It's a new year, and while the landscape of policies and societal challenges may evolve, so will our determination to act. This month, we're offering housing, racial and social justice, and self-care events and resources to help strengthen our communities.

Learn about fines and fees reform in our co-hosted panel, dive into Racial Healing Conversations as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., meet our new HUD-certified housing counselor, and get ready for three free homeownership workshops to make 2025 your year for change and growth! Plus, join our free Eating Smart & Moving More course, take advantage of our mobile health clinic visits, and attend our White Ally Workshop.

YWCA Delaware Co-Hosts Panel Discussion on Fines and Fees Reform

In 2021, the National Center for Access to Justice ranked Delaware near the bottom in fines and fees policies. While legislation like HB 244 (2022) and SB 282, SB 283, and SB 284 (2024) have helped alleviate some financial burdens on vulnerable populations and improved Delaware's ranking to 23rd place nationally, there's still much room for improvement. 

You're invited to a virtual panel discussion, "Fines, Fees, and You: Progress in the First State," on January 17, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. This discussion will highlight Delaware's progress in reforming fines and fees within the criminal legal system while addressing ongoing challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Join YWCA Delaware for Racial Healing Conversations: MLK Jr. Day and Beyond

Take part in our virtual conversation on Monday, January 20, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., as we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day and observe the National Day of Racial Healing, which focuses on truth-telling, fostering connection, and inspiring collective action toward a more just and equitable world.

Racial healing creates space for open conversations about the harms of systemic and individual racism. It builds trust, strengthens communities, and lays the foundation for transforming systems and structures to affirm the value of all people.

Healing from the effects of racism requires ongoing dialogue and effort, which is why we're continuing monthly virtual racial healing conversations every 2nd Monday, beginning on February 10, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. We hope you will join us on this journey toward healing and equity.

YWCA Welcomes John Reed as Financial Empowerment Counselor

YWCA Delaware is proud to welcome John Reed as the new Financial Empowerment Counselor. John brings over 19 years of experience, including 15 years as a real estate agent and four years as a HUD-certified housing counselor.

In his new role, he’ll provide personalized, one-on-one counseling sessions to assess clients’ needs, offer home-buying and renting guidance, and assist with mortgage default/foreclosure prevention. He will also work closely with clients on credit improvement and effective financial management strategies. 

Build Your Path to Homeownership: Free Workshops for Women and Families

YWCA Delaware is thrilled to offer three free educational opportunities to empower women, families, and young adults (ages 18 and older) with the tools they need to prepare for homeownership. We're bringing together experts to guide you through improving your credit, creating budgets, and exploring resources like first-time homebuyer grants. Whether you're a parent equipping your young adult with lifelong financial literacy skills or an individual ready to pivot from renting to owning, these workshops provide invaluable insights to help you build generational wealth.

Upcoming Workshops:

Lending & Homeownership Essentials in partnership with Fulton Bank

Virtual 30-minute sessions:

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at noon. 

In-Person Seminar: Saturday, January 25, from noon to 2:00 p.m.

Location: 500 Dupont Field Blvd., Suite 340, Greenville, DE (next to Wegman's).

Lunch is included, plus one-on-one sessions are available after the seminar. 

Register here

Get Ready for Homeownership in 2025 in partnership with Pike Creek Mortgage

Thursday, January 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Location: 2100 Drummond Office Plaza Bldg, DE-2, Newark, DE

Register here

"From Renter to Owner – The Ultimate First-Time Homebuyer Program" in partnership with Movement Mortgage Virtual 90-minute session:

Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Register Here

Eating Smart and Moving More on a Budget - Free Course

Can your family eat healthier and stay active, even on a tight budget? The answer is YES! YWCA Delaware, in partnership with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, invites you to join Eating Smart & Moving More, a free six-session course designed to help families make healthy choices.

Date: Wednesdays, February 5 - March 12, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: YWCA Home-Life Management Center, 709 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE

In this course, you'll learn how to eat healthy, save money at the grocery store, keep food safe, stay active, and plan nutritious meals for your family. Complete the course by attending at least four of the six sessions (including the final session on March 12) to receive a certificate of completion, non-perishable groceries, kitchen gadgets, and a cookbook or calendar.

Strengthen Your Allyship: Participate in YWCA Delaware's White Ally Workshop

We're inviting you to take action toward building a more inclusive and just community. Our White Ally Workshop on Saturday, February 1, 2025, will equip you with the tools to engage in challenging yet essential conversations about racism, bias, and inequity. Guided by Dr. David Campt’s White Ally Toolkit, this workshop will teach you how to confront harmful stereotypes and microaggressions while engaging in meaningful discussions on race, politics, LGBTQ+ topics, and more. This workshop is your chance to grow as an ally and create a future where everyone can thrive.

Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W 13th St, Wilmington, DE

Ticket Prices: Young Adults (18-30): $60 | Adults: $110