Congratulations, Rock Stars!

Sixty-one 3-year-olds graduated from our Early Head Start programs graduated recently. Our children, in white caps and gowns, sunglasses, and lightweight "guitars", broke into well-known verses of ABC Rocks and the Count on Me. YWCA Policy Council President Tracy Walker spoke on behalf of parents and praised them for their dedication to early childhood education. Executive Director, Dianna Payton, commended the work of the Early Head Start teachers, the YWCA team, and support staff and provided words of praise to the graduates.

Thank you to our team and families for making this day so special!

We Believe in Early Childhood Education

Early education plays a vital role in a child’s ongoing school success. This is one of the prime reasons why we are strong advocates for our YWCA Early Head Start Program. YWCA Greater Baton Rouge recently celebrated the 2023-2023 class of 3-year old graduates. Here are a few reasons why we believe so strongly about early education:

• Enhances the continuing development of a child’s neural connections in brain development.
• Exposes children to language and literacy skills to enrich vocabulary, storytelling, and early reading experiences.
• Prepares children with basic academic skills such as counting, recognizing letters, and understanding simple concepts. 
• Narrows the achievement gap among children from different socioeconomic backgrounds for enhanced equity in K-12 learning.
• Builds a child’s confidence and creates a positive attitude towards learning. It fosters a love for exploration, curiosity, and discovery.

Early education sets the stage for lifelong learning, fosters critical skills, and establishes a strong foundation for children's academic and personal growth. We salute our fantastic, talented, and energetic parents and the Early Head Start staff who guide these children with love and inspiration each day.

Warm regards,

Dianna Payton

Dianna Payton, CEO

YWCA Greater Baton Rouge

Showering Some Love

YWCA held a baby shower for expecting mothers enrolled in their Pregnant Women wellness program. More than 20 mothers participated in the Healthy Baby Healthy Me Shower of Love event held recently at Southern Univerisity. Health, wellness and self-care workshops, games, prizes, community resources, and refreshments were served. Special thanks to Healthy Blue and to Southern University for their partnership. Also special thanks to Antonio Cousin, Service 1 Realty, for the generous donation. YWCA Greater Baton Rouge is dedicated to "walking with mothers" in spirit, in prayer, and in services for mothers-to-be. Shown here with a new stroller is mother to be, Kierra Holiday.