Ywca Tri-County Area

The eruc (emergency rent & utilities coalition) program helps eligible renters facing housing & economic insecurity with up to 12 months of rent and utility payments to avoid eviction or loss of service. In partnership with montgomery county's continuum of care, yw is developing an initiative that will expand this support to homeowners facing similar crises.

The adult education and training center is a full-service program offering adult basic education, high school equivalency instruction and testing, and english as a second language instruction. Yw helps adults build basic academic knowledge and digital literacy skills, giving them the foundation for specialized training or further education.many of the adults served are unemployed or working at entry-level jobs. The etc enhances opportunities for learners working toward a high school diploma, advancing math, and reading skills, and improving communication skills as non-native english speakers so they can be empowered to pursue their goals and passions. See additional information on schedule o.education is critical to improving economic mobility and enables families to support themselves by providing "dignity for all" learners. Yw's adult education services contribute to an educated pool of workers and ensures that new residents have the english language proficiency needed to thrive in their new home so they can gain meaningful, sustainable employment.

The youth empowerment program works with youth and their families to help them make healthy choices that will positively change their lives. With an array of specialized programs and a trauma-responsive approach, yep offers youth, young adults, and disconnected youth opportunities to expand their knowledge, develop leadership, experience growth and understanding, and become empowered to effect positive change through peer led advocacy. Yep programs include: game changers for boys 4th to 9th grade - focusing on career exploration, mentorship, and a social emotional dive into masculinity; boys to men'tors - helping boys process emotions and thoughts in healthy, supportive, and realistic ways so they can see themselves as powerful and capable of actualizing their full potential; young women rising gli chapters for girls in 9th through 12th grade - providing trauma-informed, self-development focused on engaging girls through leadership, career exploration, civic engagement, advocacy and self-care; great girls today for girls in 4th through 6th grade and girls in charge for 7th through 8th grade, helping girls cope with stress, relationships, body image, healthy living and exercise while planning for their future today; girls take the lead for 9th through 12th grade students - nurturing physical and mental health to help youth understand their connection to the world around them and become the leaders of tomorrow; young women rising for 18 - 25 years - helping them understand how to navigate pathways by creating networks, exploring finances, professional goals and more; in addition to social justice camps, cooking classes for families, and fitness for preschool children.

Specialty programs: yw's we360 program partners with ureeka: a teaching platform and community dedicated to breaking down barriers for women entrepreneurs at all stages of business development, to offer direct instruction, education, and wrap-around services for entrepreneurs and small businesses. This program offers technical assistance, counseling, business, and financial planning, connecting women to the resources they need to succeed. Dignity kitchen is a yw social enterprise and licensed food service provider offering nutritious and affordable institutional meals, hunger relief, a cafe, and catering services to the public. The licensed commercial production kitchen provides nutritious institutional meals to early education centers, senior centers, and social service agencies. In addition, dignity kitchen supplemental food through weekly pantry distributions so families can learn how to prepare nutritious, balanced meals on a budget and improve their health.the foster grandparent program is part of americorps senior and works along with rsvp and senior companions. Americorps senior is administered by the corporation for national and community service, the federal agency that supports service and volunteering programs to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement. Yw partners with school districts, childcare centers, and other community organizations to provide one-on-one support services and mentorship to youth in grades k-12 with exceptional or special needs, or youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Fgp pairs adults +55 years with opportunities that match their skills and passions to help children develop the academic and life skills critical to their development. Impactful issue-driven advocacy & equity initiatives: mission-based advocacy programming raises awareness, offers issue education, and builds social capital around women's empowerment, racial and social justice, inequities, and safe and healthy communities. Locally, this includes community driven activities that promote fair school funding, voter registration and racial equity. Nationally, it includes driving change through ywca usa's legislative advocacy agenda in support of our mission.mission engagement: yw takes a unique approach to human resources by committing to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.our human and social capital is our most valuable asset. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees invest in their work represent a significant part of our culture, reputation, and organizational achievements. We embrace and encourage our employees' differences whether age, color, disability, ethnicity, family, marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.professional development: yw provides regular, intentional, professional development providing time and space to create a learning community by developing opportunities that promote understanding and equity. Yw staff, community partners and the public participate in a variety of trainings including trauma-informed and responsive care, diversity, equity, inclusion, implicit-bias, and conscious discipline. Additionally, employees have access to yw usa university and external professional development when possible. Department staff develop their skills and knowledge through continued education and training. These efforts help yw achieve our mission and commitment to delivering meaningful change and impact to the communities who need it most.trauma informed & responsive care: yw is a leading member of the pottstown trauma informed community connection (pticc). A coalition committed to a culture of safety, understanding, and responsiveness to adverse childhood experiences (aces) for children, families, and the pottstown community. Pticc aims to build positive relationships and connections that enrich the social & emotional health of children, families, and adults so they can thrive. Pticc works with local organizations to implement and educate communities about trauma-informed practices and increase their understanding of the impacts of trauma and aces so they can become more compassionate and supportive in their service to the community.