Board of Directors explores adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) Suggested by board member and CASA Volunteer Genny Mills, the YWCA board is reading The Deepest Well by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris. The book explores the groundbreaking scientific research behind adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Two-thirds of us have experienced at least one ACE, like bereavement, divorce or … Continue reading YWCA Book Club news
News & Events
Mary Byrd named 2022 Leader of Distinction
Presented at the 2022 Leadership Luncheon by Megan Toliver, YWCA board member I am so glad I was asked to introduce our 2022 Leader of Distinction. She is someone you most likely won’t know, and she likes it that way. She doesn’t lead a high-profile life; instead, she works in the spaces where people need … Continue reading Mary Byrd named 2022 Leader of Distinction
In-person YWCA luncheon to celebrate love
IT’S NO SECRET that Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin, YWCA Executive Director, radiates positive exuberance in just about any situation. But as noon on Wednesday, May 4, approaches, she is even more joyful than usual because of the upcoming luncheon. “As giddy as I am about being back in person,” said Anne-Marie, “I don’t want anyone to … Continue reading In-person YWCA luncheon to celebrate love
Mariposa leaders and students build resilience
On Fridays at Edison Elementary, 16 fifth graders meet during their lunch/recess break, getting to know each other through games, crafts, and some friendly competitions. Over at Prospect Point, so many girls wanted to participate that two groups meet each week. Making it happen at Edison is Bethany Hermann, a Whitman College junior. At Prospect … Continue reading Mariposa leaders and students build resilience
President wraps up 2-year term
From left: Peggy, Andrea, and Carol. Soon, Carol Allen, YWCA Board President, will hand the baton to President-Elect Molly Phillips. After a recent Executive Committee meeting, Carol reflected on her term with Andrea Unck, Secretary; Peggy McClung, Treasurer; and Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin, Executive Director. Carol’s two-year term began in January 2020. A few weeks later, … Continue reading President wraps up 2-year term
YWCA working with Columbia County to solve childcare crisis
Pictured: The Jolly Green Giant (upper left), a folk art reminder of days when Dayton was a major asparagus canning hub, overlooks the proposed site of a new YWCA childcare center. The Columbia County Health System has recently completed a grant requesting funding for a new childcare center in Dayton. And when the grant called … Continue reading YWCA working with Columbia County to solve childcare crisis
Local advocate selected for World YWCA leadership role
Your gifts support positions like Amara’s as YWCA Prevention Advocate Names of leaders and links to each of their local YWCA chapters are at the bottom of this post. On a blustery Walla Walla morning in late September, I logged into a zoom call with Michelle Tehedy, an 18-year-old YWCA leader from Soweto, South Africa. … Continue reading Local advocate selected for World YWCA leadership role
Community generosity a win for everyone
The Valley Giving Guide (VGG) raised more than $2.5 million in December 2021 for 131 different nonprofits. The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin announced the results in an article published January 3, 2021. “Our community is filled with many, many organizations doing important work. It was an honor to be part of this effort, and we are grateful … Continue reading Community generosity a win for everyone
Thank you for adopting families for the holidays
UPDATE: You stepped up in a big way in November. WOW. Thank you. We found all the donors needed to cover this year’s selected families. If you would still like to help, we accept gift cards any time of year to help with emergency needs, and we share specific needs all through the year on … Continue reading Thank you for adopting families for the holidays
Know your rights
As a victim of a crime of sexual assault, you have these rights under RCW 7.69.030 To receive, at the time of reporting the crime to law enforcement, a copy of your rights. To be informed by local law enforcement agencies or the prosecuting attorney of the final disposition of your case. To be notified … Continue reading Know your rights