Join us as we celebrate 20 years of unity at Circle 2023. Invite your circle of friends to learn more about YWCA programming and how we are an organization for our community, by our community.

Registration is free, but there will be a donation ask during the event. We encourage all attendees to support YW in our efforts to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen our community.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

11:30 am - 1 pm

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Every day at YWCA Stepping Stones, we're working to build a community from free of sexual violence. We know that’s ambitious, and there is a lot of work to do. We’re up for the challenge, and we know that the support of people like you will help bring that vision more clearly into focus.

Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse impact each and every one of us. Maybe you're a survivor yourself, or a friend or family member of someone impacted. Even if they haven't shared their story with you, chances are someone you know is a survivor. It's clear that sexual violence is prevalent, impacts everyone, and needs to be prevented, which is why we’re so thankful for your support of YWCA McLean County and Stepping Stones in our efforts to:

Create safe spaces for survivors to share their story
Provide information and assistance to organizations and individuals working to prevent sexual violence
Educate and raise awareness about sexual violence and prevention

Thank you again for your support of YWCA Stepping Stones, for believing survivors, and for trusting that together we can build a world where everyone is safe.

PREVENTION EDUCATION & COMMUNITY TRAININGS

FREE COUNSELING AGE 3 & UP FOR SURVIVORS AND LOVED ONES

MEDICAL & LEGAL ADVOCACY

24/7 CRISIS HOTLINE

Get Involved

Find Resources: Visit our website for resources for survivors, friends and family, advocates and educators.

Spread the Word: Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for shareable content.

Join the Team: Volunteer with Stepping Stones' 24/7 hotline. Join the next training cohort, starting May 15, 2023.

Make a Donation: Your financial support helps our work and makes a positive impact on the lives of survivors right here in McLean County.

SAAM Dates of Note:

April 10-14: Clothesline Project @ Heartland Community College

April 12: Stepping Stones @ Illinois Wesleyan University; 10am - 2pm

April 15: Clothesline Project @ Uptown Normal; 10am - 4pm

April 17: Clothesline Project @ Illinois State University; 9am - 2pm

April 21: SAAM Day of Action (wear teal)

April 29: Final Steps Awareness Walk @ Miller Park War Memorial; 10am - 12pm

ALL MONTH: Teal Chair Project @ 65+ Local Businesses

Scents & Sensibility

Are you looking for a way to create a relaxing atmosphere without worrying about open flames? Look no further than Labyrinth Made Goods' newly launched, 100% soy wax melts!

Labyrinth Made Goods' wax melts offer a flameless way to enjoy your favorite scents, perfect for those who want to enjoy a soothing ambiance in their office, dorm, or home with pets and children. Made from 100% soy wax, they burn cleanly and evenly, releasing their comforting fragrances without any harmful toxins.

Whether you prefer the calming scent of lilac, the refreshing aroma of fresh clover, or the warmth of cedar bark, LMG wax melts are sure to please. Plus, they're easy to use - simply pop one or two into your favorite wax warmer and enjoy the long-lasting fragrance.

SHOP LABYRINTH MADE GOODS WAX MELTS

Volunteer with Stepping Stones

Become a volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual assault. You can be there for someone in crisis, either directly or indirectly, by being a trained volunteer support person at YWCA Stepping Stones.

The free forty-hour training is required of all volunteers, regardless of volunteer task
A pre-screening interview is required prior to training
Training is virtual, with a portion of the curriculum being self-guided (must be completed prior to May 15)
No previous experience is required to volunteer

Live sessions will take place May 15 - May 26 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, plus Saturday, May 20 during the day. All pre-course work must be completed by May 15 and all post-course work must be completed by May 31 to be eligible for certification.

LEARN MORE

APPLY

DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

Employee Spotlight

Alicia M., Medical/Legal Advocate in Stepping Stones

Alicia M. first worked in Young Wonders as the Site Coordinator for Oakland Elementary before taking an internship with Melissa Breeden, VP of Education & Curriculum in 2020. During her internship, Alicia M. tackled various projects, including developing a social/emotional curriculum for pre-k, preparing for an NAEYC accreditation visit, conducting classroom observations, performing clerical work, and overseeing the food program.

When Alicia M. finished her internship, she sought a job in social work. Although she enjoyed working with kids and parents in Young Wonders and had the opportunity to work alongside excellent staff, Alicia M. realized that childcare was not a long-term fit for her. Her desire to help others in a social work capacity led her to pursue a career in Medical/Legal Advocacy with YWCA Stepping Stones. This role enables her to apply her social work skills to make a positive impact on survivors' lives.

Her exceptional qualities, including her kindness, friendliness, child-friendliness, helpfulness, and compassion, are evident in all that she does. We are incredibly grateful for Alicia M., as a an advocate, as a coworker and as a friend.