Blog

Equity is our middle name.  With a mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, we understand the intersections of identities and discrimination and know that equity is our path to enabling everyone in our community to thrive. Equity is not equality.  Equality of opportunity only works when everyone starts in the same place.  But we […]

YWCA USA Submits Amicus Brief to Supreme Court On Impact Striking Down    Roe v. Wade Would Have on Young Women of Color  Lancaster, PA (September 20, 2021) – Today, YWCA USA filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court decision, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which will determine the future of Roe v. Wade. YWCA Lancaster stands with YWCA USA in urging […]

Lancaster, PA (September 1, 2021) –YWCA Lancaster is pleased to announce four honorees for the 5th Annual YWCA Lancaster’s Women of Achievement Awards. Each of these deserving women exemplifies both excellence in their careers and advancement of YWCA’s mission through work or volunteerism. The four honorees are: • Starleisha Michelle Gingrich, Executive Director, Disrupt Theatre […]

Lancaster, Pa. (June 28, 2021) YWCA Lancaster is excited to welcome the programs of SafeHouse Lancaster as a merger with the agency and the Center for Racial and Gender Equity.  SafeHouse Lancaster’s mission is to educate and equip young black and brown people for activism work and be a resource for training and accountability for local ally […]

Lancaster, Pa. (June 23, 2021) YWCA Lancaster announces the selection of Adam Hosey to serve as the first Chief Equity Officer in the agency’s history. The role is key to supporting the growth of the Center for Racial and Gender Equity and the many requests for partnership, training and support received by YWCA Lancaster. Hosey’s […]

Lancaster, Pa. (June 3, 2021) – The Black Artist Waystation focuses on Black artists in visual, performance, or spoken word, highlighting the breath of creativity in our community.  Twenty-eight Lancaster Artivists were nominated with four Exemplars each receiving $500 honorariums this year.  The full program of display is happening this upcoming Juneteenth! Here are the 2021 Black […]

It’s been a year since we learned of and watched the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota. The act in that midwestern state moved the world and millions marched, cried, demanded and promised. We remember his family and particularly his young daughter. Her life will be marked not only by the painful loss of her […]

Cheryl Gahring’s family wishes to pass along their sincerest appreciation for the outpouring of love and memories shared. It brings comfort during a most difficult time. In keeping with the family’s wishes, a private burial is planned. A Celebration of Life memorial at the YWCA Lancaster will be planned and more information will be shared […]

It is with great sadness, grief, and heartbreak we share the loss of our colleague, Cheryl Gahring.  Cheryl was part of YWCA Lancaster for over fourteen years. In that time, she served in several roles culminating in Chief Impact Officer.  Cheryl truly lived our mission.  Her passion, commitment and love were reflected in our programs, relationships with residents, children and staff, the building projects, indeed the entire agency.  She most recently persevered through this time of pandemic by searching for program funding; […]

On Sunday, April 11, Daunte Wright was fatally shot in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, about 10 miles from where Derek Chauvin is on trial for the killing of George Floyd. YWCA Lancaster extends our condolences to Mr. Wright’s family, and every family impacted by these senseless deaths.  We know statements alone will not make change but […]