July at YWCA Delaware: Celebrating Progress, Community & Hope

Big things are happening across YWCA Delaware, and they're all powered by people who care. Inside this month's newsletter, you'll find updates on a landmark voting rights bill, opportunities to build financial stability, inspiring moments from our Sussex County gathering, and ways you can be part of the work that's creating hope for more than 8,000 Delawareans each year.

A Major Step Forward for Voting Rights in Delaware

Delaware's John Lewis Voting Rights Act, House Bill 444, has passed both the Delaware House and Senate and now awaits Governor Matt Meyer's signature.

If signed, the legislation will strengthen protections against voter suppression, voter intimidation, vote dilution, and discrimination while expanding language access and safeguarding every Delawarean's right to vote.

Throughout the legislative process, YWCA Delaware proudly submitted public comment in support of HB 444, affirming that equal access to the ballot is fundamental to eliminating racism and empowering women. Our testimony emphasized that every eligible voter deserves a fair and equal opportunity to participate in our democracy, regardless of race, ethnicity, or language, and that protecting voting rights remains a critical civil rights issue.

We are grateful to the legislators, advocates, and community members who helped advance this historic legislation and look forward to the Governor's final action.

Read HB 444

A Morning Worth Waking Up For

Save the date and join us for YWCA Delaware’s 2026 Celebration Breakfast, Generation to Generation: Empowering Every Story , on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at the DuPont Country Club.

This inspiring morning will celebrate our stories of strength, joy, leadership, and collective impact. Be part of our community that continues showing up for one another, impacting generations through YWCA Delaware’s housing programs, 24/7 SARC services, and economic empowerment support.

Sponsorships and reservations are now available, and we invite you to be part of this uplifting and motivational celebration that helps us to continue to touch the lives of more than 8,000 Delawareans each year.

RSVP Here

Become a Sponsor

YWCA Delaware's ALICE Asset Building Program

July Information Sessions

If you know someone who is working full time, paying the bills, and still can't seem to get ahead, please spread the word that YWCA Delaware's ALICE Asset Building Program offers support to eligible working individuals and families.

Over two years, eligible participants will receive free one-on-one financial coaching to help build stronger credit, tackle debt, grow savings, and take steps towards homeownership.

Households may qualify with annual incomes approximately within these ranges:

$15,000–$36,000 (single adult)
$36,000–$48,000 (single parent with 1 child)
$24,000–$72,000 (family of 3)
$28,000–$94,000 (family of 4)

Our website includes eligibility tools, and we're hosting free virtual information sessions throughout July to answer questions and explain how the program works, including the match-savings opportunity. We encourage anyone interested to attend, as program eligibility is determined based on each household's individual financial circumstances.

Learn More

Wishing Robin Mandell a Well-Deserved Retirement

With deep gratitude, we celebrate Robin Mandell on her well-deserved retirement. Since 2016, Robin has served as Chief Financial Officer of YWCA Delaware, bringing more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance to our organization.

Over the past decade, Robin has dedicated her expertise to safeguarding YWCA Delaware's financial health. She has overseen the organization's financial operations, day-to-day accounting, grant compliance, and risk management, helping to strengthen our ability to serve communities across Delaware.

Beyond the numbers, Robin's kindness, wisdom, and collaborative spirit have left a lasting impact on colleagues, partners, and everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her. Outside her role at YWCA Delaware, her commitment to women and children was equally evident through her volunteer service at many of our events.

We thank Robin for a decade of exceptional service and wish her happiness, good health, and many exciting new adventures in retirement!

An Evening Filled with Heart in Sussex County

Since launching our Resilience Fund Campaign, we've watched neighbors, business leaders, foundations, longtime supporters, and first-time donors step forward with remarkable generosity.

Our recent Sussex County Resilience Fund gathering, graciously hosted by Colette and Kevin Daney, reminded all of us what community really looks like.

Guests learned more about YWCA Delaware's work, assembled amenity kits for survivors served by our Sexual Assault Response Center, and shared thoughtful conversations about how together we can strengthen opportunities for women and families throughout Delaware.

We thank everyone who spent the evening with us and can't wait to continue building support for YWCA Delaware across Sussex County.

Learn More