September 2023 Newsletter | YWCA McLean County

Friday, October 20

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

YWCA McLean County Gym

1201 N Hershey Rd., Blm.

Gather Your Team of 6

Are you ready to show your support for a great cause? Gather your friends and form a powerhouse team of 6 for just a little over $30 per person! By joining forces at our Trivia Night, not only will you engage in a thrilling evening of brainpower and camaraderie, but you'll also be contributing to the remarkable work of the Stepping Stones Rape Crisis Center.

Take this opportunity to support a noble cause and have a blast while doing it! Rally your team and secure your spot at the Trivia Night. Let's celebrate unity, knowledge, and the power of giving back.

Ready to take on the challenge?

You're Invited - Again

Join us for another 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.

Fri., Sept. 15 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 2-4 p.m.

1201 N Hershey Rd., Bloomington

ADD 9AM-12PM TO YOUR CALENDAR

ADD 2-4 PM TO YOUR CALENDAR

BOOK A PRIVATE OR GROUP TOUR

SHOP BUNDLES

Get a Jump on Christmas Giving

Labyrinth Made Goods is offering a great opportunity to get a jump on Christmas giving! Save 20% on all bundles of bespoke hand poured soy candles, wax melts, and scent cards. This is the perfect way to stock up on gifts for your loved ones or to treat yourself to something special.

Plus, you know your dollars are directly reinvested in the growth and opportunities for women who've experienced incarceration!

Bye Bye, Summer

Summer Camp has wrapped and school has begun! We're back in D87 schools for Youth Development programming and we look forward to what Fall has in store.

Join us this school year for Before & After School care! 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.

ENROLL IN BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL

Calling all RNs

If you are or know a registered nurse interested in lending a hand for a few hours each month to conduct Young Wonders safety checks, please connect with Melissa Breeden, Vice President of Education & Curriculum.

WINGS Award in Action

2022 WINGS Awardee, Lakeesha James-Smith, maximized her WINGS scholarship opportunity by utilizing it to attend the American Association of Service Coordinators conference, where she showcased her diligent research and contributed valuable insights to the event's discussions.

Socks & Shoes & Smiles, Oh my!

We are immensely grateful for Melissa Isenburg, COUNTRY Financial Representative, who organized a remarkable Back To School Shoe Drive to benefit our kiddos.

The impact of this drive is immeasurable, as each donated pair of shoes came paired with Bombas socks, ensuring that countless children are equipped with not only comfortable footwear but also a renewed sense of confidence as they return to school.

As the mother of the pictured girl shared, "We love them. I am very grateful for the help. I'm a single mother without a village. For me to receive shoes this school year was very helpful. I'm able to pay for her school pictures and put down a payment for her to become a cheerleader. As you can see my little model loves her new shoes. 💕 P.S. she picked her outfit to match her shoes."

This heartwarming testimonial exemplifies the real and tangible impact that acts of kindness can have on families and children striving for a better future. Thank you, Melissa!

Employee Spotlight:

Irene Vincy, former Young Wonders Teacher & Intern

As we bid a fond farewell to Irene, we reflect on her remarkable journey as a teacher at YWCA. Irene's passion for shaping young minds and her dedication to fostering a nurturing learning environment have left an indelible mark on the YWCA community. Her belief in the transformative power of education has translated into an enriching experience for her students.

Irene's unwavering commitment to her role as a teacher has been evident in her reflection on the best part of being at YWCA: "The best part of being a teacher at YWCA is the opportunity to make a positive impact on young lives every day. I get to witness the growth and development of my students, which is incredibly rewarding." Her innate ability to encourage creativity and make learning enjoyable has been a cornerstone of her teaching approach. Irene's classroom has been a canvas of exploration, where open-ended projects, interactive lessons, and diverse activities have ignited her students' curiosity and allowed them to thrive.

What led Irene to teaching is a story of purpose and passion: "Teaching has always been my passion. I believe in the power of education to shape future generations, and I wanted to be a part of that journey in helping students learn and succeed." Her choice of YWCA was a natural fit, driven by the organization's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. This resonance with her personal values has been echoed in her advice to future YWCA teachers: to cultivate inclusive spaces, build strong relationships, and adapt teaching methods to cater to individual learning styles. Irene's departure leaves a void, but her legacy of nurturing growth, embracing diversity, and making learning a joyous adventure will continue to flourish at YWCA.

Irene's journey has been one of inspiration and empowerment, and she will be deeply missed as a beloved teacher, mentor, and advocate for the potential of every child.