Message from CEO

Dear YWCA Family,

Election Day, and over the past month, millions of Americans exercised their right to vote in one of the most pivotal elections of our time. The democratic tradition of a free and fair election and the peaceful transition of power lies at the heart of our nation, and the voice of the people shapes our future. Today, I want to acknowledge the importance of this moment and encourage us to take space to process the results. I imagine we are individually experiencing a range of emotions. Please be gentle with yourselves and one another and practice collective care. I also want to remind us of the critical importance of our work as we all process the election.

With the re-election of Donald Trump, we may feel various emotions about the road ahead. Remember, however, that no single leader defines our mission or the progress we work toward daily. Let us take this moment to reflect on the significance of our shared work in advancing equity and inclusion. We will continue to drive change and create a stronger, more inclusive community. Let us support one another in this critical time and reaffirm our dedication to our mission.

The YWCA remains dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment that respects diverse viewpoints, guided by our core values of being People-centered, Community-focused, and Collaborative. This election season has brought deep emotions and diverse perspectives, yet our strength lies in our shared mission and commitment to unity. Let us use this moment to reaffirm our dedication to Racial and Gender Equity by cultivating attitudes, practices, and a culture that embraces the power of community and values every voice. Together, through collaboration and inclusivity, we can continue learning from each other and building a future rooted in these principles.

Warm Regards,

Deborah Hall

CEO, YWCA Central Massachusetts

#InvestinHER

A key moment of this year’s Women's Initiative Stepping Up for Girls event was the heartfelt testimony of Michelle and Jochebed, members of our YWCA Transformations program, which is funded by the Women’s Initiative, United Way Central Massachusetts, to support adolescent girls in personal development, self-expression, and leadership.

Michelle and Jocabed shared how Transformations has been a transformative experience, helping them find their voices, build resilience, and cultivate confidence as they move into adulthood. Their testimonies moved many in the audience to tears, capturing the true spirit of the program and the life-changing support it provides.

The impact of their words resonated widely and even caught the attention of Massachusetts Senator Robyn Kennedy, who gave them a special shoutout, underscoring the vital role that the YWCA and programs like Transformations play in empowering young women to step into leadership and advocate for themselves.

Advocacy

With our mission and communities in mind, YWCA advocates at the federal, state, and local levels for practical solutions that meet the needs of women, girls, and marginalized communities that bring us closer to eliminating racism, empowering women, and ensuring peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Domestic Violence Bills

S2934, Ensuring domestic violence victims' protections for all employees in the Commonwealth Learn more

Bill H.1399 An Act relative to controlling and abusive litigation. Learn more.

Bill H.1795 An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium. Learn more.

Women Empowerment Bills

ERA: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.

Fight and get the Equal Rights Amendment into the Constitution. Take action .

#ReproductiveJustice Abortion Justice Act (AJA): The bill would protect patients, including providers, from criminalization; address systemic barriers to care; ensure abortion care is covered by insurance; and call for necessary federal investments in abortion care, including training, research, outreach, doula care, innovation, and access. Take action.

Child Care

Healthy Families Act: The HFA (S.1664/HR 3409) would create a national standard so that people at workplaces with 15 or more employees are able to earn up to seven, job-protected paid sick or safe days per year, and job-protected unpaid leave for workers in smaller settings. Learn more and take action

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

The CTC supports the basic needs of families with children – from food to utilities to childcare and more; this policy has proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty. Take Action

What's Happening at the YW

Holiday Gift Drive

Help families in need this holiday season! All contributions made to the drive will be given to individuals and families in need served by YWCA programs.

Gifts can be sent to or dropped-off by December 13 at YWCA Central Massachusetts, 1 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608. For more information contact info@ywcacm.org or 508-767-2505, x108.

Gift List

Giving Tuesday

The YWCA Central Massachusetts will be participating in #GivingTuesday on Dec. 3, 2024!

Mark your calendar for Dec 3, 2024 and plan to give on December 3. Spread the word. Encourage your friends and family to join you in creating real impact.

Donate

Private Swim Lessons

YWCA Central Massachusetts offers private swim lessons that allow clients to have one-on-one training in the pool with a qualified instructor at their own pace.

Available November 10 - January 4.

Lessons are valid for 12 months and can be purchased at our Front Desk.

Questions? Contact John Dwinell by calling 508-767-2505, ext. 129.

We are hiring!

YWCA Central Massachusetts’ Early Education program, located in Worcester and Westborough is looking for passionate individuals to fill early education positions.

Apply now and help shape the future of young minds.

Apply Now

The YWCA received grant funding from the following organizations between July - October, 2024 in support of our mission and service to girls, women and their families. Thank you to the following:

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Massachusetts Bar Foundation

Nypro Foundation

Price Chopper/Golub Foundation

TJX Foundation

UniBank

Women’s Initiative, United Way of Central Massachusetts

Mark Your Calendar

November: Native American History Month

Nov. 21: Native Women's Equal Pay Day

Looking Ahead

Dec. 3: Giving Tuesday

Dec. 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Dec. 5: International Volunteer Day

Dec. 10: International Human Rights Day

ELIMINATING RACISM. EMPOWERING WOMEN.

YWCA CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS | YWCACM.ORG | 508-767-2505

For more than 135 years, the YWCA Central Massachusetts has served as a life-long positive force for women and girls, their families and communities. By leveraging the reach, power and passion of our supporters and community, we have created lasting change.