Spotlight: YWCA Columbus

Spotlight

The Columbus YWCA, established in 1886, is an organization committed to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity. Their thoughtfully planned and critical need-based programs support and empower the lives of more than 40,000 women and families. We asked Patti O’Toole, the Director of Communications, to answer some questions about the YWCA and their presence within the community.

What services does YWCA provide?

The Family Center provides emergency shelter for homeless families and connects families with housing, benefits and job support. They also provide families with fulltime childcare. The YWCA Family Center has now become a national model because over 70% of families find permanent housing within 3 weeks of entering the Center.

The Women’s Residence program is a safe place for women who are struggling with addictions, mental illness or unable to support themselves financially. The Wings Program within Women’s Residence helps residents rebuild their lives and find stable employment. There are currently 102 women participating in these programs.

Award winning School Age Childcare services are offered before and after school in three different locations: Gahanna, New Albany and Westerville.

Bright Futures is a six month leadership development program for junior girls in high school. The program focuses on encouraging young women to make positive college and life decisions.

Gen Y is a leadership program for women just starting their careers. Through group meetings and discussions with successful women in the community, women learn how to become a leader. The program also teaches the personal and community benefits of service.

The Leadership Luncheon Series presents three inspirational female speakers who share knowledge and experience on several different topics to empower women at work.

The Women of Achievement Event celebrates community leaders who embody the YWCA’s mission and have given back to the community. In the event’s 26 years, the YWCA has celebrated over 220 women leaders.

The Women to Women Luncheon is a celebration of women and the YWCA’s mission. Over 1,000 women gather each Fall to learn about the work of the YWCA and raise money for critical services and programs.

In the 70’s the national YWCA added eliminating racism to their core values, but YWCA Columbus has a history of being a leader in Civil Rights work from its inception. The YWCA does this through trainings, advocacy and Race Against Racism, which is a program every child in the childcare program participates.

What is something that people may find surprising about YWCA?

The YWCA has been around for 125 years! Also people often confuse the YWCA for the YMCA. We have very different missions, but are mutually supportive of each other.

What does YWCA mean to the community?

It is a place where women from all walks of life can find support, whether they are homeless, struggling with addictions, young or a leader in the community.

We asked Patti: How does it feel to have such a positive impact on the community?

“It feels great! I love to go to work everyday. No matter how tedious the task, I know I am making a great difference.”

How can YOU get involved to support YWCA?

Every meal at the Family Center is donated and served by the community. There are also other ways to help the Family Center like working in the garden or planning an activity, such as a softball game or an ice cream social.

You can volunteer at the Women’s Residence in many ways like holding an arts and crafts session, helping complete job applications or contributing to life issues classes.

You can learn more about the YWCA of Columbus at www.ywcacolumbus.org and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ywcacolumbus!