Written by Health Justice CT

Research shows that a person’s race impacts where they might live, work, and play. Therefore issues of race and racism matter in the discussion about health disparities.  On Friday, April 29^th YWCA associations across the country will be organizing “Stand Against Racism” events to raise awareness of the ongoing impact of racism.  This movement seeks to address the root causes of racism and encourages conversations across diverse communities in the United States.

To learn more about this movement, I spoke with Deborah Ullman, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Hartford Region. Below are excerpts of the interview:

HJCT: What ignited this annual event against racism?

DU:  This idea started with two YWCAs located in Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey. If you know anything about these two towns – they are very different demographically. Trenton is an urban, poor community and Princeton is Princeton. Geographically these two towns aren’t far apart, but you have a lot wealth, education and resources in one area and a lot of poverty in the other. Race has always been a factor for this segregation.   

So the two organizations came up with this idea to speak out against racism. They not only organized rallies about this issue, but decided to challenge individual organizations (i.e. Boys Scouts, faith based organizations, etc) to also stand against racism. This issue affects everyone, and this movement should include everyone. It is now nation-wide movement with over two thousand partnering organizations across the country.

HJCT: Why is this issue so critical to YWCA’s mission?

DU: Our mission is about eliminating racism and empowering women. We believe that you can never really empower women unless you eliminate racism.

I am not sure if we can eliminate racism in my lifetime, however, as a stepping stone, we need to make people understand what racism is. For instance, if you are Black, you’re likely to have had a conversation with your child about how to react when being confronted by law enforcement. But as a White person, like me, I never had to have that conversation with my child. Incidences like what happened in Florida remind us that the conversation about race has to continue. So a large focus about this movement is about creating awareness and educating the public. We have to talk about race and make people understand that racism still exists.

HJCT: How would you define a productive conversation on race?

DU: A productive conversation is when you are in a situation where trust is involved and are willing to be vulnerable and share personal insights. Both parties, the speaker and the listener, would leave the conversation with a greater understanding of one another.   

HJCT: What type of change would you like to see as a result of this event?

DU: We would like to see each person reach a realization of how racism impacts them as a person, either negatively or positively. And that’s goes for whether you’re a White person or a person of color. We’d like everyone to understand that racism impacts us all, and because of this, it is all of our duty to work towards eliminating it.

On Friday, please join the Hartford Region YWCA, the City of Hartford and the CT Multicultural Health Partnership at 550 Main Street in Hartford to “Stand Against Racism.”  Click here for more information about this event.

You can also find information here about other events being organized across the State or follow the conversation on twitter using this hashtag: #ywcahartfordstand

You can guarantee we’ll be following along.

Thank you to Health Justice CT for supporting YWCA Stand Against Racism.

Professor Cazenave’s article in the opinion section of this Sunday’s the Hartford Courant, “Racism:  Never New, Just Rediscovered,” highlights how racism eats away at our community daily.  However, reading of such events and being disgusted by them is not enough.  Eliminating racism requires consistent, regular, dedicated and prolonged efforts to dismantle the systemic racism created through intentional policies. To undo these abuses, we must, as a community, create change that eliminates disparities in education and economic opportunities.   We must capture the public will to undo historical indifference to oppression.

As a white person, the article reminded me of my responsibility to actively work to eliminate institutional racism.

Consistent, coordinated efforts seeking to educate us all are needed to eliminate systemic racism which is so dangerous to our community.  I am Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of YWCA Hartford Region and eliminating racism is at the core of our mission.  We invite organizations who are committed to peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all to join us on April 27, to take a Stand Against Racism.  The goal of the event is to raise awareness that racism still exists in our community and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated.

More information can be found at www.standagainstracism.org.

Read Professor Cazenave’s opinion piece here.

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.

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.

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 20^th 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 20^th 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.

Photo credit: United Way

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

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

OPP's Junior Art Makers in front of their mural

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

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 17^th 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 10^th 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 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.

By: Kristy Lee Downer, YWCA Hartford Region Marketing Manager

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

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.

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

Link to more YWCA Graduation photos

2010 YWLC Video

By: Kristy Lee Downer, YWCA Hartford Region Marketing Manager