Young Womens Christian Association

Victims services: the ywca york's victim services department is recognized by the pennsylvania coalition against domestic violence and the pennsylvania coalition against rape. Ywca york is the only comprehensive victim services provider in york county, offering 24-hour hotline assistance, emergency shelter, transitional housing, information and referral, hospital response, individual and group counseling for adults and children, legal advocacy, medical advocacy, abuse and sexual violence prevention education and community outreach. Our legal advocates work daily at the york county judicial center to assist clients with protection from abuse orders. Our attorney and paralegal service clients with civil legal matters and court cases. These wide-ranging services are offered at no cost to those that receive them. Fiscal year 2023-2024 accomplishments:* 876 hotline calls were received* provided emergency shelter or transitional housing to 182 adults and children* 3,041 people trained by community education staff* 7,772 shelter nights provided for adults and children * 249 individuals received counseling from our victim assistance center* 846 direct service counseling hours from our victim assistance center

Health & fitness: our yoga and aquatics departments aim to improve the quality of life for people of all ages through physical fitness and health education. Programs aim to prevent adult health problems and develop healthy habits in youth. Our programs strengthen bodies and build self-esteem and confidence. The ywca york offers many aqua-exercise programs and learn-to-swim classes. Our group yoga classes focus on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Ywca york has introduced mindfulness across our organization. Every staff and committee meeting begins with a mindful moment. Our pre-k counts kiddos are learning breathing techniques and yoga. Clients who are domestic violence survivors are exploring how their brains function under stress and how to control their fight-flight-freeze impulses. Our young people learn the value of teamwork and the importance of safety while developing skills that will last a lifetime. The york synchro team has competed at the local, regional, and national levels. The team has placed swimmers in the top eight in the regional age group championships and the junior olympics. Many of our swimmers have competed at the collegiate level and have ranked nationally. The ywca york also offers lifeguard classes and refresher classes for current lifeguards throughout the year. Training includes certification in first aid and cpr for the professional rescuer. Fiscal year 2023-2024 accomplishments: * 904 people participated in swim lessons * 80 aquatics members* 309 swim lessons provided * the york synchro team had 15 members this past year ranging in age from 2nd to 12th grade. This is the only synchronized swim team in york county. In april 2024, two of our synchro participants qualified for the solo routine competition at the junior/senior nationals and youth junior nationals held in houston, texas.* continue to offer a variety of aquatic classes including different levels of aqua exercise and programs for silver sneakers members.

Community initiatives & racial justice services: * the community education team actively participated in 155 community events by either hosting or attending events organized by our partners. * the legal advocacy director played a pivotal role as the keynote speaker and panel moderator at the ywomenvote genz ywca york townhall. This event focused on important issues leading up to the 2024 election and encouraged community members to engage in activism beyond just voting. * in october 2024, we held a financial literacy workshop specifically for shelter and bridge residents. * we have made significant progress with the completion of the construction of 633 s george st and 311 reinecke place, which now house our community education and legal departments, respectively. * successfully completed an association-wide phone upgrade and conversion. *launched little hoopers, a developmental basketball program for children aged 3 to 8 at camp, reflecting our commitment to youth development. *we launched a mentorship program called "building bridges." in this program, new teachers visit the classrooms of experienced teachers on a weekly basis to observe and enhance their professional development. *we renovated the floors and countertops in the early learning center using funds from the ocdel expansion grant. *our annual race against racism 5k run/walk, held in april 2024, was a resounding success due to increased participation and unwavering support from our community. *our give local york campaign was also successful, with a rise in donor participation and contributions that significantly impacted our aquatics program. *the racial justice committee hosted its inaugural "state of black life in york" summit, a comprehensive event that effectively raised awareness about economics, education, arts, community involvement, and social justice. *in honor of jessica hummel, our inaugural justice gala, aimed at raising awareness for victims and survivors of sexual violence, was successful in increasing both donor contributions and overall awareness.