Winter Newsletter 2018

International Women's Day 2018

On March 8, 2018, community organizations came together to celebrate International Women's Day at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The night included resource tables, networking, a Ted Talk on Intersectionality, and a panel discussion led by YWCA Board President, Dr. Juli Parker. Panelists Rayana Grace, Dan Everton and Amanda DeGrace spoke about their personal experiences living with Intersectionality.

15th Annual Red Dress Fashion Show

On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts held it's 15th Annual Red Dress Fashion Show at the Century House in Acushnet.

The night began with appetizers, networking, music from the Global Learning Charter Public School Jazz Quartet, Music of Our Lives

DJ Jordan Paiva., photos by Andrew Gallagher and photo booth by Global Learning Charter Public School. YWCA Executive Director, Gail Fortes and YWCA Board President Dr. Juli Parker each spoke about the importance of educating women on the signs and symptoms of heart disease. Guest speaker, Donna Klamkin gave a captivating story about her journey living with heart disease. The night ended with a wonderful fashion show featuring red dresses from local stores with community women and men serving as models and escorts.

The Century House team provided all of our guests outstanding service and a delicious meal. There was an abundance of wonderful gift items in the silent auction and red dress raffle.

YWCA Board Member and Red Dress Event Chair, Jane Gonsalves, hosted the Fashion Show portion of the evening. Clothing for the show was provided by Fatima's Bridal, Celia's Boutique, Party Dress Express, Gilda's Place of Bridal, New York Lace, Calico, Boutique Amara, and Alexandra's Bridal.

We thank everyone who attended and supported the Red Dress Fashion Show.

Thank you to Monaghan's Printing for donating the sponsor poster, invitations, flyers and program books! Thank you to YWCA Board Member Rebecca Laliberte for creating our slide show with photos from all of the past red dress shows. Thank you to our amazing committee for planning the event.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors who made this event possible!

If you missed the event this year, do not worry! Like the YWCA Facebook Page and see this year's photos and keep a look out for Red Dress 2019!

New Bedford Women's March 2018

YWCA Southeastern MA participated in the New Bedford Women's March on January 21, 2018. The event began with speakers and discussion at Bristol Community College. The event was coordinated by Bethany Santos-Fauteux, New Bedford City Councillor, Dana Rebeiro, and Ruth Chicca.

Women came together to discuss their concerns on current issues and methods to create change. The discussion was followed by the March around downtown New Bedford. People in the streets shouted "This is what democracy looks like!." The turn out rate for attendance was incredible! Men, women, and children came together to march in solidarity for justice and equality.

What's Happening?

Nominate a Woman of Distinction!

Do you know a Woman of Distinction? A woman who is committed to empowering women, eliminating racism and serving her community?

Now is your chance to nominate her! We are excited to hear your testimony!

Please click on the link below

to be directed to our website to download and complete nomination form.

You can also complete the form online.

http://ywcasema.org/2018/03/nominate-a-women-for-the-women-of-distinction-awards/

Youth Services!

Are you looking for after school care or a summer program for your child?

The YWCA has two amazing youth programs that provide enrichment and childcare during the school year and the summer!

YWkids is a school age program that provides services during the school year and during the summertime! The program consists of caring and energetic staff that engage children age 5-13 with crafts, sports, science, awesome field trips and much more!

For more information or to enroll your child in the program, please contact YWkids Program Director, Tracey Saloman by email: [email protected] phone: 508-999-3255 or 508-525-7961.

Girls Exclusive is a middle school girls program that provides care during the school year and the summer! We want to prepare young girls to take on jobs that will provide a living wage in their future! The school year program is based around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) The girls are taught an abundance of fun science facts as well as engaging in science experiments. The summertime consists of STEM, fieldtrips, nature, yoga, and much more!

For more information about the program, please contact Girls Exclusive Coordinator, Jordan Pouliot by email: [email protected] or by phone: 508-999-3255

SAVE THE DATES!

Under One Roof Groundbreaking Ceremony

Friday, April 27, 2018

11am

YWCA, 20 South Sixth Street, New Bedford

Stand Against Racism

Thursday, April 26, 2018

5:30pm - 8:30pm

Bristol Community College

800 Purchase Street, New Bedford

Sister 2 Sister Conference for Girls

Saturday, May 5, 2018

9:15am-2:30pm

Umass Dartmouth, Woodland Commons

Women's Advocacy Day

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

8am-4pm

Beacon Hill in Boston

Women of Distinction Awards 2018

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

5:30pm

Rachel's Lakeside

Please consider us in your estate plans and bequests.

For more information on planned giving, please contact Gail Fortes at 508-999-3255 or [email protected]

or to donate online, please click HERE

About the YWCA Southeastern MA:

YWCA Southeastern MA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. For more information, visit: www.ywcasema.org.