May 6, 2022
Our community turned out and made it known that
we stand together to dismantle racism
Thank you to everyone who took a stand against racism with YWCA Evanston/North Shore! Hundreds of people joined us in Evanston, Skokie, and Wilmette to build community awareness on the impact of systemic racism.

Click here to view pictures from the event!
Did you miss our Keynote Speaker, Loretta J. Ross?
Loretta Ross, activist and professor, joined us to talk about her methods of calling in allies to further racial equity.

We are grateful to everyone who took a visible stand against racism
Thank you to all of the organizations who came out to stand with us, including:

The Block Museum of Art, Evanston Public Library, Open Communities, Ridgeville Park District, Lincoln Jr. High School in Village of Skokie, Benedictines for Peace, Roycemore School, Skokie Park District, Unitarian Church of Evanston, Lincoln Elementary School in Evanston/Skokie School District 65, Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, and YWCA Shop For Good
Roe v. Wade was a landmark decision issued in 1973 which legalized abortion across the United States. This ruling meant that women no longer had to risk injury – or even death – by seeking abortions from unlicensed providers or dangerous home remedies. Our bodies are our own, without this fundamental human right we will never achieve equity.

Once again, our freedom of choice is under attack. Although the Supreme Court has not made a final decision, the opinion draft is concerning and unprecedented. Lack of abortion access has a devastating impact on all women, and disproportionately affects young women, women of color, and low- income women. We must, and will, continue to fight for our reproductive rights.

Here are some actions you can take to protect women nationwide and in your community:


If you need access to abortion care, visit abortionfinder.org
Partner Spotlight
Thank you Baxter for supporting the Race Against Hate!
We are grateful for our continued partnership with Baxter for YWCA Evanston/North Shore's Race Against Hate! Baxter is not only a sponsor but is also working to engage as many employees as possible as runners, walkers and donors! We are excited about their commitment to further equity and racial justice.

Is your organization interested in becoming a sponsor for the Race Against Hate? Sponsors are highlighted in promotional materials and have the opportunity to have a table on the field on Race Day!

Contact Trimmy Stamell at tstamell@ywca-ens.org for more information.
2022 Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate

Juneteenth, Sunday June 19, 2022 @ 7:30 am
Floyd Long Field, 2436 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL

5/10K Run/Walk, Youth Mile/Half Mile

Each year, the Race Against Hate brings together thousands of people from all over Chicagoland to run and walk in unity against racial hatred and violence. The event memorializes Ricky Byrdsong, former Northwestern University men's basketball coach and Vice President of Community Affairs at Aon Corporation, who, while walking with two of his young children, was murdered by a white supremacist in 1999. After modifying the event for the past two years to accommodate safety protocols, we are thrilled to once again come together as a community on this Juneteenth to raise awareness and funds to support the YWCA's anti-racism and violence prevention services.
Volunteer for the Race!

Are you interested in volunteering for the Race Against Hate? We have many different opportunities to get involved on the day of the race and the week leading up to race day!

Click here to see volunteer options and fill out an interest form!
Don't miss Evanston’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Parade: Opal's National Walk for Freedom on Saturday, June 18th

Juneteenth, now officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people which occurred two and a half years after the emancipation proclamation and originated in Galveston, Texas. This year's parade honors Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth and Nobel Peace Prize nominee!
The Opal's Walk for Freedom will showcase the unifying impact of Juneteenth to bring people together to celebrate the national holiday and will also have the international performance team Jesse White Tumblers a part of the parade! 
Deepen Your Impact
You can impact individuals across our communities by giving to YWCA.
 
Your gift provides domestic violence services, financial education, job training, and racial equity workshops. Your gift means women, children, and families will get the support they need to move forward. Your gift means hope for the future.
 
Ready to do more? Turn your compassion into action by making a gift today.
We’ve received a challenge grant from an anonymous funder that will match your gift dollar-for-dollar, and double your impact!

Click here to learn how you can make a difference today
Aquatics Program
Don't miss the 24-hr Relay for Oz on May 21 and 22

Oswald Roper died in 2013, but he taught swimming and coached at YWCA Evanston/North Shore for 20 years, and shared deeply in YWCA’s belief that all children should learn to swim. In his honor, the Oswald Roper Memorial Fund, the Oz Swim Meet and the 24-hour Relay for Oz were started to provide funding for aquatics outreach and scholarships so that all children could have access to swimming lessons. Click here for more information.
Join the YW for Summer Camp!

Our half-day camp is centered on competitive swimming, learning and socializing. We'll focus on developmentally-appropriate technique work and training, water safety, and having a lot of fun, in and out of the water. Swimmers can strengthen friendships and make new friends during each weekly session. We'll use both pools and our new classrooms. 
Economic Advancement Program
YW Culinary is a free 12-week job training program designed to prepare students for productive careers in Chicagoland’s vibrant food service industry. Students will have the opportunity to put newly acquired skills to practice from day one. Instruction will take place every morning and hands on practice will occur every afternoon.

Interested? Click the 'apply now' button below to complete the cohort application. At the end of the application, please confirm your attendance to the upcoming information session on Wed May 11, 10:30-11:30 am cst.
Advanced Financial Workshops is a series of free workshops is for people who want to take their financial knowledge to the next level. Led by Patty Finley, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones Investments, these workshops cover the basics of investing, budgeting, and tools for retirement.

Don't miss our final workshop:

Four Pillars of the New Retirement, Wed June 1, 12:00-1:00 pm cst
Equity Institute
Introducing YWCA's New Equity Learning Sessions

Since 2016, we've held an annual Equity Summit, bringing together community members and equity practitioners to share emerging frameworks, models, and practices with the hopes of advancing racial equity and transforming our communities. This year, instead of a two-day convening, we are sponsoring unique learning sessions throughout the year led by community facilitators and special guests.

If you are a racial equity facilitator interested in presenting, click here to apply and learn more

If you are a person interested in growing your toolbox for transforming yourself, your community, or your institution toward equity, click here to share what you want to learn.
YW Shops
820 Dempster St, Evanston, IL
Tuesday – Thursday, 12 pm – 5 pm
Friday and Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
1107 Central Avenue in Wilmette
Tuesday -Thursday, 12 pm -5 pm
Friday and Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
100% of profits from YW Shops support our domestic violence and economic advancement programs, helping hundreds of women and children throughout northeastern Cook County.
Visit Crowded Closet at the Evanston Arts and Crafts Beverage Crawl on May 19th
Come visit us on Dempster Street for the Evanston Arts and Craft Beverage Crawl on Thursday, May 19 from 5-8 pm! Check out our newest arrivals for Spring and Summer, and wearable art by local fabric artist Juli Litzkow.

Join Our Team!
Current job opportunities at YWCA Evanston/North Shore

Learn more by clicking the link below:



YWCA Evanston/North Shore is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Our Domestic Violence Services are available free of charge to anyone who needs them.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 847-864-8780 or (toll free) 877-718-1868 anytime, day or night.

We're here for you.
Let us know what you're interested in...
Stay in touch! Tell us what you're interested in and we'll make sure you're among the first to know about classes, news, and opportunities. Sign up here.
Thank you to our Corporate Partners!
YWCA Evanston/North Shore | Phone 847-864-8445 | ywca@ywca-ens.org | www.ywca-ens.org
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