You're Invited!

Join us for an Open House where you can learn about the history of YWCA Stepping Stones - how it started, how it's grown, and what the future looks like for survivors in our community - and tour the currently insufficient space.

YWCA leadership will be present to lead tours and answer questions.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of our mission to empower survivors and create a safer, more inclusive community.

Friday, Aug. 11 | 8-9:30 a.m. | 12-2 p.m.

1201 N Hershey Rd., Bloomington

40-Hour Training Starts Aug. 28

This comprehensive 40-hour training program is designed to equip new volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. What's even more exciting is that now volunteers have the opportunity to earn a stipend for their commitment and dedication! This stipend not only recognizes the valuable contribution of our volunteers but also helps support their efforts in making a positive impact on our community. Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive community for everyone.

Lean On Us This School Year

Let YWCA Young Wonders be your lifesaver, providing a fun-filled haven for your kids where they can burn off energy, engage in exciting activities, and come home happily tired, giving you the well-deserved break you need!

YWCA Trivia Night

Friday, October 20 | 6-9 p.m. | YWCA McLean County Gym

Get ready for a night of brain-teasing fun, all for a great cause! Join us to support the Stepping Stones Rape Crisis Center expansion, building a safer future for survivors.

Pretrial Fairness Act

Illinois made a landmark move towards criminal justice reform by passing the PreTrial Fairness Act. This legislative triumph occurred after months of advocacy, collaboration, and public support by the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice and Black Lives Matter Blo-No. The act aims to address the issue of cash bail for non-violent offenders and significantly impact the lives of those caught in the pretrial justice system.

Under the PreTrial Fairness Act, non-violent offenders will no longer be subjected to cash bond requirements. This means that individuals accused of non-violent crimes will not be incarcerated solely based on their ability to pay bail. Instead, the act prioritizes fairness and equal treatment by focusing on risk assessment and individual circumstances when determining pretrial release.

For offenders, this act represents a transformative change. It helps break the cycle of poverty and systemic inequality by reducing the disproportionate impact of cash bail on marginalized communities. Now, individuals accused of non-violent offenses will have a better chance to maintain their jobs, support their families, and contribute to their communities while awaiting trial.

Pretrial Court Watching

Are you passionate about creating a more just and equitable society? Do you believe in the power of change and want to be an active part of it?

Join virtual Court Watcher Training led by our very own Candice Byrd and equip yourself with the essential skills to help implement the PreTrial Fairness Act. 

By participating in this training, you'll become a crucial advocate for justice, ensuring that no one's freedom is determined by their financial status.  

Dreams Unleashed

The six-week Dream It Reach It (DIRI) program for women at the YWCA’s Labyrinth House successfully concluded on May 23rd with a celebration Pizza and Paint party at the YWCA’s community room. Facilitated by Soroptimist and YWCA Board Membr, Becky Mentzer, the DIRI team included Soroptimists Karen Fleming, Lakeesha James-Smith, Rose Yahnig, Robyn Skaggs, Libby Hunt, Rebecca Lynn, Dorothy Davis, and Sue Young. For the final celebration assistance for the “cup painting” came from Mary Jo Johnson, an artist from Inside Out Accessible Art who retired from SOAR (Special Opportunities Available in Recreation). Lakeesha's mothers group put together personal bags for each of the women. The culminating activity included the awarding of Certificates of Completion given to each woman along with lots of hugs. 

Involving six women being reintegrated into the community after incarceration, DIRI held educational sessions on:

• Visualizing Goals
• Soft Skills & Character Traits
• Resiliency/Conflict Management
• Financial Tips
• Access to Education (through programs training for sustainable trades job)

Two field trips were taken to the Dreams Are Possible trades training center in west Bloomington and then the Minority Business Development Center located in Eastland Mall which provides employment assistance.

Thank you to Soroptomist International Bloomington-Normal for your investment in YWCA Labyrinth House and our clients!

YWCA Job Openings:

Customer Service Representative

Labyrinth Made Goods Custom Sales Coordinator

Kitchen Specialist

YWCA Job :

Stepping Stones Counselor

Night Custodian

Dates of note:

August is National Black Business Month

06 | Anniversary of Voting Rights Act of 

1965

09 | International Day of the World's 

Indigenous People

10 | YWCA at West Bloomington

Wellness Fair, 2-5 p.m.

10 | Court Watcher Training, 4:30 p.m.

11 | Last Day of YWCA Summer Camp

11 | Stepping Stones Open House,

8-9:30 a.m. & 12-2 p.m.

12 | International Youth Day

12 | Labyrinth Made Goods at Cultural

Fest, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

19 | Anniversary of Ratification of 19th 

Amendment (Women's Suffrage)

19 | World Humanitarian Day

22 | Anniversary of Housing & Comm. 

Development Act of 1974

26 | Women's Equality Day

26 | Labyrinth Made Goods at

Sweet Corn Circus

27 | Labyrinth Made Goods at

Sweet Corn Circus

27 | Anniversary of the Women ETF

28 | Anniversary of the March on 

Washington for Jobs & Freedom (1963)

30 | YWCA at Festival ISU