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Empowering Growth: Childhood Trauma Care Conference

Posted on by Communications Department

YWCA Lancaster’s Childhood Trauma Care Conference hosted by the Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center brought together over 150 professionals, advocates, and community members to explore innovative approaches and strategies for supporting individuals impacted by childhood trauma.

Our keynote speaker was the Commonwealth Victim Advocate of Pennsylvania, Suzanne Estrella from the Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate. In her opening session she shared information about growth and fostering a safe supportive space for children. If you yourself have not experienced childhood trauma, she said “then it can be difficult to really wrap your head around what that feels like to that child.”

Breakout sessions included topics such as: supporting LGBTQ+ youth, self-care for individuals in social service professions, learning the basics of ACEs, commercial exploitation of youth, and more. Professionals, advocates, and community members had the opportunity to hear from experts in their fields and really dive in to key topics around childhood trauma. While professionals and other attendees may be familiar with some of the topics presented, many were there to build a foundational understanding of childhood trauma. YWCA Lancaster CEO Stacie Blake shared that

“I think all of us are growing in our knowledge of trauma and the impacts of trauma, particularly on children.”

Understanding Childhood Trauma

Sessions took an insightful exploration of the various forms of childhood trauma and their long-term effects on mental health and well-being. Presenters delved into the latest research, shedding light on the importance of early intervention and creating trauma-informed spaces.

Trauma-Informed Practices

Speakers emphasized the need for trauma-informed practices in various settings, from schools and healthcare to community organizations. Workshops and discussions provided practical strategies for implementing these approaches, ensuring that professionals and advocates can create safe and supportive environments for children and adults alike.

Intersectionality and Trauma

A crucial aspect was addressing trauma through an intersectional lens. Presenters explored how factors such as race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status intersect with trauma, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities.

Building Resilience

A central focus of the conference was resilience-building strategies that promote healing and empowerment among trauma survivors. Speakers shared evidence-based approaches such as trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness techniques emphasizing the importance of fostering strengths and protective factors in individuals’ journeys toward recovery.

Community Collaboration

Collaboration was a recurring theme throughout the conference, highlighting the essential role of community partnerships in addressing childhood trauma. A panel discussion featuring law enforcement officials and social service providers shed light on the importance of a collective commitment to creating trauma-responsive systems of support. YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center Director, Mandy Billman, stated that

“YWCA Lancaster is proud to partner and engage with local experts in their fields. The collaborations are crucial in supporting children through their trauma and keeping kids in Lancaster County safe.”

YWCA Lancaster’s Childhood Trauma Care Conference provided a safe space for dialogue, collaboration, and action in advancing trauma-informed care practices. By empowering individuals, fostering resilience, and promoting community collaboration, attendees left inspired and equipped to make meaningful contributions to the well-being of trauma survivors and their communities.

As we continue on this journey, let us remain committed to fostering a culture of empathy, empowerment, and growth in our collective efforts to address childhood trauma and promote healing for all.

Keep the movement growing

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month! We have a lots of programming planned all month long to raise awareness, build community, and uplift survivors. Learn more below!

See photos from the event

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Alexis: Finding the Tools to Learn

Posted on by Communications Department

In June of 2023, Alexis learned about a life-changing opportunity—the New Choices Career Development Program offered by YWCA Lancaster. Little did she know that this no-cost course would pave the way for a transformative journey.

From day one, Alexis approached the program with determination, attending every session and successfully completing the intensive three-week course, but her success didn’t stop there. In a recent post-course follow-up, she shared news of her newfound position as a manager at a local retail store and her plans to further her education in digital marketing.

What makes Alexis’s story truly inspiring is the collaborative effort of various organizations that rallied behind her aspirations. Thanks to the support from New Choices, funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and the Listrak In A Pinch fund, Alexis found herself on a path to success with zero out-of-pocket expenses for the program.

“I have always had the goal to return to school and receive my Marketing degree or certification and because of help from Deb and the YWCA, I have a brand new resumé, a new job, and can attend schooling for Digital Marketing with a brand-new laptop! Thank you, New Choices Lancaster, for your support throughout this journey in my life.”

If you’ve ever contemplated starting your educational journey but found yourself in need of the right tools and support, know that you’re not alone. The New Choices Career Development Program at YWCA Lancaster is ready to assist individuals just like you. If you or someone you know is ready to pursue their dreams but lack the tools to do so, reach out to the YWCA Lancaster’s New Choices Career Development Program. By sharing this information within your network, you might be instrumental in helping someone else turn their aspirations into reality!

Let’s spread the word, share the opportunities, and collectively empower more dreams to take flight. Our next session begins this Tuesday, March 5th, at YWCA Lancaster. For more information and to sign-up today, visit YWCALancaster.org!

 

The In a Pinch Fund at the YWCA Lancaster has been made possible through a generous gift from Listrak, fulfilling a desire to give back to the communities where their employees live and work.

It is our desire that the fund will carry on its original vision, help women on their path to success, help combat racism, and write this region’s own success stories.

 

 

Ashley: Turning Dreams Into Reality

Posted on by Communications Department
Ashley is a young wife and mother who was referred to New Choices by our partner, Patients R Waiting, through her doula Lydia, who also happens to be New Choices’ wonderfully awesome Program Assistant & Case Manager.

 

She started classes in September with a goal of becoming a nurse but was unsure how she was going to afford school and also concerned about the amount of time it would take. With the help of Deb and Lydia she developed a plan for her long-term goal and first on the list was to complete a short-term certificate program in the health care field. She was referred to Tec Centro’s Phlebotomy class. She started classes in October 23 and successfully passed her certification on 12/19. She immediately called Lydia and Deb to share her wonderful news and also shared that she got the highest score in her class.

 

Her future plans are to work for Penn State Health and work towards a nursing degree. She has also referred her husband to the New Choices program because they made the choice as a family to get her started on her career while he stayed at home with their one-year-old daughter.

 

If you’ve ever dreamed of changing careers, you’re certainly not alone. Thinking of making a change but aren’t sure where to begin, reach out to YWCA Lancaster’s New Choices Career Development Program. With New Choices, we can assist you in finding a new direction and help plan your next steps. Simply fill out the form below to receive more information!

 

New Choices Interest Form

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

To contact them directly, please reach out to:
Deb St.Onge (she/her)
Director New Choices Career Development Program
Email: dstonge@ywcalancaster.org
T: 717.869.5006 C: 717.381.1392.
110 N. Lime Street
Lancaster, PA 17602

Donate and Support YWCA Lancaster!

Posted on by Communications Department

It’s the perfect time to clean out your closet, give it a seasonal refresh, and support YWCA Lancaster! While you’re sorting through your clothing, consider the benefits of donating your used items to Community Aid. Not only does this declutter your space, but it also contributes to a sustainable fashion cycle and supports the work that YWCA Lancaster does in our community. Donate to Community Aid and get your closet ready for a new look!

How it works:

  • Take eligible new or gently used items to any Community Aid location.
  • Provide YWCA Lancaster’s Partner Number: #50166, when dropping off donations.
  • YWCA Lancaster will receive proceeds for each pound donated.

For a list of eligible items, click here!

 

 

 

 

Community Aid partners with hundreds of local nonprofit organizations in our communities by donating a percentage of sales and products to support their neighbors in need. At Community Air, you can shop knowing that your purchase will be fairly priced, encourage sustainability, and strengthen our local communities.

 

 

The Season of Giving at YWCA Lancaster

Posted on by Communications Department

Many community members and businesses make end-of-year giving an opportunity to support their community and support organizations that align with their values and priorities. At YWCA Lancaster, we believe in the feeling of connection and a sense of purpose that is achieved when we support something bigger than ourselves. It’s what the season of giving is built on — creating connections by supporting our neighbors and community.

Nonprofits depend on monetary gifts to make our work possible and we are grateful for those and gifts of any kind. At YWCA Lancaster and across the nonprofit sector, we also see this time of year as an opportunity to connect with others and reflect on what we value and find meaningful in our communities. Through giving, in any means and form, a positive impact is created for those around us. By connecting with the community in new ways, we may find a passion or purpose that we support throughout the new year and possibly a lifetime.

 

 

If you need help getting started, a great way to connect with the community is through the work we do at YWCA Lancaster. Supporting us could come in a variety of ways from monetary gifts, to following us on social media and helping to spread awareness of the work we do and our holiday-giving needs! Our many departments also have needs this time of year and with every gift given you are supporting the work we do in the community and creating a lasting impact.

Last year, with the help of the community we were able to make the holiday season even more special for the many individuals and community members we serve, and with your help we can make this season even brighter!

Below are some items needed for our programs at YWCA Lancaster. We welcome all gifts but are only able to accept new unused items.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center

  • Comfortable clothing for survivors- especially all genders and/or larger sizes- sweatpants, sweatshirts, hoodies
  • Underwear and sports bras-especially larger sizes, all genders
  • Travel shower products-shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wipes, etc.
  • Fidget toys/ coloring supplies for use at the hospital

Kepler Hall Residence

  • Shelf stable foods such as cereal, rice, soup, pasta, sauce
  • New twin size sheet sets; blanket, comforters, and towel sets.
  • New personal hygiene products for women, men, or children.  Body wash, shampoo and conditioner-for multi-textural hair, razors, toothpaste, combs, lotion, etc.

Center for Racial and Gender Equity

  • Non-perishable snack or gift card to grocery stores for community Racial Equity Trainings and Racial Equity Action group meeting
  • New Coffee maker
  • Cultural or social justice decorations/art
  • Medium-large cloth basket

YWonderful Kids Child Enrichment Program

New Choices Career Development Program

  • Sheetz gas cards
  • Bus passes

We are thankful for the support of our community and our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women and hope that this giving season is a special one for all!

For more information please fill out the form below or reach out to Nancy O’Halloran, Chief Development Officer, at nohalloran@ywcalancaster.org or 717-344-2710.

Donation drop-off is available at YWCA Lancaster from 8am-5pm!

110 N. Lime St

Lancaster, PA 17602

 

Holiday Giving

Name(Required)
Description of donation.

Donate Online

Partner with YWCA Lancaster to help continue our day-to-day operations and needed programming. Give a gift using our website to support our Kepler Hall Residence Program, Sexual Assault Response, Racial Equity Program, the YWonderful Kids Childcare Program or Where Needed Most.

What’s your Imperative?

Posted on by Communications Department

In 1970, YWCA’s across the nation passed the One Imperative: a declaration that the most important priority for our associations to focus on to empower women was the elimination of racism, where ever it exists, by any means necessary. More than 50 years later, we are still pursuing that imperative, but we need your voice, your insights, and your dedication to help shape our work moving forward.

What is your imperative? What drives you and inspires you to build a just future? Your imperatives are what keeps our mission emergent, dynamic, and steadfast in the face of headwinds at all levels of our society.

We’re inviting you to share your imperative to help shape our work– it could be “affordable housing” or “supporting survivors”, “good quality jobs” or “thriving wages”. Whatever it is that drives you to build a just future, we want to support that work, as we always have, since 1889.

Check out what your community has been saying below, and submit your Imperative today! And be sure to give EXTRA to YWCA Lancaster on November 17!

Sexual Assault Hotline Meet & Greet

Posted on by Communications Department
YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center is Lancaster County’s Rape Crisis Center, and has been for more than three decades. As part of our services, we operate a 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline, providing support, resources, and a listening ear to any community member who has been impacted by sexual assault, 7 days a week 365 days a year.

This hotline is powered by the community. With the help of dedicated volunteers, our Sexual Assault Hotline connects those in need with support that can help them on their journey to healing and justice. And we are always in need of more community members who can partner with us to provide that invaluable help!

Last month we were so fortunate to welcome some community members and Board members to a meet and greet about our 24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline. It was the first of its kind, and the We gathered at Southern Market Lancaster, enjoyed a wonderful spread from A La Board & Vine, and our guests chatted with members of our Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling team.

Attendees learned about our 40 hour hotline training class and watched a video presentation that explained more in depth about training, how the hotline works, and how to get involved.

We need your help to continue to provide support to our community! Our next hotline training class starts this fall, and runs on Saturdays in October. To learn more about how to get involved, please email wehearyou@ywclancaster.org 

Be on the lookout for more meet and greet opportunities in the future. We’d love to have you join us in the movement to end sexual violence!

YWCA Lancaster Summer Recap

Posted on by Communications Department

As the end of summer nears and a new school year begins, we reflect on what an amazing summer it was for YWCA Lancaster! Our highly successful and engaging summer enrichment activities ignited a passion for learning and exploration among its young students. These activities have not only bridged the gap from one school year to the next but also provided an avenue for students to discover new interests and cultivate their skills. Throughout the summer, YWCA Lancaster hosted our TechGYRLS Program, two Empowerment Days, and partnered with the Touchstone Foundation to host the Rise Above Youth Summit! Here are some of the highlights of our summer!

TechGYRLS

TechGYRLS is a hallmark program of YWCA Lancaster. We focus on empowering female-identifying students ages 9-14 to pursue STEM activities and careers. People of color are under-represented in high-paying jobs in the STEM fields. A lack of female-identifying folks in these fields means fewer role models, especially for young students still forming career choices. This year we offered two TechGYRLS camps, a Zoology Camp and a Tech & Robotics Camp.

Our young campers joined us for an exploration of circuits, and interior and exterior design, and they learned how robots work, and how to build animal habitats and an amusement machine! The TechGYRLS program builds not only engineering skills but also confidence and empowerment with students who share a similar interest. Our campers had an awesome time learning about each summer program and connecting with one another. With many field trips and local excursions, our campers walked away with new friends and a wealth of new tech knowledge. Our goal is to inspire our students and give them memories that will last a lifetime. We are already excited for next summer! Stay tuned this spring for info on how your young one can become a TechGYRL!

 

Empowerment Day

This summer, we were thrilled to bring back our hit Empowerment Day! Last year we had such a great time and engaged with so many awesome students that we decided to have TWO Empowerment Days this year! Our Empowerment Day camp is a free day-long experience for female-identifying children ages 9-14. The day focused on self-love and empowerment by building connections with others and exploring one’s own experiences. Throughout each Empowerment Day, students participated in morning yoga, arts and crafts, and discussions on topics such as gender roles, self-esteem, body image, and drug and alcohol prevention. They even had a local field trip each day in downtown Lancaster City!

We truly had a blast this summer with our amazing kiddos. Connecting as a group was a special experience each camp and our thought-provoking discussions and conversations shed light on important issues in the lives of children and we all had an opportunity to learn from one another. Our camper went home with many prizes, books, and a new understanding of self-worth and value. For more info on our Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center and its many programs click here!

Rise Above Youth Summit

This summer we collaborated with the Touchstone Foundation and hosted the Rise Above Youth Summit! Throughout the summer intensive, students were challenged and encouraged to understand different perspectives in relation to mental health. They also participated in creative experiences conducted by participants of our 2023 Black Artist Waystation!

Each week, our students met on Tuesdays and Thursdays at YWCA Lancaster for the summer intensive.  Each day began with a Racial Equity Institute presentation led by trainers from our Center for Racial and Gender Equity! Topics covered included implicit bias, stereotypes, mental health, and its relation to race, and much more. Students were led through the book ‘This Book is Anti-Racist’, by Tiffany Jewell. This text served as the foundation for the themes of the Racial Equity Institute presentations.

Our participants also visited local organizations throughout the city including The Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition & The Loop, the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, and the Ware Center. We also participated in workshops led by the four Black Artist Waystation participants, Keisha Finnie, Thunda Khatt, Dominic Jordan, and Kearasten Jordan. Our students learned about spoken word, creative writing, and poetry, and were guided through art and writing activities.

We were thrilled to be part of such an amazing summer experience and thank the Touchstone Foundation, the REI facilitators, and the student participants.  To learn more about the many programs hosted by the Touchstone Foundation click here!

YWCA Lancaster remains committed to providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom, and the success of these summer enrichment activities is a testament to that commitment. As students return to school, the enthusiasm for learning ignited during the summer will continue to flourish throughout the school year. This was made possible by the dedication of experienced teachers and instructors who went above and beyond to ensure that each student had a rewarding and memorable summer break! We thank them and the many families that became part of the YWCA Lancaster family this summer. We hope you have an amazing school year!

Want to join our team and help shape the next generation of changemakers in Lancaster? We have full and part-time staff and director level positions available!

View Career Opportunities

QUIZ: Test your YWCA Lancaster knowledge!

Posted on by Communications Department

YWCA Lancaster is investing local support into emergent community needs through YForward: a reimagining of our historic Lime St. location!

This unprecedented multi-year renovation of our 100+ year space will expand our ability to pursue our mission, creating 16 new affordable housing units, curating new trauma-informed spaces for our Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center, and making our building more accessible than ever with a new full-size, ADA compliant elevator.

But making all of that exciting new space possible is…messy.

While we’re anxiously looking forward to completing the work on our lower floor (soon to be called the “Garden Level”), we thought we’d take a moment to look back on some of the unique (and perplexing) features of our reclaimed and reimagined space.

Check out the quiz below to test your YWCA Lancaster building knowledge!

YWCA Lancaster Launches New Victim Assistance Program

Posted on by Communications Department

YWCA Lancaster is proud to announce the launch of the Legal Assistance for Victims Program in collaboration with Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County. This initiative is funded by an award from the US Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

The Legal Assistance for Victims Program is intended to increase the availability of civil and criminal legal assistance needed to effectively aid adult and youth victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking by providing funds for comprehensive direct legal services to victims in legal matters relating to or arising out of that abuse or violence.

This three year, half million-dollar federal grant will expand and strengthen the capacity of YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center (SAPCC) and Community Action Partnership (CAP)’s Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Lancaster County’s Domestic Violence (DV) Legal Center, offering civil legal services to victim survivors free of charge. To provide these services, the agencies have now hired a full-time attorney to handle civil legal matters, as well as a full-time legal advocate, both of whom began this month.

Emily Gracie will support the work of YWCA Lancaster as the agency’s Legal Advocate, and Monica Baturin will serve as the attorney supporting CAP’s DVS program.

Senator Bob Casey and Representative Lloyd Smucker provided key support for the proposed new services to highlight the need for more resources for survivors across Lancaster County.

“The launch of YWCA Lancaster’s Legal Assistance for Victims program will substantially expand the organization’s capacity to provide free legal services to Pennsylvanians who need it,” said Senator Casey. “I am proud to have delivered federal funding to help survivors of abuse overcome financial barriers to seeking the justice and accountability they deserve.”

“I am thankful the YWCA of Lancaster is the recipient of funds from the Legal Assistance for Victims grant program, enabling them to support survivors in our community. I was proud to back the YWCA’s application for funding and appreciate their efforts to expand this vital outreach to survivors. Our Lancaster community is strengthened through partnerships like this. I commend the YWCA and the other organizations that participate in this critical program to help and serve survivors in our community,” said Rep. Smucker.

“Through this cross-agency collaboration and with unwavering, bipartisan support from our partners in Senator Casey and Representative Smucker, YWCA Lancaster will be able to continue and expand its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women,” said CEO Stacie Blake, “Together, we will be supporting victim survivors in Lancaster County, advocating for justice and accountability, and building an ever-stronger movement to end sexual violence in our community.”

Join the movement:

Learn more at our Sexual Assault Hotline Meet & Greet on August 30!