Dear Friends,
Spring is a time of new growth, so it serves as a perfect backdrop for our upcoming racial justice events and approaching this issue from a fresh perspective.
As the weather warms and daylight extends, we encourage you to open your minds to new ways of thinking about and working toward equity and justice by attending our Equity Summit on April 10-11. The event includes a keynote speech by award-winning change agent Gail Christoper, workshops, and the release of a report on the State of Equity in Evanston.
You also can connect with others on the issue of race at our “Let’s Talk at Lunch” sessions in the coming weeks. And our annual Stand Against Racism is scheduled for late April.
The highlight of our upcoming racial justice events is our annual Race Against Hate in June. This year marks 20 years of the race, and registration is now open.
Spring is almost here. Let’s move forward together.
Karen Singer
President/CEO
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The Equity Summit is for everyone. The goal is to bring people – of all ages and demographics – together to deepen their understanding of their own racial identities, develop skills to work for change, formulate action plans, and engage with others.
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Registration is now open for the 20th annual Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate on June 16. Register before April 5 and you'l get early registration prices! And, if you’re looking for ways to get both your mind and body in shape for the race, check out these creative ideas:
Getting Ready for the Race.
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Racism affects us all. By standing together, we raise awareness and build community. This year, we’re devoting two days to the
Stand Against Racism.
Save the date for the Stand in The Stand in Evanston on Wednesday, April 24 and in Skokie on Thursday, April 25. More information to come!
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From our Policy and Advocacy Manager: Historic minimum wage law will make a difference to women and families
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At YWCA Evanston/North Shore, our mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. A critical component of this social justice vision is workers’ rights. We believe that all people have the right to economic security and should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential in the workforce.
As part of our increased focus on advocacy, we are working hard to champion policy initiatives that encourage economic advancement for women, particularly for women of color.
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Your support makes it possible:
Saswan and Amal's swim story
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"Joining YWCA in fall 2018 has opened new doors for my daughter, Amal, a lovely third grader diagnosed with generalized anxiety and sensory integration dysfunction a few years back.
The journey into regaining strength, confidence, coping skills, and battling worries and fears has been full of twists and turns for both of us; but we gratefully cherish the compassionate support of many kind hearts and prayers.
YWCA is one such big heart and haven, which would not have been accessible to Amal, and my obligations as a single parent, without the generous support of the financial scholarship....."
Continue reading
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YWCA Shop for Good officially launched
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Karen Singer presided over a ribbon cutting on March 14 to officially launch the
YWCA Shop for Good, our women’s resale shop at 1107 Central Avenue in Wilmette. We acquired this exciting new social enterprise in July of 2018, and just finished renovations. Come visit!
Are you interested in supporting the Shop for Good? We need volunteers! If you like clothes, people, and working for the greater good, become a volunteer sales associate. You must be able to commit to a weekly 2.5 hour shift. If you’re interested, email Gina Griffin-Hill at
ggriffin-hill@ywca-ens.org
Please also donate your seasonal, gently-loved clothes, accessories, and jewelry to the shop. Learn more
here.
Photo: Karen Singer cuts the ribbon at the new YWCA Shop for Good in Wilmette while Marko Djurovic, store manager, looks on.
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Call for nominations for the 2019 YWomen Leadership Awards
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Since 2008, the YWomen has recognized, supported, and honored women from Evanston and neighboring North Shore communities for their commitment to women’s empowerment, racial justice and social activism. A total of three awards are presented each year to women who through research, activism, education or creative expression have improved the lives of women and/or addressed the impact of racial inequities. Nominees must live work or volunteer in the 16 communities that comprise northeastern Cook County.
Is there a woman you'd like to nominate? Do not hesitate to nominate someone even if you do not know everything about her. Staff can do background research and feel free to share this link with others.
All nominations are due April 1st. Link to nomination form
here.
The 2019 YWomen Leadership Celebration will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Save the date!
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Become a monthly donor and make your giving easier!
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You can make a difference all year long by giving monthly to YWCA. It’s easy, just click “recurring gift” on the donation form.
For just $10 a month, you can support survivors as they move from abuse and trauma, to healing and hope. Your gift supports …
- emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence
- longer-term housing and support services for women and children
- counseling and safety planning
- legal services support
- financial education workshops and coaching
- job readiness training and housing referrals
Please don’t wait! Become a Monthly Donor now—because your gift makes a difference.
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We love our Corporate Partners!
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YWCA Evanston/North Shore | Phone 847-864-8445 | ywca@ywca-ens.org | www.ywca-ens.org
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