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YWCA Girls Inc. 2013 Summer Camp Girls Inc. : Operation SMART All girls ages 9–13 (grades 3–6) are cordially invited to attend our FREE summer camp Through hands-on activities, girls explore, ask questions, persist, and solve problems, developing enthusiasm and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). What: YWCA of WNY will host a six-week summer program for girls, ages 9-13 (grades 3-6). When: July 9 – August 16, 2013 Where: The camp will be held at TWO locations this year: YWCA School House Commons 1005 Grant Street, Buffalo JFK Community Center 114 Hickory Street, Buffalo Cost: There is NO COST to join us. Register: By June 14, info@ywca-wny.org or (716) 852-6120. Please provide your name, phone, and age(s) of child(ren).

Happy Hour & Appetizers @ Century Grill

Benefit For YWCA Family Court Children's Drop-in Center

Please join us for happy hour and appetizers to benefit YWCA Family Court Children’s Drop-in Center.

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YW's Working Women
Event launch reception in honor of National Women's History Month

YWCA of WNY is pleased to announce the second annual exhibition from our archives, going back to the inception of the YWCA in 1870.

Please Join Us at Larkin at Exchange on Wednesday, March 27th, 2013 at 5:30pm for YW's Working Women exhibition launch reception to cap off Women’s History Month. The exhibit will be on display at the event in honor of closing National Women’s History Month.

At this time we are seeking sponsorships, donations, and registrations. All proceeds will be used to support local youth and educational programming.

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The House That YWCA Built
YWCA telling its history of service to WNY through its architecture

YWCA of WNY is pleased to announce the first of what will be several annual exhibitions from our archives going back to the inception of YWCA in 1870.

Please join us at the launch reception for the first exhibit, The House That YWCA Built, at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site ("TR Site") on Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 at 5:30pm. The exhibit will be on display at the TR Site starting March 6th for eight weeks, in honor of National Women's History Month, and will also be featured in WNY Heritage Magazine's spring issue.

At this time we are seeking sponsorships, donations, and registrations. All proceeds will stay local and go towards youth educational programming.

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Fifth-Grade Girls Start Charity, Donate Funds to YWCA of WNY

5/17/11 - Six fifth-graders from Orchard Park have generously donated over $200 to the YWCA of WNY through a charity they founded, “Community Helping Hands.”

The YWCA of Western New York is conducting a nonperishable-food drive to continue to provide healthy snacks for children who visit The Family Court Drop-In Center. The YWCA of WNY recently lost 60 percent of the state funding needed to run the children’s drop-in centers in the City Court and Family Court buildings, and as a result the City Court Drop-In Center has closed.   The Family Court center remains busy, with parents dropping off their children before appearing in court for cases including child custody and domestic violence.

The Children's Center provides safe and supervised drop-in daycare for children whose caregivers are in Family Court in connection with court matters. Qualified staff provides a safe, nurturing and enjoyable environment, free of charge, for children from six weeks through twelve years of age.

The money raised by Community Helping Hands will go toward the purchase of healthy snacks for children who come to the Family Court Drop-In Center.

Buffalo News Coverage-Picture and story by Sandra Tan

Channel 4 Coverage 

YWCA of WNY Participates in Sister to Sister Summit

3/30/11 -The Sister to Sister Summit took place on Saturday March 26, 2011 between the hours of 8:30am-3:30pm at Buffalo State College Campbell Student Union Hall. In attendance were girls from the YWCA of WNY's JOBS and Girls Inc. programs and about 150 other girls from across Buffalo and Western New York.  Staff in the Education and Leadership Department shared information about our youth programs and volunteered by assisting with making gift bags and providing lunch for the girls.

The girls at the summit participated in a host of workshops pertaining to nutrition, health, and healthy relationships and also participated in a fitness workshop which included modern dance, zumba, salsa, or aerobics. Overall the girls enjoyed themselves and learned many things from this event.

YWCA of WNY to hold Chocolate and Wine Tasting April 14, 2011

Join the YWCA of WNY for a wonderful evening of chocolate tasting paired with wine and a tour of the Choco Logo factory.  Please reserve a time for the tour as space is limited. 

Cost:  $35 per person

Where:  ChocoLogo; 141 Broadway; Buffalo, NY 14203

When: Thursday April 14, 2011:  5:30 p.m, 6:15 p.m., 7:00 p.m.

RSVP to (716) 852-6120 ext. 0 and please send your check to:

YWCA of WNY; 1005 Grant Street; Buffalo, NY 14207

See you there!

YWCA of WNY & Buffalo Immigrant & Refugee Empowerment Coalition (BIREC) Announce Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Recent refugees and immigrants and their families will join the YWCA for a mix of traditional thanksgiving dinner and ethnic foods. Cultural performances featured after dinner. 

11/29/10.   Buffalo, NY – The YWCA of Western New York, Inc. (YWCA) is pleased to announce its second-year partnership with BIREC for a refugee and immigrant community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Date:   Sunday, December 5, 2010

Time: 3-5:30 PM

Where: YWCA 1005 Grant Street (bet. Amherst & Military former School 42)

Registration is required as seating is limited.

RSVP to YWCA at 852-6120 ext. 116 or via email to ali.kadhum78@yahoo.com or info@ywca-wny.org

Cultural performances will start at about 4:15 PM.  Recent immigrants and refugees from countries including Somalia, Bhutan, Burma, Iraq, Yemen, the Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Afghanistan, Liberia and Eritrea and others will be attending.

Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO of the YWCA of Western New York, Inc., said, “We couldn’t be happier to be hosting the dinner. YWCA has a long tradition of helping immigrants and our location on the west side of Buffalo is the perfect place to have this event”.

Ali Kadhum, President of BIREC, explained that “the community Thanksgiving Dinner we will be hosting with the YWCA helps the immigrant community come together to celebrate our heritage and to educate others who wish to know more about is in a family setting.”

Students from the International Academy honors program at Sweet Home High School, under the direction of English teacher Krista Keiser and social studies teacher Scott Aquilino, will serve as volunteers during the immigrant community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Buffalo Common Councilmembers Joseph Golombek Jr. (North District) and David Rivera (Niagara District) are also supporting this event.

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Buffalo Immigrant and Refugee Empowerment Coalition’s (BIREC) purpose is to unite and empower refugees and immigrants, and improve their quality of life and that of the larger community.

YWCA seeks Individuals to Adopt Women and Children in Transitional Housing by Providing Donations of Holiday Gifts

The YWCA of WNY Transitional Housing program provides housing to homeless women who are 18 years of age or older and their children. Many of the women who come to the YWCA of WNY transitional housing have fled domestic violence situations.

Through case management, the YWCA Transitional Housing Program assists women in improving their money management skills and provides support to them in seeking education and employment. As a result of our program, women are able to have safe housing and move toward financial stability and independence.

During this transitional time, it is difficult for women to purchase gifts for the holidays. The YWCA of WNY is looking for kind folks to adopt our families this holiday season.  The women and children came to us from homeless shelters and are in our Transitional Housing program learning the skills to get their lives back on track.

If you are interested in providing donations to women and children please call Darlene at 852.6120 ext 121.

YWCA of WNY Partners with Musician Chris Nathan to Raise Funds at Homecoming/ Birthday Show Oct. 30

October 26, 2010.  (Buffalo, NY) – A former Buffalo musician now making music in Nashville will return home for a show to benefit the YWCA of Western New York when Chris Nathan performs at 9 p.m. Saturday, October 30, at the Sportsmen’s Tavern, 326 Amherst Street in Buffalo.

The show will be a combination homecoming and birthday party for Nathan, and will be part of the Sportsmen’s Private Party Series. Tickets will cost $15 in advance only, and can either be purchased at the club or by calling 874-7734. Looking to benefit an organization working on youth education matters, Nathan chose to partner with the YWCA of Western New York, which will host a raffle at the show.

Nathan, a Buffalo-area native and Lake Shore High School graduate who recently relocated to Nashville to pursue a career in music, is coming home to perform on his birthday at the Sportsmen’s Tavern. The soul-styled roots singer-songwriter will give an intimate show accompanied only by Buffalo drummer Jeff Schaller, who first played with Nathan in July at the Tralfamadore Cafe and most recently on tour to Florida.

"I'm excited to come home to Buffalo to perform and spend my birthday with family and friends," said Nathan. "My mother is a teacher in the city, and she's taught me and so many of her students the importance of self-esteem and confidence. The YWCA seeks to empower youth as well, and it means a lot to me to support them."

“The YWCA is thrilled to participate in new partnerships in the community to raise awareness of the programs we offer,” said Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO, YWCA of Western New York. “Creative fundraising is necessary in this economic climate, and we look forward to forging more new partnerships.”

YWCA of Western New York Hires Managing Director

October 26, 2010 (Buffalo, NY) - The YWCA of Western New York, Inc.  has hired Kevin J. Hosey of Buffalo to serve as Managing Director for the organization.  Hosey’s duties will include oversight of programs, building community and corporate relations, coordinating volunteers and interns, grant writing and review, and communications.

“Hiring a Managing Director will enable our organization to build capacity and to increase cohesiveness across all of our program areas.  Kevin brings a wealth of experience to this job and I am confident that his diverse experience will bring the organization forward in these difficult times,” said Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO, YWCA of Western New York.

Hosey’s previous experiences include serving as Director of Communications of the Erie County Legislature Democratic Majority for nearly 6 years and for more than 18 years as a journalist for Bee Newspapers, where he earned 10 individual New York State Press Association awards, including three first-place awards.

A freelance writer, proofreader and copy editor, he has written for Artvoice, Buffalo Spree, Blue Dog Press and Buffalo Beat, is the editor of the roots music web site BuffaloRoots.com and a blogger at www.buffaloroots.blogspot.com. Hosey earned his bachelor of arts degree in journalism and bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Buffalo State College, where he received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Journalism, Broadcasting and Speech. He is a member of the WBNY 91.3 FM Alumni Association and former member of the Buffalo State College Alumni Media Advisory Committee.

Hosey and his wife, photographer Valerie Dunne, live in the Elmwood Village with their dog, Walker Evans.

The YWCA of Western New York was founded in 1870 with a mission to draw together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.

The White House Blog President Obama: It Gets Better

October 21, 2010. President Obama is committed to ending bullying, harassment and discrimination in all its forms in our schools and communities.  That’s why he recorded this message.

Free Expo, Health Fair, and Film Event to take place October 16, 2010

October 6, 2010. An Expo and Health Fair will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. at The Family life Center, 833 Michigan next to St. John Baptist Church.   Teens and families who participate in YWCA activities will be attending.

There will be a free showing of the film "We Need to Talk: A Message to Our Daughters" with movie director and writer Janks Morton. With heartfelt and intimate moments shared by ten phenomenal women from the south side of Chicago, a riveting and untold story will be shared. "We Need To Talk" will provide the cornerstone and bedrock for all women to begin to give back to younger women in a way that has never been captured on film. The truth of these women’s lives has permanently opened the doorway to let the healing to begin. The film is screened for women only.

YWCA of Western New York Congratulates our Class of 2010!!  100% of seniors in YWCA JOBS Program graduate from High School, All students pursuing higher education or secured employment,

July 16, 2010. The YWCA of Western New York, Inc. (YWCA) is proud to congratulate our high school seniors in the youth program. 100% of our seniors will be entering the world of higher education and the workforce to pursue careers in the fields of healthcare, engineering, human services, medicine and technology, and cosmetology. Our students will be attending colleges and universities of SUNY- Fredonia, Alfred University, Niagara Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Continental School of Beauty, and People’s Inc. Many of our bright students receive academic scholarships to assist them with their college education. The teens in YWCA programs have a significantly higher graduation rate than similar teens not participating.

The following students will be attending college, university, trade school, or employment in the Fall:
Jean D’Amour Boyi – Alfred University studying biology and medicine, Tiara Clasablanca- Continental School of Beauty studying cosmetology, Jamel Henderson- R.I.T. (full four year academic scholarship) studying electrical engineering, Mielika Pettigrew- Niagara Community College studying nursing, Angela Sihavong- People Inc. employed as a residential aide to the Developmentally Disabled Population, Quincy Washington- SUNY- Fredonia studying music production.

“The young people in our program have a lot of potential but not always a place where they can be nurtured and realize their potential. Sometimes it is as simple as showing a teen how to shake hands and look you in the eye. Sometimes it is complex like teaching conflict resolution or coaching them thru a math test. Many of us take for granted what our family taught us as kids. Not everyone has that foundation in their life. I look forward to hearing about the great things these kids will do in the future”, says Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO

“My experience with the YWCA’s JOBS program has made me a stronger person. I no longer find it hard to communicate with people and gain confidence. I will take the lessons that I learned here with me throughout my entire life. Through the good and bad, we still were a family” said Quincy Washington JOBS program graduate.

Jamel Henderson, JOBS program graduate, “R.I.T sent me a letter of what I thought was going to be a rejection letter. Instead, I am an official R.I.T. Tiger with a full four year academic scholarship. The YWCA could not have been a bigger influence on my life and for  that I am deeply grateful.”

YWCA ‘s JOBS program is an after school program which serves “at risk” youth between the ages of 16-18 by influencing healthy choices, positive behaviors and life skills, expanding career awareness, preventing dropout, and developing foundation skills and competencies needed for long term positive impact on their future learning and employment goals. This program also provides a safe haven for our teens to come and express themselves.

YWCA of Western New York’s Girls Inc. Presents Fun in the Sun!
The First Annual Summer Camp for young girls to have a safe place to have fun and enjoy the summer. Healthy choices and summer entertainment are the focus

June 15, 2010. The YWCA of Western New York, Inc. is offering our first Annual Girls Inc . Summer Camp, a free summer program designed for girls between the ages of 10 to 13 to have the opportunity of developing into young individuals while enjoying the summer sun. YWCA of Western New York, Inc. is a licensee of Girls Inc., a national organization whose overall mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

The summer camp will be held July 12, 2010 to August 20, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 4 PM.   Snacks will be provided. The program will take place at two locations; the JFK Community Center located at 114 Hickory St. Buffalo, NY, 14204 and at School House Commons located at 1005 Grant St. Buffalo, NY, 14207.

There will be a total of six sessions and each session will include various activities and educational field trips that are associated with each activity. Deadline for registration will be July 2, 2010.

Applications are available at both locations or can be downloaded here (2010 Registration Form).

If you have any questions contact Ms. Osa at (716) 332-3633 ext. 302 for the JFK site and Teresa Glanowski (716) 852-6120 ext.123 for the School House Commons site.

Read story in Buffalo Rising

YWCA of WNY To Hold Yard Sale June 19, 2010: Seeks Donations
Sale to Benefit Programs Including Summer Program for Teens, Domestic Violence Victims, and Child Care

May 24, 2010.  The YWCA of Western New York, Inc. (YWCA) is seeking donations for a rummage sale to be held on June 19. The YWCA is seeking donations from now until June 15 of good quality household items, furniture, appliances, decorative pieces and similar items to sell at our sale. All items in good condition are welcomed.  Donations are tax deductible.

The YWCA and Action for Mental Health are hosting the rummage sale on Saturday, June 19th from 9am-3pm at the Schoolhouse Commons building located at 1005 Grant Street (just north of Amherst St.).
Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO, said, “The proceeds from this sale will support a range of programs including affordable day care and school-age care, transitional housing for women including victims of domestic violence, career, education and leadership programs for at-risk youth, and services for low income seniors.”

The rummage sale is being held as part of the Grant Amherst Business Association’s Rediscover Amherst Street XIII festival.

If you have items to donate, please contact Teresa Glanowski, Managing Director, at tglanowski@ywca-wny.org or by phone at (716) 852-6120 ext. 123 to set up a time to drop off your items.

"Firm Handshakes and Comfortable Shoes" to be held June 10, 2010

May 24, 2010 - The YWCA of Western New York, Inc. (YWCA) is hosting the Institute for Public Leadership (IPL)’s Handshakes and Comfortable Shoes 101 event on June 10, 2010 from 6-8:30 pm at the Schoolhouse Commons building at 1005 Grant Street.

Guest speakers include Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Councilmember Bonnie Russell, and Judge Barbara Howe. The event cost is $20 and includes a light dinner.

Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO, said, “The Institute for Public Leadership has long been a valuable resource for women interested in running for office or working in local politics. Our distinguished speakers will talk about what it really feels like to run for office and we will discuss the role of women in leadership in our community.”

This event is sponsored by the YWCA with support from the Women’s TAP Fund and the Western New York Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of New York State.

“I have been a part of the IPL for many years, and I am excited that the YWCA is re-starting this event. This is a great opportunity for networking and conversation about important issues for anyone interested in public life,” said Susan Clements, IPL chairperson.

YWCA offered IPL for many years until 2005 and most of the women in elected office in western New York are graduates of the IPL. YWCA will continue to offer seminars and trainings on women’s leadership and how to run for office or work as a staffer for an elected official.

Legislative, judicial, clerk, executive and school board offices are all a part of the discussion. Women thinking of running for office at all levels from county executive to school board can benefit from participating in YWCA’s IPL.

To RSVP, please contact Teresa Glanowski, Managing Director, at tglanowski@ywca-wny.org or by phone at (716) 852-6120 ext. 123.

YWCA of WNY to hold Chocolate and Wine Tasting May 6, 2010

Join the YWCA of WNY for a wonderful evening of chocolate tasting paired with wine and a tour of the Choco Logo factory.  Please note guests must reserve a time for the tour and space is limited. 

Cost:  $25 per person

Where:  ChocoLogo; 141 Broadway; Buffalo, NY 14203

When: Thursday May 6, 2010:  5:30 or 6:15 p.m.
Please note, our 7 p.m. tour is sold out.

RSVP online through this invitation, and please send your check to:

YWCA of WNY; 1005 Grant Street; Buffalo, NY 14207

YWCA of WNY partners with Organizations, Women Leaders-Calls on County Executive Collins to Restore Daycare Subsidy Funding

3/24/10.  Today the YWCA of WNY, the WNY Women’s Bar Association, the WNY Women’s Fund, the Everywoman Opportunity Center, Inc., the League of Women Voters and over 250 individual women leaders announced the signing of a Women Leaders’ Statement. Partner organizations also include VOICE-Buffalo, CSEA, V.O.I.C.E., the Family Child Care Network of WNY, the Coalition for Economic Justice, the Partnership for Public Good, and Peace of the City.

The Statement criticizes the direction of the Collins administration and its many decisions which damage the health and well-being of women and children. It also calls on County Executive Collins to restore day care subsidies for 90 days while working with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office to secure federal stimulus funds for the program.

While the County Executive touts a 44 million dollar surplus, his decision to eliminate more than 1100 children from day care subsidies for the working poor left hundreds of families facing the prospect of moving from work to welfare. The affected children have lost three nutritious meals a day, plus a dependable, caring environment which taught good socialization skills. Prominent studies show that funding early child care is a top investment with a return of nearly $2 in new spending in New York businesses for every $1 provided.

Women Leaders’ Statement
3/24/10 article in Buffalo News

Action for Mental Health Co-Locates Programs with YWCA of WNY
Move will benefit agencies’ clients, community at large

3/10/10– Action for Mental Health (AMH), an agency that seeks to empower mental health consumers and improve the quality and delivery of mental health services in Erie County, has moved offices and services to co-locate with YWCA of WNY, located at 1005 Grant Street.

The co-location will benefit both agencies through cost savings and enhanced programming.  “Moving Action for Mental Health to the YWCA of WNY has both a fiscal and functional benefit” said Bart Blum, executive director of AMH. Deborah Lynn Williams, executive director of the YWCA, added,  “Having AMH added to our location allows us to continue our efforts at making this building a community anchor as opposed to just a residence.”

The Fund for Alliances, supported by United Way of Buffalo & Erie County (UWBEC) donations and distributed through its Not For Profit Resource Center, provided $2,585 in funding for the co-location.

“In response to the harsh economic climate and dwindling resources, not for profit agencies are seeking new ways to better meet the rising needs in our community while decreasing expenses,” explains Michael Weiner, president of UWBEC. “United Way is taking the initiative to help local agencies by facilitating and funding these successful cost saving alliances.”

For more information on AMH please visit www.actionformentalhealth.com or call 871-0581.

YWCA of WNY Hires Teresa Glanowski as Managing Director 

2/22/10. (Buffalo, NY) - The YWCA of Western New York has hired Teresa Glanowski to serve as Managing Director for the organization.  Glanowski’s duties will include oversight of programs, building community and corporate relations, coordinating volunteers and interns, grant writing and review, and communications.

“Hiring a Managing Director will enable our organization to build capacity and to increase cohesiveness across all of our program areas.  Teresa brings a variety of experiences to the job and I am confident that she will play a key role in bringing the organization forward in these difficult times ,” said Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO, YWCA of Western New York.

Glanowski’s previous experiences include serving as Communications Specialist at 1199 SEIU-United Healthcare Workers East, Director of Communications and Special Projects for Assemblymember Sam Hoyt, and Membership Specialist at the Girl Scouts of Western New York.
Read "In the Spotlight" story in Business First

Working-poor families losing subsidies Deadline hits hard as child care support from Erie County reaches the end of extension

Read article in The Buffalo News, February 09, 2010

YWCA of WNY, Voice-Buffalo Congregations, Day Care Providers, and parents call on the County Executive to extend Day Care Subsidies

1/27/10.  VOICE-Buffalo, a faith-based organization, along with YWCA of WNY which brings together members of the community to empower women, families, and individuals in order to attain a common vision for all people -- will come together to lift up the issue of the child care subsidies from the non-profit, small business perspective. In December 2009 Parents and Child Care programs received letters stating that their Day Care subsidy would be cut.  The cut in subsidies is not an economically feasible outcome in an already strapped economy.  This penalizes the working poor, those individuals who go to work every day, but barely make enough to make ends meet. 

Working parents should not be penalized for working.

Father Paul Bossi, VOICE-Buffalo said, “As people of faith we believe that the working poor should be encouraged to work.  We believe in pathways out of poverty.  Today we are praying that the County Executive enact the resolution as passed by the County Legislature and extend this deadline 90 days.”

Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO of YWCA of Western New York, Inc. said, “The very last thing we want to do is to create a situation where a family on the edge makes the choice to go back to full public assistance because the child care subsidy was reduced to a point that they can no longer afford to work. We must support working families in their quest to improve their lives and become fully self sufficient.”

“As the data shows in Pathways to Progress affordable, high quality day care is the key to promoting economically secure families.  There are over 17,000 single mothers raising children living in poverty in our community.  Without childcare assistance they will be unable to continue to support their families,” said WNY Women’s Fund Executive Director, Bridgid Doherty.

The press conference will be held at the YWCA of WNY Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.

YWCA of WNY house damaged by those in search of scrap metal for illegal sale

12/4/09. The YWCA of Western New York, Inc. (YWCA) reports that a house used for transitional housing for homeless women and their children, many victims of domestic violence, has been significantly damaged due to theft of metal parts for sale on the illegal scrap metal market.  View story on Channel 4 WIVB.com.

Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO of the YWCA of Western New York, Inc., said, “It is clear from what was taken that the goal was to get as much scrap metal as possible for sale. Nothing that wasn’t metal was taken. All the associated water damage from having the pipes removed in the basement is there.”

Items taken include: copper pipes, water meter, down spouts and gutters, metal chimney pot, aluminum facing on the windows and along the roof, all the aluminum strips that are on the stairs and other items.

“Scrap dealers should not be buying this stuff. If some guys walk into the yard with arms full of gutters, aluminum strips from floors and water meters where do they think that came from? These businesses know very well that is was stolen in the hours before. They facilitate this by creating a market for stolen property. There is no question about it”, said Williams.

“The region already has too few transitional housing units and now we have to take two more off line just prior to the holidays when we hoped to be able to have homes for two families currently in homeless shelters”, Williams added.

The YWCA is unsure yet the cost of the damage but it will be significant considering the water damage and replacement costs for all the items that were stolen. At a time when donations are already down due to the poor economy, this loss couldn’t come at a worse time for the organization or the people they serve.

YWCA is accepting donations from the public. Call 716.852.6120 ext 122 or visit our donation page to make an online donation.  Donations can be sent to 1005 Grant St, Buffalo NY 14207.

December 8, 2009. The incident a the YWCA of WNY has inspired Senator Charles E. Shumer's plans to establish harsher penalty for thieves.  Read more.

12/9/09.  Incident inspires generous donation by Metalico, Buffalo.

YWCA of WNY Co-Locates Programs with Community Action Organization
The co-location will provide significant benefits to both the clients of the agencies as well as the community.

12/1/09– YWCA of WNY, housed at 1005 Grant Street, has moved some offices and teen services to co-locate with Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. (CAO) JFK Center, located at 114 Hickory Street.

“Moving the Education and Leadership Development of the YWCA to the JFK community center managed by the CAO has both a fiscal and functional benefit” said Deborah Lynn Williams, executive director of YWCA of WNY. L. Nathan Hare, President and Chief Executive Officer of CAO agrees, “The structured programming of the YWCA complements the current activities offered at the CAO JFK Center, making this collaboration between the CAO of Erie County, Inc. and the YWCA of WNY promising for community teens.”

The Fund for Alliances, supported by United Way of Buffalo & Erie County donations and distributed through its Not For Profit Resource Center, supported the co-location of offices and services. The financial support provided, $11,817, will be used for legal expenses and other necessary expenditures.

YWCA of WNY, PEACE CORPS, Buffalo Immigrant & Refugee Empowerment Coalition (BIREC) Announce Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

November 6, 2009. On Sunday November 22, 2009 from 3:30-6:00 p.m., a Thanksgiving Dinner and Award Reception will take place at the YWCA of WNY, 1005 Grant Street, Buffalo, NY.  Recent immigrants and their families will join YWCA, Peace Corps, and community friends and neighbors for a mix of traditional Thanksgiving and ethnic foods.  BIREC will give awards to members of the community who have helped recent immigrants.

Registration is required as seating is limited. Please RSVP to by November 13th to Mohamed Mohamed at 573-4199 or YWCA at 852-6120 ext. 0 (madirshe@yahoo.com or info@ywca-wny.org.  Buffalo Immigrant and Refugee Coalition’s (BIREC) purpose is to unite and empower refugees and immigrants, and improve their quality of life and that of the larger community.  The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to promote world peace and friendship. Download flyer.

Deborah Lynn Williams, Executive Director of the YWCA of WNY, featured in ArtVoice's "Get to know a Buffalonian"

November 4, 2009.  Deborah Lynn Williams, Executive Director of the YWCA of WNY, is featured in this week's ArtVoice. Read 5 Questions with...Deborah Lynn Williams: YWCA Director.

YWCA of WNY's Girls, Inc. to offer Growing Together® at JFK Community Center November 9-12, 2009

October 22, 2009.  The YWCA of Western New York, Inc. will offer Growing Together®, a program for girls between 9 to 11 years of age and their parents or guardians to facilitate communication about sexuality and relationships.

The program events will take place November 9 through 12 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM (dinner will be included). The program will take place at the YWCA of WNY Education & Leadership location in the JFK Community Center at 114 Hickory St. Buffalo, NY, 14204. The program is free of charge. To register please call (716) 332-3633.

Deborah Lynn Williams, CEO, said, ”Part of empowering women and girls to lead healthy and successful lives is teaching them the foundation of how to respect their bodies, make healthy sexual choices, and choose to have healthy and affirming relationships. Starting with honest communication with the parents and the girls is what this course is about."

“YWCA hopes this program will be a success and that we can broaden the reach and offer it throughout the community in community centers or other venues that have the space and the need,” said Alex Wright, director of the youth education programs.

Growing Together® is an educational program designed by Girls, Inc. YWCA of Western New York, Inc. is a licensee of Girls Inc., a national organization whose overall mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

YWCA of WNY and Stop the Violence Coalition to commemorate Week Without Violence

The YWCA Week Without Violence™ is a nationwide annual campaign that highlights practical, sustainable alternatives to violence in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

To commemorate the Week Without Violence, the YWCA of WNY and the Stop the Violence Coalition will be offering activities.

Schedule of events (all events are 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the JFK Community Center, 114 Hickory).

Tuesday, October 13th: Rally/Pledge featuring the Stop the Violence Coalition

Wednesday, October 14th: Violence Forum-Speaker from Family Justice and Stop the Violence Coalition

Thursday, October 15th: Candelight Vigil/Unveiling of Mural

Friday, October 16th: Open Mic Celebration

For more information, contact the YWCA at info@ywca-wny.org.

YWCA Moves Adolescent Programs to JFK Center-August 6 Declared "YWCA Day"

August 6, 2009.  Erie County Executive Chris Collins declared today "YWCA Day" in honor of the opening of our new location for our teen programs at the JFK Community Center, 114 Hickory Street.   The JFK Community Center also houses CAO of Erie County, Inc. Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) and N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Academy. Supplemental Education Services (SES) Afterschool Programs run from 2:30 – 7 p.m. for youth in grades K – 12.  JFK also currently serves as the headquarters for a year round basketball clinic for high school athletes that assists college bound youth with access to Division I visibility, sports scholarships and other academic resources.  All of these programs align with the YWCA of WNY's mission and will serve as a natural fit for recruiting adolescents to participate in our program.  Read article in Business First August 14, 2009

The YWCA of WNY announces new Universal Pre-K

July 31, 2009.  A new universal Pre-K will be launched in the School House Commons, on Grant Street near Amherst Street, which the Buffalo Public Schools approved to open in the fall.  Enrollment is open for children who will be 4 by Dec. 31. The program will be for a half-day from 9 to 11:30 a. m. The application deadline is Aug. 10. Parents who seek to have their children stay for a full day may enroll in the day care program on the same site for the rest of the day. For information, call 852-6120.

YWCA of WNY Lauds Proposed Child Protection Improvements Act

Jul 27, 2009. While federal background checks are usually accessible to law enforcement, private and non-profit agencies might be barred by law from crucial information, or might have to pay a steep surcharge. Lynn Williams, YWCA of WNY CEO said, "And it can take as much as over 40 days. In over 40 days, if you have a terrific applicant they might not wait for us to do a check.". A number of lawmakers are sponsoring a bill called the Child Protection Improvements Act, that would give agencies, such as the YWCA access to federal databases, quickly, and at low cost. Read full story at WIVB.com.