While Minnesota is one of 27 states that require schools to provide sexual health education, state mandates do not require that the curriculum include topics like sexual orientation, gender identity, or consent. As a result, many students receive incomplete or no education. These gaps have deepened as federal funding for prevention continues to decline.

YWCA Minneapolis Contact Plus program is improving those odds, one classroom at a time. Each year, more than 300 young people across 10 Twin Cities sites come together to learn, ask questions, better understand themselves, and build healthy relationships. It’s a space where they feel comfortable being curious—and safe enough to laugh, too.

Support shows up through individuals who step forward in powerful ways. Katy McClure is a first-time YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon racer. She’s using the triathlon as an opportunity to face her fear of open-water swimming, honor her mother and grandmother and fundraise for early childhood education, youth development and wellness programs.

“Growing up, my mom was essentially a single mother,” Katy said. “Raising us with a disability, she looked for support from other women. So, I feel that raising funds or awareness of how YWCA empowers women is really meaningful.”

Interested in sponsoring an event? Please email Wendy Blethen, Corporate and Community Partnerships Manager.

Your generosity powers education, wellness and opportunity for women, children and families across our community. We invite you to join our monthly giving community—a group of changemakers sustaining this work year-round.

See if your employer will match your gift. Many companies do, which can double the impact of your donation.