YWCA MAKING A DIFFERENCE 
Celebrating YWCA Southeastern MA 
Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
2016 Unsung Heroine Award Honoree
We are pleased to announce that YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts's Executive Director Gail Fortes, has received the 2016 Unsung Heroine Award. Gail was nominated by Senator Mark Montigny for this award.

"The Unsung Heroines are women who don't always make the news, but truly make the difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together and every community has them."
-Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women


Click HERE to view Full list of 2016 Unsung Heroine Honorees

(Below) From left to right, 2016 Unsung Heroine Awardee Ellie Marland, Senator Mark Montigny, and 2016 Unsung Heroine Awardee Gail Fortes
7th Annual Women of Distinction Awards
On the evening of Thursday, May 26, 2016, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts honored eight astounding women.  Six of the women received the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.  Jennifer Blum,  a domestic violence survivor who is the founder and Executive Director of The Help Save Foundation.  She also started the "Your Beautiful" project which donates necessities to domestic violence survivors and "Girl Talk" a program that educates young women about domestic violence and resources to get help.  Jeanne Costa, long term Department of Social Services employee, Neighborhood Planner and Founder of "The Cultural Consultants" promoting diverse artists and art.  Diann Haynes is the Administrative Services Manager for New Directions; she serves on multiple boards such as The Historical Society and NAACP.  Senator Joan Menard, former state Senator, currently employed at Bristol Community College as the Vice-President of Workforce Development, Lifelong Learning, Grant Development and External Affairs.  June Pina, serving children for over 35 years as an educator at New Bedford Public Schools and Our Sisters' School and Maria Rosario, Executive Director of North Star Learning Centers, dedicating her career to serving disadvantaged children and people of New Bedford.  The Yvonne M. Drayton Award was presented to Nicole Almeida, Former YWCA Board President and current Vice President of Community Banking and Corporate Development Officer for Bay Coast Bank. The 2016 Spirit of Leadership awardee was Ine Ogagan, a clinical social worker and former YWCA Board Member.  Each of these women have dedicated their lives to improving the community here in  the Southcoast.  Congratulations to all our 2016 awardees!
Women's Advocacy Day 2016!
(Above) Left to Right, Representative Paul Schmid, Representative Carole Fiola, and Representative Alan Silvia.

On May 24, 2016, 150 delegates from various schools and organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts came together to advocate for the rights of women and families as part of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women's Annual Advocacy Day at the State House in Boston. The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts, The Women's Fund, Durfee High School, Apponequet High School, Global Learning Charter Public School, Mayor's Youth Council, and Action for Women of Southeastern Massachusetts, among many others, met with elected officials who serve Bristol County.  Equal Pay, Universal Pre-K and Paid Family Medical Leave were among the many topics discussed.
 YWCA Executive Director, Gail Fortes, was filmed by Mike Moniz (Dartmouth Community Television) while interviewing elected officials and students.
(Above) Representative Alan Silvia speaking to Durfee Students. (Below) Senator Michael Rodrigues emphasizing how important it is to use the democratic process and keep open communication with elected officials.
(Below) Left to right, Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS) Students, (GLCPS) Home/School Liason Cyndi Colson and YWCA SEMA Community Health Worker Ana Silva. Inside Boston State House embarking on their journey on Advocacy Day!
(Above) Left to right, Global Learning Charter Public School Students and Representative Paul Schmid. 
 
STAND AGAINST RACISM 2016
(above) UMASS Dartmouth 
Bristol Community College (below) 
Taking a Stand Against Racism
 


Sister 2 Sister 2016 at UMASS Dartmouth
 
Summer is here!  YWCA has great  
Summer Programs at YWkids and Girls Exclusive!

Click HERE to receive more information on our summer Programs!


YW kids is moving to Lincoln School




Become a member of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts and help us impact the lives of the community through advocacy, leadership development, racial justice and economic advancement.

Click the links below for more information


YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
508-999-3255 | 508-999-2802
[email protected]
ywcasema.org