Greetings friends and supporters:
As the sun streams through the window today, it’s hard to believe we are saying good bye to summer and ushering in fall. There’s a crispness in the air these days, a reminder that the days grow shorter as we speed toward another season. And, each season also ushers in new developments, changes, and growth.
Here at the ywca, we are in the midst of harvesting our first full growing season in our community garden. We have spent these warmer months tending our garden and its bounty is evident every day. Our tiny preschoolers have learned about the seeds that grow our healthy food, how careful patting can nurture the smallest of seedlings, and how delicious a carrot can taste when it’s fresh from the earth!
From 2 ½ to adult, our community has embraced our garden. Our foster youth planted a wonderful bed of flowers and vegetables artistically laid out, and full of the colors that only nature can provide: the burgeoning cherry tomato; the colossal, verdant zucchini; the elegant zinnia and dahlia gracefully swaying in the setting sun.
Indeed, our programs have thrived and celebrated the therapy and camaraderie that our garden has provided. We are learning from one another, and sharing with one another, as is evident in our “free farmer’s market”: baskets of organic produce that are shared daily in our community lobby for any to take and enjoy.
Our changing season has also brought change in our leadership. On Oct. 1 we welcome Sherri Bennett to the preeminent post of Executive Director. Sherri brings more than a decade of experience working at the ywca, beginning as an on-call shelter advocate to leading our organization into the next season of growth—including expansion to North and East County and planned capital campaign.
Our growth and success from a small organization that provided a safe haven for single working women in 1916, to a blossoming, multi-service, mission driven social services leader providing peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We have seen many seasons. Yet growth and success is never a time to rest on one’s laurels.
Since 2009 we have realized a 10% growth in demand for our services. With growth comes need, and that’s why we are so thankful now, more than ever, for you, our supporters and friends.
Within a month, we will begin a holiday appeal. We strive to create a safe season of celebration for children and families: families who cherish a violence-free home and an opportunity for their own re-birth. You, as always, have the power in your hands to nurture this hope.
As our nights continue to grow cooler and longer, please remember those who are struggling every night to find their light, and know that, because of you, many are finding light and hope at ywca .
Jennifer Werdel
Director of Development & Communications
ywca clark county
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
ywca clark county benefit luncheon a fundraising success
Vancouver, Wash. — ywca clark county is pleased to announce total revenues of $125,762 at our 16th annual benefit luncheon.
The event, held at the Hilton Vancouver on September 2, commanded more than 625 attendees and boasted near-record profits. Trisha Meili, known to the world as “The Central Park Jogger” shared her inspirational story of hope and possibility during recovery from her near death brutal assault in 1989.
“We could not be more thankful of the committed and supportive community who make the work we do possible through their financial and other support,” said Jennifer Werdel, ywca’s Director of Development and Communications.
Thanks to the generosity of the following community partners, this year’s benefit luncheon was fully underwritten. The Boeing Company, The Columbian, Columbia Credit Union, Corwin Beverage Company, Home Instead Senior Care, IQ Credit Union, Lee & Connie Kearney, Kiewit, Miller Nash, LLP, NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. Providence Health and Services, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, The Vancouver Clinic, Vancouver Business Journal.
“These days, challenges are all around us. The economy has many of us feeling down. Change is coming at us faster than we can handle it. Many feel overwhelmed and helpless. I can identify with people seeking to survive in tough times. With these lessons – support, focusing on what I could control, patience and a survivor mindset – I was able to persevere and reclaim my life. I have seen that hope and possibility can arrive in unexpected ways, times and places. On my extraordinary journey of healing, I discovered the resilience of the human spirit.”
~ Trisha Meili
The event, held at the Hilton Vancouver on September 2, commanded more than 625 attendees and boasted near-record profits. Trisha Meili, known to the world as “The Central Park Jogger” shared her inspirational story of hope and possibility during recovery from her near death brutal assault in 1989.
“We could not be more thankful of the committed and supportive community who make the work we do possible through their financial and other support,” said Jennifer Werdel, ywca’s Director of Development and Communications.
Thanks to the generosity of the following community partners, this year’s benefit luncheon was fully underwritten. The Boeing Company, The Columbian, Columbia Credit Union, Corwin Beverage Company, Home Instead Senior Care, IQ Credit Union, Lee & Connie Kearney, Kiewit, Miller Nash, LLP, NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. Providence Health and Services, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, The Vancouver Clinic, Vancouver Business Journal.
“These days, challenges are all around us. The economy has many of us feeling down. Change is coming at us faster than we can handle it. Many feel overwhelmed and helpless. I can identify with people seeking to survive in tough times. With these lessons – support, focusing on what I could control, patience and a survivor mindset – I was able to persevere and reclaim my life. I have seen that hope and possibility can arrive in unexpected ways, times and places. On my extraordinary journey of healing, I discovered the resilience of the human spirit.”
~ Trisha Meili
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sherri Bennett announced as Executive Director of ywca clark county
Bennett brings more than 12 years’ non-profit experience spanning direct service advocacy, program development, program management, financial management and fundraising. During eight of those years, she directed the SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program, where she spearheaded service expansion to marginalized communities, partnered in creating an on-site domestic violence legal clinic, increased outreach and education efforts to middle and high school students, and more than doubled revenue for the program. Bennett is a graduate Western Washington University, where she received her BA in Political Science.
“I am honored and privileged to be selected as a representative of ywca clark county. I stand in esteemed company in an organization that draws its inspiration from courageous program participants, dedicated staff and volunteers, and generous donors,” says Bennett, who will make the transition to Executive Director in late September. The ywca will host an open house for community members and corporate partners to see the facilities and meet Ms. Bennett. Kathy Kniep will continue to serve as Executive Director through September 22, and plans to stay involved with ywca clark county.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
CASA Success Story
A family of 3 young children and mother were staying in an overflow shelter in Vancouver when Children’s Protective Services was notified in January 2008 of alleged neglect, including serious dental and health concerns. Additionally, the mother was not responsive to her children and was leaving them with strangers. At a meeting with the child-welfare worker, the mother reported she no longer wanted to care for her children and that the father was unaware of the children’s location or condition. The children were taken into state care, and a legal petition was filed to make them wards of the Court. The mom got an Attorney. The ywca’s CASA Program was appointed as the children’s Court-Appointed Special Advocate and CASA Volunteer, Barbara N. chose to take this case.
For more than a year, Barbara was involved with meetings and Court hearings; she visited the children and observed visits between the mom and children. When the mom showed up, Barbara encouraged her to get into services as she was concerned whether mom had the capability to parent. Barbara also searched for the fathers. Child welfare hadn’t the time or resources, but Barbara followed lead after lead. She found the biological father for 2 of the children, and he soon moved to Vancouver to seek a job, services, and to work toward being reunited with his children. Barbara met periodically with him and also encouraged him to be successful even when child welfare didn’t always see the father as an option. She observed visits and checked on how the dad and the mom were doing with services. The mom was unable to follow through. The dad did very well. Courts have historically been reluctant to have a single father parent small children, but Barbara had confidence this dad could do it. She fought to have increased and overnight visits and then recommended the children go home to their father. She and child welfare would monitor for at least 6 months. The Court placed the children with the father in the spring of 2009.
By fall 2009, this family was reaching normalcy. ‘Alley’ is a now a 5-year-old. She is out going and has begun kindergarten. She’s developed a close bond with her siblings and loves her father. Her shots are up to date, and developmentally, she is growing in all aspects. Her father maintains her hygiene and she looks real happy. ‘Eadie’ is a 2½ -year-old little girl with an attitude. Since her return to her father she has developed a strong bond with her older sister, Alley. It is clear that they are happy to be together. She enjoys daycare while Dad studies computer science full time at Clark College. ‘Ned’ is now 8-years old and in third grade. When he began school he was behind but he has worked hard and is closing that gap. He’s able to make friends and he seems to enjoy school. Ned has gone from being the substitute adult in the family to being a normal and healthy eight-year-old. The father has grown in many ways. He has learned to take advice and criticism, and is devoted to obtaining an education after realizing that he is unable to support his family without an education.
By January 2010, Barbara had visited the dad’s home many times both announced and unannounced. He is calm, loving and caring, and he never raised his voice during her visits to their home. He is very attentive to his children and his discipline seems appropriate and he follows through. Barbara talks to school, daycare and dad’s service providers, as well as child welfare workers. All has gone well since the placement with this father. The children are thriving. The mother is sporadic with her visits and stability. Dad has gotten custody in Family Court and the mother’s visits will be supervised. Barbara feels confident to recommend that this Court case be dismissed. She feels good about her efforts to find a missing father, encourage his participation, monitor his accountability and ability to parent, and about her hours of time donated to monitor the case. She has watched these scared and deprived children become healthy and growing members of our community with a parent who can support them.
All ywca programs—like the CASA Program—need community support now more than ever. Please consider volunteering at ywca clark county today.
For more than a year, Barbara was involved with meetings and Court hearings; she visited the children and observed visits between the mom and children. When the mom showed up, Barbara encouraged her to get into services as she was concerned whether mom had the capability to parent. Barbara also searched for the fathers. Child welfare hadn’t the time or resources, but Barbara followed lead after lead. She found the biological father for 2 of the children, and he soon moved to Vancouver to seek a job, services, and to work toward being reunited with his children. Barbara met periodically with him and also encouraged him to be successful even when child welfare didn’t always see the father as an option. She observed visits and checked on how the dad and the mom were doing with services. The mom was unable to follow through. The dad did very well. Courts have historically been reluctant to have a single father parent small children, but Barbara had confidence this dad could do it. She fought to have increased and overnight visits and then recommended the children go home to their father. She and child welfare would monitor for at least 6 months. The Court placed the children with the father in the spring of 2009.
By fall 2009, this family was reaching normalcy. ‘Alley’ is a now a 5-year-old. She is out going and has begun kindergarten. She’s developed a close bond with her siblings and loves her father. Her shots are up to date, and developmentally, she is growing in all aspects. Her father maintains her hygiene and she looks real happy. ‘Eadie’ is a 2½ -year-old little girl with an attitude. Since her return to her father she has developed a strong bond with her older sister, Alley. It is clear that they are happy to be together. She enjoys daycare while Dad studies computer science full time at Clark College. ‘Ned’ is now 8-years old and in third grade. When he began school he was behind but he has worked hard and is closing that gap. He’s able to make friends and he seems to enjoy school. Ned has gone from being the substitute adult in the family to being a normal and healthy eight-year-old. The father has grown in many ways. He has learned to take advice and criticism, and is devoted to obtaining an education after realizing that he is unable to support his family without an education.
By January 2010, Barbara had visited the dad’s home many times both announced and unannounced. He is calm, loving and caring, and he never raised his voice during her visits to their home. He is very attentive to his children and his discipline seems appropriate and he follows through. Barbara talks to school, daycare and dad’s service providers, as well as child welfare workers. All has gone well since the placement with this father. The children are thriving. The mother is sporadic with her visits and stability. Dad has gotten custody in Family Court and the mother’s visits will be supervised. Barbara feels confident to recommend that this Court case be dismissed. She feels good about her efforts to find a missing father, encourage his participation, monitor his accountability and ability to parent, and about her hours of time donated to monitor the case. She has watched these scared and deprived children become healthy and growing members of our community with a parent who can support them.
All ywca programs—like the CASA Program—need community support now more than ever. Please consider volunteering at ywca clark county today.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Summer Social Issues
THANK YOU to everyone who participated in ywca clark county’s summer social!
We greatly appreciate your generous contributions which helped raise funds to enrich the lives of over 11,000 people in our community.
Many of you offered your time, and many more of you, your donations, to make the Summer Social a successful event. Both are valuable contributions that helped us raise a total revenue of $70,565 to sustain ywca programs that serve victims of domestic violence, homelessness, child abuse and neglect, oppression, and sexual assault.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to the following sponsors who made this year’s Summer Social benefit possible: Corwin Beverage Company, Adco Commercial Printing and Graphics, The Vancouver Clinic, The Vancouver Business Journal, The Columbian, Boeing, Foster and Associates, and Kelly Nolan & Jon Scott.
Thanks for investing in ywca clark county and in our community. With your support, we are a strong organization with a promising future.
We greatly appreciate your generous contributions which helped raise funds to enrich the lives of over 11,000 people in our community.
Many of you offered your time, and many more of you, your donations, to make the Summer Social a successful event. Both are valuable contributions that helped us raise a total revenue of $70,565 to sustain ywca programs that serve victims of domestic violence, homelessness, child abuse and neglect, oppression, and sexual assault.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to the following sponsors who made this year’s Summer Social benefit possible: Corwin Beverage Company, Adco Commercial Printing and Graphics, The Vancouver Clinic, The Vancouver Business Journal, The Columbian, Boeing, Foster and Associates, and Kelly Nolan & Jon Scott.
Thanks for investing in ywca clark county and in our community. With your support, we are a strong organization with a promising future.
Engaging Teens in Domestic Violence Prevention and Education
Since November 2008, Cecily Griffus, LGBTQ Advocacy Specialist at ywca clark county, has been inspired by the critical outreach she does with area teens.
The SafeChoice Dating Violence Prevention Program provides presentations focused on raising awareness about domestic violence. These interactive educational sessions cover defining the kinds of violence present in our communities, how to recognize the warning signs of violence in personal relationships, and how to understand and break the cycle of violence. Cecily has made 94 presentations (using the comprehensive curriculum from BreakTheCycle.org) to 17 schools and youth groups, reaching more than 3500 youth.
“I love interacting with the kids. They are insightful and honest, and some may have already experienced some form of violence, or want to help those in their circles who are experiencing violence. The program’s goal is to equip them with information and resources so they can help others, and help themselves.”
The flexible curriculum introduces serious and sometimes scary content. Recent statistics state that one in three women will report being abused in some way at some point in their life. Boys and men can also be abused though at a much lower rate. And, men are far less likely to report abuse. But, Cecily always brings group discussions back to the positive. “We talk about how to have healthy relationships, what qualities we want in our partners and friends, and how to help those who want to end violence in their own lives.”
For more information on the SafeChoice Dating Violence Prevention Program or to schedule a presentation with your group, contact Cecily Griffus, SafeChoice dating violence prevention specialist at ywca clark county, at cgriffus@ywcaclarkcounty.org or 360 906 9146.
All ywca programs—like the SafeChoice Dating Violence Prevention Program—need community support now more than ever. Please consider donating to the ywca clark county today.
The SafeChoice Dating Violence Prevention Program provides presentations focused on raising awareness about domestic violence. These interactive educational sessions cover defining the kinds of violence present in our communities, how to recognize the warning signs of violence in personal relationships, and how to understand and break the cycle of violence. Cecily has made 94 presentations (using the comprehensive curriculum from BreakTheCycle.org) to 17 schools and youth groups, reaching more than 3500 youth.
“I love interacting with the kids. They are insightful and honest, and some may have already experienced some form of violence, or want to help those in their circles who are experiencing violence. The program’s goal is to equip them with information and resources so they can help others, and help themselves.”
The flexible curriculum introduces serious and sometimes scary content. Recent statistics state that one in three women will report being abused in some way at some point in their life. Boys and men can also be abused though at a much lower rate. And, men are far less likely to report abuse. But, Cecily always brings group discussions back to the positive. “We talk about how to have healthy relationships, what qualities we want in our partners and friends, and how to help those who want to end violence in their own lives.”
For more information on the SafeChoice Dating Violence Prevention Program or to schedule a presentation with your group, contact Cecily Griffus, SafeChoice dating violence prevention specialist at ywca clark county, at cgriffus@ywcaclarkcounty.org or 360 906 9146.
All ywca programs—like the SafeChoice Dating Violence Prevention Program—need community support now more than ever. Please consider donating to the ywca clark county today.
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