPP®) and YWCA Hartford Region unveiled OPP’s Junior Art Makers’ first outdoor mural as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program funded by Capital Workforce Partners. The mural, located at YWCA’s Growing Tree Early Learning Center, stands as an uplifting symbol of hope and renewal in the Asylum Hill community. The unveiling drew over 50 people including residents of the Asylum Hill community.

What the Artists Had to Say:

My experience painting the mural with Our Piece of the Pie for YWCA’s Growing Tree Early Learning Center was an amazing and fun experience. I loved everything about it. We went through heat and rain, but it was all worth it. The painting is a beautiful mural for children in our wonderful community.  Everyone contributed creative ideas and put them together as one. The mural brings life into the Growing Tree making it fun for children to look at. It shows the four seasons and teaches children what you see in different times of the year. It also shows what the Growing Tree has to offer.

Jessenia G.

When I first began my service as an AmeriCorps Vista I was excited to learn that I would be helping to create a mural. I have never painted or worked on one, so I didn’t know what to expect. It wasn’t an easy task, there was times when the weather was bad, or too hot, but as a group we still worked together to finish it. It was definitely fun and worth it to see all your hard work displayed as a beautiful piece of art work. It was a great thing to see everyone’s personality, taste, and unique style come together and create a masterpiece. The youth, my co-workers and I are very proud of our work.

Allyson R. – Americorps VISTA

Junior Art Makers

OPP's Junior Art Makers in front of their mural

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22

Jun 11

ywca hartford history-we are here to stay

YWCA Hartford Region Outing 1880's

YWCA has a rich history in the U.S.A. For over 150 years, women have turned to YWCA for help, support and resources. At YWCA Hartford Region we are celebrating our own history with a new online photo album full of images from our past.

In going through these photographs-dating back all the way to the 1880’s-I was amazed at our rich history in the Hartford area. Did you know that YWCA in Hartford was incorporated in 1867 and was the first community social agency in Hartford-the third oldest YWCA in the county? We have had many more firsts along the way and have remained an integral part of the community.

1955 centennial celebration at YWCA Hartford Region

1955 Centennial Celebration at YWCA Hartford Region

YWCA Hartford Region Milestones:

  • 1867-YWCA of Hartford opens as the first community social agency in Hartford
  • 1870’s-YWCA holds first typewriting class and opens first employment bureau for women
  • 1926-Camp Aya-Po was established in Somers, CT
  • 1951-Creative Nursery School opens in Manchester
  • 1996-First In the Company of Women Luncheon is held-now its 17th year
  • 1999-The Growing Tree Early Learning Center opens in Asylum Hill in Hartford to give children from families with low-to-moderate income a safe place to learn and grow
  • 2002-The first Money Conference for Women is held to give women economic empowerment-now its 10th year
  • 2005-Soromundi Commons opens in Hartford to provide shelter and to help people at-risk for homelessness
  • 2009-First Stand Against Racism is held in Hartford area to combat the spread of hate and celebrate diversity
YWCA Hartford Region Fitness 1920's

YWCA Hartford Region Fitness 1920's

YWCA has had an array of programs and services over the course of its history including bible classes, fitness programs and special interest groups for women-just to name a few. Currently, YWCA Hartford Region’s programs focus on child care and early learning, housing for the homeless, building women leaders, racial justice and economic empowerment programs for women. We have continuously transformed ourselves to better serve the evolving community, but our purpose has always been the same: eliminating racism and empowering women.

Today, we work in communities across the Hartford region, have 16 different child care locations and serve over 2,000 people every year. Our main office and home since 1974 has been at 135 Broad Street-where we stand proud against the back drop of Hartford. Our new persimmon sign with our mission clearly visible on the corner of Farmington Avenue is a constant reminder to residents, workers and visitors in Hartford that we are here to stay with a clear purpose in mind.

YWCA Hartford Region Sign at 135 Broad Street in Hartford, CT

By: Kristy Lee Downer, YWCA Hartford Region Marketing Manager

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6

Jun 11

program in action: my experience working at ywca

Kat Vollono, Youth Development/ Parent Engagement Specialist & Public Ally

Kat Vollono, Youth Development/ Parent Engagement Specialist & Public Ally, speaking at YWCA's YWLC graduation.

I have just spent 10 months at YWCA Hartford Region as their full time AmeriCorps Public Ally coordinating the Young Women’s Leadership Corps (YWLC), a free after-school program that gives young women the power to achieve educational and personal goals. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to spend my ten months working at YWCA Hartford Region. Working in an office with employees that truly care about seeing women succeed has made me proud to be a part of this organization. My supervisors are kind, supportive and encouraged my professional development.

After having spent every day in classrooms around the Hartford region with girls in the YWLC program, I can personally attest to the fact that after-school programs have the ability to help young people. Programs like YWLC connect individuals with themselves, others and the outside world. The YWLC allowed the girls to grow as individuals and as a group. Shy girls began reciting poems out loud and more social girls became more engaged in meaningful conversations with their peers. One girl, a new student at her school, left the last day of program saying that she felt as if YWLC had become a new family for her.

YWLC works because it provides a safe space for at-risk girls. We had all kinds of participants-girls who were bullied in school, girls who had behavioral problems, girls in AP classes, girls without a worry in the world, or girls with every worry in the world. Despite their background, they all supported one another. These girls hugged each other when someone cried and gave each other positive encouragement.

I am convinced that the YWLC program benefits young women. I have seen first hand things that are impossible to quantify, but not easily forgotten in the live of those who take part whole heartedly.  The young women leave the program ready to face the future.

Kat Vollono
Youth Development/ Parent Engagement Specialist & Public Ally

Click here for current employment opportunities at YWCA Hartford Region

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25

May 11

why i became a member of ywca

Anne Thibeault, YWCA Hartford Region Board Member

I will always remember the first time I walked into YWCA’s In the Company of Women Luncheon…put simply, I was overwhelmed. I did not quite know what to expect from the luncheon, but did not expect to feel empowered just by being in the presence of over one thousand women. That year the speaker was Isabel Allende. I remember being absolutely captivated by her words, and thinking that if each of us left that afternoon motivated to be as strong and courageous as her, what could we all accomplish together? I knew that I had to learn more about what YWCA was all about, and how I could be more involved.

As I learned more about the programs and services offered by YWCA to empower women and eliminate racism, I knew this was an organization I wanted to support and more importantly, I wanted to belong to. I wanted to be part of a movement over 25 million women strong worldwide that advocates for and supports women through all stages of life. Whether it is through affordable child care, supporting victims of violence, or providing opportunities for economic advancement, YWCA is there to support women. Equally as important was belonging to an organization that sets the example on what it means to promote racial justice.

In 2008, I became a member of YWCA. Being a member has allowed me to feel part of something greater than myself. It has connected me with the issues affecting women in the Greater Hartford area, and allows me to be a part of how YWCA changes lives. The luncheon is a wonderful experience, but it is just one day of the year. By becoming a member I am able to stay connected every day, whether it is through Facebook, the monthly e-newsletter, or by attending the various events sponsored by YWCA. Moreover, I know that my choice to belong to YWCA helps create opportunities one woman at a time in my community. I am proud to be a member of YWCA and encourage you to join this life-changing organization.

Anne M. Thibeault, YWCA Hartford Region Board Member

Join YWCA today!  Or, call (860) 525-1162 Ext. 292 for more information.

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16

May 11

ywlc graduates become a family and transform into leaders

YWLC graduates from Burr School in Hartford

YWLC graduates from Burr School in Hartford

Forty-five future leaders graduated from YWCA Hartford Region’s Young Women’s Leadership Corps (YWLC) on May 12. Approximately 100 people including parents, YWCA staff and board, and other supporters attended to celebrate the achievements of our young women. We could not have been any more proud of them!

At YWCA we understand it’s not easy being a teenage girl. Young women face difficult challenges such as low self-esteem and low achievement in school. YWLC empowers young women in grades 7-12 from Greater Hartford to identify and to achieve educational and personal goals such as building self-esteem, developing communication skills and pursuing post secondary education. Participants also focus on increasing financial capability, career planning and exploration and community involvement. We teach our young women to tap into their potential and “make the most of me!”

You would never know from watching these young women at the graduation that they barely knew each other before starting the program. They have since formed close bonds with one another and created a family. “I saw firsthand the transformation of the girls and how quickly they became a family and developed into leaders,” said Kat Vollono, Parent Engagement Specialist/Public Ally at YWCA.

“I learned not to judge people based on stereotypes,” said Antonette, YWLC participant from Windsor High School. Community Service is an integral part of YWLC. Young women in the program participated in Global Youth Service Day by volunteering at YWCA’s Soromundi Commons, an emergency shelter and supportive housing program. “The women were just like us,” added Antonette.

Each young woman leaves the program with values that will serve them for a lifetime including leadership excellence, caring relationships, community minded activism, and respect for self and others. These were both echoed in the graduation remarks and observed throughout the evening. In the closing remarks, Nikia Newkirk, Youth Development Director at YWCA, urged all graduates to “Continue to live the values of YWCA.”

To all our YWLC graduates: Congratulations! You’ve got what it takes. Tap into your potential and pursue your dreams!

YWLC graduates from Metropolitan Learning Center in Bloomfield, CT

YWLC graduates from Metropolitan Learning Center in Bloomfield, CT

Link to more YWCA Graduation photos

2010 YWLC Video

By: Kristy Lee Downer, YWCA Hartford Region Marketing Manager

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5

May 11

imagine all the people living in peace

YWCA Hartford Region's Stand Against Racism event

l-r: John Motley, guest speaker and partner Motley Beup, LLP; Lisa Sundean, YWCA Board Member; Ardell Wilson, YWCA Board Chair; Kristen Roberts, Comcast, Vice President of Public Relations and Community Investment; Deborah Ullman, YWCA CEO; and Brad Palazzo, Comcast, Manager of Community Investment.

Forty organizations united with us on April 29 for our third annual Stand Against Racism. The event combats the spread of hate and honors and celebrates the richness of diversity. Our message was clear: “Racism will not be ignored or tolerated!” This is the message that was heard not only in Greater Hartford, but throughout the country as like-minded organizations shared YWCA’ vision of eliminating racism.

“Racism is a cancer,” said John Motley, guest speaker at YWCA Hartford Region’s event and partner at Motley Beup, LLP (see video below). “Think about those internal cancers and find a way to beat them. Stand up with YWCA to eliminate racism,” added Motley who talked to over 75 people including students at Covenant Prep, a private all boys school for urban youth in Hartford. Guests also heard a performance of John Lennon’s Imagine by YWCA staff member Dana Sears.

What does Stand Against Racism strive to accomplish? As John Lennon said in 1971 “Imagine all the people…Living life in peace.” Now, imagine over 250,000 people across the country taking a stand for a common goal to stop hatred. That is the goal of Stand Against Racism…to promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, the core mission of YWCA.

Unfortunately, this dream has yet to be fully achieved. Hate groups operating in the United States has actually grown by 56% in the last eight years. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) cites “immigration fears and a failing economy” as the factors that have fueled the increase.

This dream can be achieved if we stand together, united. We hope that someday we no longer have to imagine and the dream of peace and justice will be a reality.

Excerpt from John Motley’s speech about racism at YWCA HartfordRegion’s Stand Against Racism:

Click here for more photos.

Join the Stand Against Racism cause on Facebook.

By: Kristy Lee Downer, YWCA Hartford Region Marketing Manager

 

 

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