Featuring our keynote speaker: See below for links to our sponsors In-kind gifts Links to our sponsors Banner Bank Coffey Communications MacArthur Co. Providence St. Mary Medical Center Leadership Circle Whitman College McDonald Zaring Lane Printing & Design Walla Walla Union-Bulletin Marcus Whitman Hotel
Every year at this luncheon, we honor someone who has exemplified the YWCA mission in their lives, with a focus on reaching out to, lifting up, and celebrating the lives and hopes of women, of children, and of diverse peoples. Born in 1943 in St. Paul, Jean (better known as “Punkey”) Adams earned a communications … Continue reading Jean “Punkey” Adams named 2025 YWCA Leader of Distinction
When YWCA Advocate Karen Angel met Grace in the shelter and asked about her needs, the answer broke her heart. “She told me she would like to have a little more food,” Karen said. “She had been skipping meals to make sure her kids had enough to eat.” Karen showed Grace where to find supplies … Continue reading Fueling hope for a special mom
The 2024 Fun Factory team logged 1,874 miles this summer visiting places kids gather in Walla Walla and nearby communities like Touchet, Prescott, and Dayton. With a van full of glitter, games, and googly eyes, they offered eight weeks of free kids’ activities — all made possible by YWCA donors. The team reflected on the … Continue reading 2024 Fun Factory gave joy, thanks to you
Finding the strength to move forward after domestic violence can be overwhelming. That’s why the YWCA’s LiNC program — Living in New Circumstances — exists. Through a series of supportive classes, women regain confidence and reclaim their power. Eighteen women walked into LiNC classes in 2024, each with unique challenges and strengths. One was Vanessa*. … Continue reading LiNC: Building confidence, strength
In 2024, Mariposa leaders entered Walla Walla fifth grade classrooms with a fully updated curriculum for this group of students who started school in 2019 and were in kindergarten when the pandemic hit in 2020. Today’s fifth-graders are part of the first generation to spend their lives immersed in social media, with screens everywhere. Changes … Continue reading Mariposa program updated for ‘Gen Alpha’
Q. What is Fun Factory? A. YWCA Fun Factory is a mobile ten-week summer recreation program that visits neighborhoods throughout the Walla Walla Valley. The Fun Factory brings FREE outdoor fun, crafts, games and other activities to places where kids gather. Q. What ages is it for? A. We see kids as young as 4 … Continue reading Fun Factory FAQs
A Georgia native who studied engineering and served his country in the Marines during Vietnam, Tom Stanley moved here in 1980 to keep the line running at Continental Can.During his time there, the can lines were the company’s best across the country. When the plant closed in 2002, Tom went to work in agri-chemicals, till … Continue reading Two-plus decades of YWCA service
“Bringing high-quality childcare to Dayton in 2024 wasn’t just an achievement, it was a necessity,” said Executive Director Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin. “RoseMary’s Place is a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together to support its youngest members and their families.” Columbia County Health System (CCHS) remodeled a retirement home on their campus, re-imagining … Continue reading Creating rural opportunities
By Paige Rogers* Last April YWCA Walla Walla expanded its childcare options by opening a full-time facility dedicated to caring for the community’s youngest children. Located in Dayton, Rosemary’s Place is an offshoot of My Friend’s House, the YWCA childcare facility on Birch Street in Walla Walla. Children ages 6 weeks to 6 years are … Continue reading Anita leads in infant care and holiday cheer