|
United TV Highlights the Resilience Fund and YWCA Delaware's Lifesaving Work
As we continue raising the remaining $650,000 needed to reach our $1.5 million Resilience Fund goal by March 2027, we invite you to watch this inspiring episode of United TV's Weekly Update.
We are deeply grateful to Kemal Erkan, CEO of United Medical and Chair of YWCA Delaware’s Resilience Fund Advisory Committee, for helping us amplify the message of how our housing, SARC, and economic empowerment programs work together to create life-changing outcomes and why our critical services must be protected. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Tokira, one of our former clients, whose courage in sharing her story reflects the strength we see every day in the people we serve. None of our work would be possible without our extraordinary staff, who build trusted relationships and restore hope for the people we serve.
As our CEO, Melissa Gonville, shared in the interview, “One of the most gratifying moments in our work is watching someone go from having nowhere to go to holding the keys to their own home.” That transformation is the heartbeat of YWCA Delaware. If you feel moved by what you hear, please know that every gift, of any size, helps protect our critical services.
| | |
Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses Leading Delaware Forward
This August, YWCA Delaware is proud to honor and uplift the incredible Black entrepreneurs who strengthen, inspire, and lead our community every day.
Throughout the month, we'll be spotlighting local business owners, some of whom have participated in our Y Elevate Small Business Program and continue to make a meaningful impact across Delaware — from creative arts and fashion to STEM education, food service, and housing support.
These leaders embody innovation, resilience, and community care. Their businesses empower women, create opportunities, and make our communities unique.
Join us in celebrating their work, sharing their stories, and supporting Black‑owned businesses all month long.
| |
Help Someone Discover YWCA Delaware
If you've ever wished more people knew about the work YWCA Delaware is doing, this is an easy way to help. Invite a friend, coworker, neighbor, or family member to join you at our Celebration Breakfast on Wednesday, October 7th as a Community Champion.
One invitation could introduce someone to powerful stories behind YWCA Delaware’s life-changing impact. It might even inspire them to get involved. Visit www.ywcade.org/breakfast to get involved!
| | |
Find Your Voice at Work - Free Career Development Workshop
Finding your voice at work can change everything — and this October, YWCA Delaware is offering a free, interactive workshop designed to help you speak up with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Join us on Thursday, October 22 from 6:00–7:30 PM at 709 N. Madison Street in Wilmington for Find Your Voice at Work. This career development session will teach you how to communicate your ideas effectively, navigate challenging conversations, express disagreement respectfully, and advocate for yourself in ways that strengthen your professional presence.
Open to ages 18+, this workshop is facilitated by D’Veda Mitchell, CSP, DuPont Early Career Talent Lead, and will provide practical tools you can start using immediately to become more visible, confident, and empowered in your workplace.
| | |
Strengthening Delaware's Working Families: Inside YWCA Delaware's ALICE Asset Building Program
YWCA Delaware's Asset Building Program Manager, June Crockett, breaks down how our ALICE Asset Building Program helps working households strengthen their financial foundation through coaching, savings support, credit improvement, and homeownership preparation.
If you're working full time, paying the bills, and still can't seem to get ahead, you may be eligible to receive two years of free financial counseling support through YWCA Delaware and access to our match savings program.
Join one of our upcoming Zoom information sessions to learn more about our services and check your eligibility at https://www.ywcade.org/alice.
Upcoming Online Information Sessions (Zoom):
- Tuesday, August 18th at 6 PM
- Wednesday, August 19th at 12 PM
- Thursday, August 20th at 7 PM
- Tuesday, September 22nd at 6 PM
- Wednesday, September 23rd at 12 PM
- Thursday, September 24th at 7 PM
| | |
Join Our HERSTORY Intergenerational Conversations
What happens when an 18-year-old woman and an 80-year-old woman get together to talk about life? We hope they both walk away thinking, "I've learned something from her that I didn't know before."
HERSTORY is a new intergenerational conversation series designed to celebrate the wisdom, experiences, and perspectives that exist at every stage of life. Through guided discussions, reflective activities, and authentic storytelling, the series creates space for women to share, listen, and explore how our lives and perspectives can differ and sometimes overlap.
A conversation across generations might touch on career experiences, leadership, self-advocacy, navigating change, or the stories that have shaped us. It might offer a new perspective, bring a familiar experience into focus, or simply provide an opportunity to meet someone whose life looks different from your own. There is no single takeaway. The value is in making space for women to connect and share their stories.
Join us for one of two September HERSTORY conversations:
In person: Route 9 Library & Innovation Center
September 22 | 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Virtual: Zoom
September 24 | 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Women of all ages 18+ are welcome. These September conversations are a preview of our 2027 HERSTORY four-part series, which will explore roots, resilience, power, and legacy across generations.
| | |
YWCA Delaware Honors the Hereos Among Us
In April, our Director of Facilities, Barry Ford, and our Support Services Specialist, Ernisha Futch, responded to a ceiling fire emergency at our Home-Life Management Center with courage, selflessness, and quick thinking.
Barry took immediate action to extinguish the fire before the fire department arrived. Ernisha moved throughout the building, crawling through smoke-filled hallways and entering rooms to open windows, assist emergency response efforts, and confirm that all residents and clients had safely evacuated our facility.
The New Castle County Government has recognized both Barry and Ernisha for their heroic efforts. We are incredibly grateful for their willingness to act decisively in a moment of crisis. Their professionalism exemplifies the highest ideals of public service, leadership, and community stewardship.
| | |
YWCA Delaware 2026 Legislative Advocacy Impact Report
As the 153rd General Assembly session concludes, YWCA Delaware reflects on the strides we’ve made toward creating a more just and equitable society.
In 2026, YWCA Delaware tracked 69 bills — 40 of which we publicly supported and passed, and 3 harmful bills were defeated.
We made public comment on 25 bills and are proud of our advocacy wins across civil rights, housing stability, health equity, economic empowerment, and nonprofit capacity.
Major victories include:
- Creation of the Office of New Americans (SB 27)
- Private detention facility ban (HB 151)
- Expanded protections for human trafficking survivors (HB 201)
- Improved renter information access (HB 311)
- Advancement of four significant constitutional amendments related to voting rights, marriage equality, and democratic participation
We thank our community, advocates, and partners for standing alongside us. Every message, event, and action taken reinforces our collective commitment to equity and civil liberties. With your support, we’re prepared to continue to advocate for our mission through 2026 and beyond.
| | |
Meet Jada Fisher: Putting Her Passion to Work
Jada Fisher has long known she wants to help children. Now, as a summer intern at YWCA Delaware, she’s turning that passion into hands-on experience. From leading activities with children to learning more about how YWCA Delaware operates, Jada is discovering just how much there is to learn, and how much she has to offer.
| | |
Step inside a place built on hope, compassion, and community. During a YWCA Delaware Mission Tour, you’ll see how we provide a supportive environment where individuals and families are welcomed with dignity, connected to resources, and empowered to create a path forward.
Upcoming Mission Tour Dates:
- Tuesday, August 18 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 24 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 15 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Monday, October 26 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 12 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 19 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
| YWCA Delaware's SARC Team in the Community | |
Our Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) team is getting out into the community! Stop by and say hello, learn more about our free and confidential SARC’s services, and connect with our team at these upcoming community events.
Tuesday, August 11 - Greenwood Police Department National Night Out
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Greenwood Fire Department
12611 Fire Hall Ave, Greenwood, DE 19950
Link
Saturday, August 15 - The Heart of Jessup St. Community Block Party
& Health Fair
1602 Jessup St., Wilmington, DE 19802
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Link
Saturday, August 29 - Balia Con Dover Latin Festival
11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
410 Legislative Ave, Dover, DE 19901
Link
| | |
YWCA Delaware Locations
100 W 10th St, Ste 515, Wilmington, DE 19801
709 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
701 N. Clayton Street, Wilmington, DE 19805
15 Reads Way, Suite 200, New Castle, DE 19720
20123 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947
| |
|
YWCA Delaware is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
(302) 655-0039
www.ywcade.org
| | | | |
