90th Anniversary of Women’s Right To Vote

Blog Your Thoughts

“Men their rights and nothing more, women their rights and nothing less.” That was the motto for a 1800s weekly paper about the women’s suffrage movement. Because empowering women is a mission goal, throughout 2010 YWCA Metro St. Louis is commemorating the 90th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution that gave all women the right to vote in 1920. The right to vote was not easily won. For 72 years women organized, petitioned, picketed and went to jail to win the right to vote.

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Valentine Fashion Luncheon Marks 40th Anniversary

The 40th anniversary of the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Alberta E. Gantt Valentine Fashion Luncheon will be celebrated as the “Ruby Red Extravaganza” and will be held at noon on Sat. Feb. 13, at the Millennium Hotel St. Louis, 200 S. 4th St. in downtown St. Louis. The annual luncheon benefits the YWCA Transitional Housing Program (THP) for homeless women. “If you want to know the latest trends for casual, business and special occasion wear, we’ll make sure you’re up to date for making a fashion statement,” said Jacqueline Dyer, a co-chair, along with Cleotra Woodson; both are long-time supporters and committee volunteers.

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Join Us for the Next Racial Justice Lecture

The potential changes in the threat levels for the levees that impact East St. Louis and the implications of the proposed New Northside development project on the St. Louis side of the Mississippi river may constitute “Environmental Racism,” the topic of the next So Reel Racial Justice Lecture Series at 5:30 p.m. at the Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center, at 2711 Locust St. in midtown St. Louis. The lectures are free and open for public discussions. For more information, call Amy Hunter, Racial Justice director, at 314.531.1115.

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Circle of Women Gets New Focus

New Society Members are Named

Since 2004, the YWCA Circle of Women luncheon has brought together business leaders, funders, volunteers and others, generating more than $371,000, in support of the YWCA St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center. This year, the luncheon will benefit the Sexual Assault Center as well as YWCA landmark programs that focus on race equity issues, housing for women on the move, early learning, crisis intervention, life skills training, and youth and teen development. Adrian Bracy, YWCA CEO says, “This year, YWCA is celebrating 105 years of service to women, children and youth and their families in the St. Louis area. With that legacy, it’s important to prepare our organization for the next 100-plus years.

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Organization Restructure is Announced

YWCA CEO Adrian Bracy recently announced an organizational restructure. “I believe this restructure will align our direct service and administration areas for greater opportunities for collaborations and efficiencies that will better serve the girls, teens and women who rely on our year around services.” The reorganization includes the elimination of the chief operating officer post and moves three associates to direct report positions.

Eulonda Nevels, director of the Transitional Housing Program, will assume added responsibilities for overseeing the St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center, the Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center and Challenges Unlimited. Her new title is senior director of programs. Shalia Ford, YW-Teens director, will oversee teens’ initiatives as well as School Age Care programs. As youth division director, all non-Head Start youth programs will be under her portfolio; and CFO Latriece Kimbrough will also assume business administration duties and oversee facilities. Her new title is chief financial and administrative officer. Bracy said that no changes have been made in YWCA St. Louis Head Start operations.

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National Groups Team with YWCA St. Louis Head Start

UCLA and Johnson & Johnson Spearhead Nationwide Program

Anxious parents are crowding the nation’s hospital emergency rooms on any given day throughout the year, and especially during annual flu seasons. They wait for hours before seeing a medical professional for oftentimes minor childhood ailments that could be treated at home. The YWCA St. Louis Head Start/Early Head Start program recently launch a “I Can Help My Child Stay Healthy” initiative to teach 125 parents of children enrolled in its Pagedale Center, at 1436 Ferguson, basic health care and medical information to increase health literacy. The project was researched, designed and spearheaded through a partnership led by UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Health Care Institute and UCLA Anderson School of Management.

In photo Head Start staff members simulate emergency room visit. Click here to read more.

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Want to Get to Know YWCA Metro St. Louis?

You may know that the YWCA St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center helps assault survivors on the road to recovery, but did you also know that homeless women find safe shelter and guidance on another road to recovery offered by YWCA? And did you know that our racial justice program provides enlightening conversations that foster race equity and diversity. If you find that you know only one aspect or very little about the scope of YWCA programs and services, please join us at one of our “strong alone. fearless together.” presentations. In just one hour, you’ll come away knowing how the YWCA carries out its mission.

Click here to read more and get presentation dates.

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Volunteer Round Up

Innoventor, Others Support YWCA

Innoventor, a local design firm, and United Way GenNext volunteers recently offered helping hands to build shelves, clean and organize warehouse spaces. To view these and other volunteers in action, click here.

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