Join YWCA Delaware this month as we celebrate with Black History Month BINGO, take action with our Fines and Fees Reform Recap, meet Ella in our YWCA Intern Spotlight, and support Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by wearing orange! Plus, survivors can take advantage of our Healthy Relationship Resources Yoga, the mobile health clinic will be onsite, and you can join in Healing Community Conversations.

Join Us for Black History Month Bingo on Tuesday, February 18

Think you know Delaware’s Black history? Hop on Zoom to put your knowledge to the test during your lunch break on Tuesday, February 18 from 12 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with YWCA Delaware and United Way of Delaware. Learn and play for book prizes! (Book prizes are available for pickup only at YWCA Delaware's administrative office, 100 W. 10th Street, Wilmington, DE 19808.)

Watch Now Fines, Fees, and You: Progress in the First State

In our recent panel discussion: "Fines, Fees, and You: Progress in the First State," our guest speakers talked about the difference between fines and fees and how fees unfairly criminalize poverty. The conversation, now available on our YouTube channel, covers the history of fines and fees, the challenges of navigating the fines and fees system and paying off compounded fees and outstanding debts, and the ongoing advocacy efforts for ending policies that criminalize poverty. 

YWCA Delaware would like to thank Senator Sarah McBride, Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, Priya Sarthi Jones, Co-Executive Director, Fines and Fees Justice Center), Rebecca Ash, Community Advocate, and Attorney Meryem Dede from the Campaign to End Debtors' Prison for their collaborative efforts and collective action to drive systemic change in Delaware. 

Interested in getting involved in the Campaign to End Debtors' Prison? Please email, Meryem Dede at mdede@tideshiftjustice.org.  

YWCA Intern Spotlight: Ella Williams' Journey

into Human Services

Meet Ella Williams, a 24-year-old Wilmington native and Delaware Technical Community College student who’s already making a difference in Human Services. During her 18-week internship at YWCA Delaware’s Home-Life Management Center, Ella gained insight into housing instability, domestic abuse, and the resilience of the human spirit. Her passion for helping others, inspired by her parents’ commitment to community service, drives her vision of becoming a licensed clinical social worker.

Thank you, Ella, for sharing your time and talents with us as you deepened your understanding of the challenges facing local Delawareans.

Pictured above is Debbie Litten, YWCA DE SARC Victim Services Director and Angela Rochester, YWCA DE SARC Program Administration Manager, on #WearOrangeDay to raise awareness on Teen Dating Violence and to promote healthy relationships.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Did you know that 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. will experience physical, emotional, or verbal abuse in a dating relationship? Sadly, only 33% of those affected ever tell someone about it. Teen dating violence is a serious public health issue that can have lasting effects on young people, impacting their self-esteem, mental health, and future relationships.

At YWCA Delaware’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC), we believe that everyone deserves a healthy relationship. SARC offers 24/7 confidential support to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. If you know a teen, parent, or caregiver who could benefit from speaking to a caring, well-trained peer advocate or accessing teen dating violence resources, please connect them with SARC at 800-773-8570.

Ready to Become a Homeowner? Let's Get You Prepared!

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—so make sure you’re prepared! Whether you’re a grandmother looking to give your grandson the gift of equity, a single father who wants to provide a permanent place for his children to grow up, a veteran looking for assistance with VA home loan benefits, a newlywed looking to invest in your future, or a longtime renter ready to take advantage of first-time homebuyer programs, YWCA Delaware is here to help you become an informed homebuyer, giving you the knowledge and confidence you need before making a milestone purchase.

Know your options, learn about different down payment assistance programs, and ways to secure a lower interest rate. Explore all of our upcoming homeownership workshops at ywcade.org/financial-counseling.

Our next free homeownership workshop, "Get Ready for Homeownership in 2025" is happening Thursday, February 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2100 Drummond Office Plaza Building, DE-2, Newark, DE, in partnership with Pike Creek Mortgage.