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And the Necklace Goes to...
Congratulations to Lea Cline, our winner of the gorgeous Aerial Regal Scroll Teardrop Necklace, generously donated by Bremer Jewelry! Thank you to all who entered; the money raised through ticket sales will help YWCA McLean County continue our critical services for survivors, families, children, seniors and women who've experienced incarceration.
Our sincerest gratitude goes out to all of our speakers, sponsors, table leaders and guests. We are immensely grateful for the time, energy, and enthusiasm you brought to the event, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, connection, and inspiration. Your support and engagement are invaluable to us as we continue to foster a community built on equity, collaboration, and growth.
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Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White shares words of inspiration with guests. | | |
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Stepping Stones to a Safer Community
At Circle 2023, we announced a capital campaign to fund the expansion of McLean County's only rape crisis center, YWCA Stepping Stones.
Currently, the program uses former lifeguard offices, concession stands and fitness studios as counseling spaces, the hotline center and staff offices. YWCA’s building was not originally designed with Stepping Stones’ services in mind - there is no survivor-specific waiting room, sound-proof counseling spaces, or central facilities. In this expanded center, clients will have all of their needs met in one secure location.
By uniting to support YWCA Stepping Stones, you will help ensure our services' longevity and help us reimagine its interior spaces to complement—and strengthen—our mission. There is no better way to honor the legacy and resilience of survivors than through a gift in support of an accessible, safe and confidential space for their healing.
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Call her Doctor
Congratulations to our very own Dr. Hannah Mesouani, Ph.D. on her successful defense of her dissertation, Racism without Race: The Racialization of Middle Eastern and North African International Students at U.S. Colleges and her recent doctoral graduation!
Hannah serves as the Director of Mission & Equity Consulting at YWCA McLean County, working with community partners on creating more inclusive, equitable organizations in Central Illinois.
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Catch us on The Hill
On June 8, YWCA McLean County will be participating in YWCA Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the passage of the Anti-Racism in Public Health legislation. We believe in the power of equality and justice in healthcare, and we are dedicated to dismantling systemic racism that affects marginalized communities. Additionally, we will be engaging in meaningful conversations about the importance of the Child Care Development Block Grant and the Violence Against Women Act. These crucial programs have a direct impact on the lives of women and children, and we will work tirelessly to ensure their continued support and improvement.
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Solidarity in Action
Join us this June for our LGBTQIA+ Allyship Institute! This transformative week-long course will provide attendees with invaluable knowledge and tools to become better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community.
This free course serves as a safe and inclusive space for individuals from all backgrounds to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue, learning, and self-reflection. Participants will not only gain a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals but explore practical strategies to offer support and interrupt patterns of stigmatization. By actively engaging in this course, participants become catalysts for social justice, promoting inclusivity, equality, and dignity for all.
When registering, please consider making a $10 donation (or amount of your choice) to ensure YWCA McLean County can continue providing trainings open to everyone in an effort to create a more inclusive community.
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Unmasking the Realities of Poverty
On Wednesday, May 10, we had the incredible opportunity to facilitate a poverty simulation for the Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support at Illinois State, and it was an eye-opening experience for everyone involved.
Throughout the simulation, we stepped into the shoes of individuals and families living in poverty, grappling with their daily challenges. It was a powerful reminder of the hardships endured by countless people in our society and the urgent need for action.
From struggling to secure basic necessities like food and shelter to facing constant financial setbacks, we witnessed the immense resilience and resourcefulness of those living in poverty. Every decision profoundly impacted their lives, showcasing the complex web of obstacles they encountered.
But this experience wasn't just about understanding the struggles; it also highlighted the importance of empathy, compassion, and the power of community. We saw firsthand the significance of support networks, social services, and policies to uplift those facing poverty.
We're incredibly grateful to Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support at Illinois State and individuals from Chestnut Health Systems for embracing this initiative. By immersing ourselves in this simulation, we're now equipped with a deeper understanding of the challenges our fellow community members face.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, participated, shared their insights, and helped make this poverty simulation a thought-provoking and transformative experience.
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Congrats Grads!
Yesterday, Monday, May 5, five YW Strive participants graduated the professional development program. We wish them all the best as they practice what they learned while navigating their careers!
A new cohort of YW Strive begins on June 26! With Strive Essential Skills, you’ll learn and practice skills desired by local employers and that you need to define and succeed on your career path.
Topics include:
- Digital Skills for the Workplace
- Essential Skills (aka Soft Skills)
- Financial Independence
- Critical Thinking
- Personal Empowerment
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Career Coaching
- Presentation Skills
- Opportunities for Education and Career Advancement
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Employee Spotlight
Jayati Mal, Development Coordinator
June marks the beginning of Immigrant Heritage Month, and we are honored to highlight our very own Development Coordinator, Jayati Mal. Jayati joined our team earlier this year and has quickly become an integral part of our community, reminding us daily of the value that diverse backgrounds bring to our workplace.
Born and raised in Howrah, West Bengal, India, Jayati immigrated to the United States with her husband, Koushik, just two years ago. Although she was unable to work due to visa constraints, Jayati found ways to stay active and contribute to her new community. She volunteered with Stepping Stones as a rape crisis hotline worker, embodying her persistent spirit of service even in the face of personal challenges.
Her dedication to serving others is a testament to her ten years of experience working in nonprofits in India, where she passionately advocated for child protection and adolescent empowerment, with an emphasis on reproductive and sexual health rights. She brings this same dedication and advocacy to her work here at YWCA.
Her willingness to roll up her sleeves and jump in where needed makes her a model of commitment for the entire team. Yet, what truly sets Jayati apart is the joy she brings with her wherever she goes. Known around the office as a ray of sunshine, her positive energy is infectious and helps foster a warm and inclusive environment for everyone.
When she's not at the office, Jayati loves to unwind by spending time with friends, immersing herself in a good movie, or getting lost in a book. But no matter what she's doing, her passion for helping others and making a difference is always front and center.
Jayati's journey serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience inherent in immigrant narratives and the enriching influence of diverse cultures and experiences in our workplace. We're so fortunate to have Jayati on our team and can't wait to see the continued impact she'll make in our community.
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Dates of note:
June is Pride Month
June is Immigrant Heritage Month
June is Jewish American Heritage Month
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June 2: Anniversary of American Indian Citizenship Act
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June 2: International Sex Workers Rights Day
- June 3: National Gun Violence Awareness Day
- June 3: YWCA at McLean County Moms Demand Action Wear Orange Event @ Western Ave. Community Center
- June 4: Anniversary of the 19th Amendment Passage
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June 5: Breonna Taylor's & Tyre Nichols' Birthday
- June 8: YWCA at Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C.
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June 10: Anniversary of the Equal Pay Act of 1963
- June 12-16: LGBTQIA+ Allyship Institute
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June 12: Anniversary of 1967 Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court Ruling
- June 15: LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day
- June 17: YWCA at Juneteenth Celebration @ Miller Park
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June 18: Father's Day
- June 19: Juneteenth, YWCA Closed
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June 20: World Refugee Day
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June 23: Anniversary of Title IX
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June 24: Anniversary of SCOTUS and Abortion Justice Rallies
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June 25: Anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court Ruling
- June 26: YW Strive Begins
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June 26: Anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court Ruling
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June 28: Anniversary of Stonewall Riots
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