Soaring Success!

YWCA Greater Baton Rouge recently held their "Empower the W" Brunch at the LSU Stadium Club where more than 525 guests gathered to celebrate the role of women in our community and recognize outstanding leaders and organizations for their community impact. Large colorful banners with messages and photos of some of America's most inspirational women were hung from six towering columns. One quoted keynote speaker Jane Fonda: "Empower girls and everything changes." We are proud to share a few photos and some video highlights in this newsletter.

Watch Fox News' Story on the Event.

WATCH NOW

Expansion of Domestic Violence Services

YWCA Greater Baton Rouge will expand its domestic violence services with the addition of a new apartment community offering individuals and children affected by violence the protections so desperately needed as they progress to independence and stability. The new 12 unit apartment community has been in the planning and development phases and is now a reality thanks to many in the community. YWCA Greater Baton Rouge Board of Directors is especially thankful to Mayor Sharon Weston Broome and the City Parish, Benchmark Development, HOME Bank, and many others who have provided important resources. The new apartments are expected to open in the late summer. In addition to housing, the YWCA provides extensive services including a crisis hotline, counseling, case management, job and work skills training, legal services, and referrals to additional services based on individual and family treatment programs.

For assistance, call (225) 383-0861

Easter Spirit of Giving: THANK YOU Nu Gamma Omega Chapter

Special thanks to the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha's Nu Gamma Omega service organization for Easter baskets for the children at our YWCA Early Head Start Centers. Members delivered the baskets on April 5th and 6th.

Message from the CEO

The YWCA does not work alone in our community as we aspire to enhance the lives of women and their families. In March, the YWCA honored outstanding Baton Rouge leaders and organizations to highlight their meaningful work to strengthen and empower women in their professional and volunteer efforts. We proudly salute these leaders.

Our mission and vision are focused on local programs that are intertwined and in concert with our national organization that was founded more than 160 years ago. We are dedicated to eliminating racism; empowering women; and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. If you or someone you know needs assistance, we urge you to contact us. We achieve these goals through these programs and initiatives: domestic violence wrap-around services, including legal assistance, women's policy and advocacy, teen programming, Early Head Start, housing assistance, Week Without Violence, and Women's Day at the Capitol.

We invite you to join in our efforts through membership, volunteer opportunities, or advocacy efforts.

Warm regards,

Dianna Payton

Dianna Payton, CEO

YWCA Greater Baton Rouge