Dear Friend of YWCA Boulder County,
Happy New Year! As we reflect on the unforgettable and challenging year that was 2020, we're incredibly proud of all we accomplished together and the many ways we helped our community. Despite facing obstacles we never imagined we'd face, we stayed focused on our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women and worked hard to meet the needs of our constituents.
As an organization on the frontlines of racial justice and equity work, we remain as committed as ever to the work we must do to address the need for social justice in our society. We implemented a series of racial justice trainings and continue to build out the program. We also adapted our Reading to End Racism (RER) program and changed it from an in-person format to a virtual format so we could continue to engage students in the community about racism. We pivoted our STEM E3 program and created virtual sessions so young women of color in our community could continue participating in our hands-on, real-world program emphasizing education, employment, and entrepreneurship (E3) through STEM technology.
We're so grateful for the generous support of our donors who helped us to fully remodel and expand Persimmon Early Learning of the YWCA (formerly Children’s Alley). Our students and teachers have been enjoying and thriving in our newly expanded indoor and outdoor learning areas that provide a nurturing, creative space for children to learn and grow. We're also grateful for our donors who contributed to our 2020 holiday gift drive. Thanks to their support, we were able to assist families who needed a little extra help with holiday gifts and matched them with donors who were excited to give back and spread some holiday cheer.
Now more than ever, YWCA Boulder County's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women is critical. We demand a world of equity and human decency and envision a world of opportunity. We commit ourselves to the work of racial justice. With your support, we'll get up and do the work until injustice is rooted out, until institutions are transformed, and until the world sees women, girls and people of color the way we do: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.
Best regards,
|
|
Debbie Pope, CEO
YWCA Boulder County
|
|
Closing the Inequity Gap for Women in the Workplace
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Free Webinar
|
|
Join the YWCA and an esteemed panel of experts to continue our discussion about the current “Shecession” and the greater gaps taking place in an already unequitable work force for women.
According to the latest jobs report released for December, employers cut 140,000 jobs in December, revealing that women accounted for all the job losses while men gained 16,000.
We will be taking a closer look at the pre-pandemic gender pay wage gap of an average, full-time, employed women earning only 81 cents, on average, for every dollar of their male peers. The gaps and inequities deepen for women of color. Pre-pandemic, the pay wage gaps are significantly greater for Black, Latina and Native American women.
This critical discussion will not only identify the greatest challenges creating these gaps, but also look at what women and allies need to do to accelerate equity for women in the workplace. Register today!
Panelists include:
Anne E. Winkler
Chair and Professor of Economics
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Author, “The Economics of Women, Men and Work”
Sabrina Valpone
PhD at the University of Colorado/Leeds School of Business and Director, Diversity and Identity Management Lab
Debbie Pope
CEO, YWCA Boulder County
|
|
2021 Gala: Lights, Camera, TAKE ACTION
Tuesday, March 9 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
|
|
Mark your calendars for our 2021 Virtual Gala "Lights, Camera, TAKE ACTION"! We look forward to coming together for an inspirational hour to rally around our mission to Eliminate Racism and Empower Women, and to fuel our programs.
Tickets go on sale February 1st, with options for food and wine delivery to make it a special night! Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
|
|
Sign-Up for our next Being an Anti-racist Virtual Training Series |
|
We have another series of our popular Being an Anti-racist training starting in February. This training series is for individuals who are committed to learning more about the personal, interpersonal, institutional and structural systems of racism that can lead to informed action and transformation of a community determined to end racism.
A $100 Donation per ticket covers the cost for all three sessions of the training.
When we choose to be anti-racist, we become actively conscious of race and racism, and take actions to end racial inequities in our daily lives. Being anti-racist is the belief that racism is everyone’s problem, and we all have a role to play in stopping it.
We ask that participants commit to attending all three sessions when they register, since the information will build on previous sessions.
Friday, Feb. 19: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Part One
Let's talk about and understand individual and interpersonal racism with the intent of reflection and discovery.
Friday, Feb. 26: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Part Two
Let's learn and understand institutional and structural racism to better recognize how systems and structures perpetuate racism.
Friday, March 5: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Part Three
Let's take action now to commit to the daily work of being an anti-racist.
After registering, you will receive an email with the video call-in information a couple days before the session.
|
|
Now offering Being an Anti-racist Organizational Trainings
We are now offering our Being an Anti-racist Training Series for organizations. If your business or organization would like to receive an individualized training, please contact Shiquita Yarborough at syarbrough@ywcaboulder.org to learn more and for pricing information. |
|
February STEM E3 Jam Session Sign-Ups |
|
Friday, Feb. 12, 2021
11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Calling all 5-8th grade girls of color!
Join us for a free introduction to coding and participate in hands-on coding activities. Hear from an employee panel from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on their experiences as women in STEM.
The first 10 girls to log-on on Feb. 12 will receive a prize!
|
|
Call for Reading to End Racism Volunteers |
|
Friday, January 29, 2021
Uni Hill Elementary School
Online RER readings through Zoom
We are excited to be back in action with our Reading to End Racism (RER) Program in local elementary schools, beginning with our first virtual session at Uni Hill Elementary, 1st through 5th grade, on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021.
We are especially in need of bilingual, Spanish-speaking RER readers!
|
|
Free "Incredible Years" Parenting Class - Jan. 25 |
|
Monday Nights, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
January 25 to May 10, 2021 (no classes February 15 or March 22)
Virtually via Zoom
The Incredible Years® evidence based parenting programs focus on strengthening parenting competencies and fostering parent involvement in children’s school experiences, to promote children’s academic, social and emotional skills and reduce conduct problems. This free course is offered by YWCA Boulder County in the spring and fall of each year for parents of children ages 3-6. Benefits include:
- Less stressful households
- Positive parent-child relationships
- Proven strategies to deal with children’s challenging behaviors
- Upgrowth of children’s social skills development
- Enhanced school-readiness for children
- Increased self-esteem and self-confidence for both parents and children
Classes are free, but registration is required. If you have questions or are interested in registering, please fill out the Incredible Years Interest Form. Learn more under Family Services and Parenting Classes here.
|
|
Exciting New Year at Persimmon Early Learning |
|
Last week we reached an exciting milestone for the expansion of Persimmon Early Learning: kids in our new classroom! Our Toddler class was thrilled to explore their new space, cubbies, bookcases and reading areas. Our Infant Development Center is operating at capacity and the Preschool Classroom is refilling with smiling faces after the holidays.
Persimmon Early Learning is also excited about its new assessment tool, COR Advantage, an assessment platform that allows us to track 36 developmental indicators over eight areas of growth. COR Advantage tracks child development, milestones and kindergarten readiness. Each child will have their own portfolio of teacher observations, photos and documentation their parents can see.
Our teachers are working hard to continue their curriculum work with Storybook Journey and Brain Gym. Storybook Journey was developed as a way to take a book or story and expand upon its themes and lessons in the classroom. It allows kids to tell their own story, be the main character, and focuses on active play and whole child cognitive development.
Brain Gym is another curriculum the YWCA has been using for several years thanks to Wellness Program Coordinator Tori Anderson, a certified Brain Gym instructor. Drawing on recent research correlating brain function and movement, Brain Gym uses natural movements to teach children to coordinate their eyes, ears, hands and whole body. Tori will be creating individualized trainings for all our classrooms and teachers as part of our regular professional development plan for our teaching staff.
There's a lot of great stuff in the works as we continue to provide the same high-quality, nurturing care as the YWCA has for decades.
|
|
Persimmon Early Learning - Open Enrollment |
|
- Small class sizes and low teacher-student ratios of 1:5
- Experiential, play-based program with Storybook Journey curriculum that supports child-led interests and child development
- Colorado Shines Level 4 rating
- Highly qualified teaching team works to strengthen all areas of child growth and pre-academic skills including: social-emotional, gross and fine motor, early literacy, STEM, and social studies
- Twice-yearly parent/teacher conferences and daily communication
- Daily Active Play, Movement, and Nutrition lessons with our Wellness Coordinator
- Healthy snacks and meals prepared daily on-site by our Nutrition Coordinator
- Certified HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Living) and Breastfeeding Friendly Program
Visit our website and fill out our Interest Form to sign up for an Info Session, be notified of Virtual Tours, and begin the enrollment process today.
Online Parent Info Sessions will be held virtually every other Wednesday, including:
- Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 10-11 a.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 10-11 a.m.
|
|
Sign up for Persimmon Grove - Our Parent eNews |
|
Once a month we bring our Persimmon Early Learning classrooms to you with Persimmon Grove, our eNews for parents. Hear what each classroom has been focused on this month and learn nutrition and wellness tips too! |
|
Meet the Staff: Welcome Karina Corral |
|
What’s your title?
Manager of Community Engagement and Equity
When did you join the team at YWCA Boulder County?
I first started in the fall of 2019 as a LAS advocate, and now I am so excited to be back on the team working closely with my mentor, Shiquita Yarbrough!
What do you do at the YWCA?
I will be helping to manage our LAS and STEM E3 programs, as well as assisting Shiquita, our Director of Community Engagement and Equity, with our other programs and events.
What’s your favorite thing about YWCA Boulder County?
The YWCA’s mission is absolutely my favorite thing. The strong dedication to justice, racial equity and women empowerment are all strong core values I share with the YWCA and I could not be prouder to be a part of such an amazing organization.
What’s something people may not know about you?
I have a twin sister and am bilingual as well. Also, since this is my moment to share fun facts, I was born on January 20, which is Inauguration Day, and I have a birthmark of the United States, so as a kid I was convinced I was destined to be president one day (I still might!).
|
|
Thank you, KeyBank, 2021 Gala Sponsor |
|
|
|
Thank you, KeyBank, for being one of our first 2021 Gala Sponsors!
Your generous support and sponsorship helps us make an impact in our community.
|
|
YWCA Boulder County Events
-
Friday, Jan. 29 - RER Virtual Reading at Uni Hill Elementary - Email Karina Corral at kcorral@ywcaboulder.org to sign-up to volunteer.
-
March 9, 6:30 - 7:30 pm. - Lights, Camera, TAKE ACTION 2021 Gala - Tickets go on sale Feb. 1. Stay tuned for more details!
|
|
Women's History
Legislators in the United States Congress recently passed a proposed bill authorizing a national museum dedicated to women’s history. The initiative is destined to address the underrepresentation of women in U.S. memorials, monuments and museums. The Smithsonian Women’s History Museum will be an arm of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., which already has 20 museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
|
|
- Early Childhood Education Teachers
|
|
Thank you City of Boulder Housing and Human Services |
|
|
|
Thank you City of Boulder Housing and Human Services Department for your grant funding for Persimmon Early Learning (formerly Children's Alley)! |
|
Thank YOU for your support! |
|
Make a Donation to YWCA Boulder County
Our work would not be possible without the support of passionate individuals and businesses like you, who support our programs and services.
Contact us to learn more about donating stock or other assets, donating through your employers giving program or becoming an event sponsor.
|
|
Non-cash Ways to Support the YWCA
- Give from your Donor Advised Fund
-
Shop at smile.amazon.com and select YWCA Boulder County
- Sign up for King Soopers Community Rewards and select YWCA Boulder County
- Donate your vehicle to YWCA Boulder County through Vehicles for Charity
-
Buy items from our Amazon Wishlist and ship them directly to our office
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
