A Message from our Board President, Deidre Farrell
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Advocacy and social action are the cornerstones of YWCA Boulder County. We conduct local advocacy efforts with the help of our Board of Directors members – particularly the Board’s Advocacy Committee – and other local organizations to advance racial justice and women’s empowerment, and we offer educational opportunities about pressing issues impacting our community. We also work closely with YWCA USA and align our advocacy efforts with their efforts throughout the year.
For more than 20 years, YWCA Boulder County has joined YWCAs across the country in setting aside one week in October to raise awareness and engage action to end the broad spectrum of violence against women and girls. This year’s YWCA Week Without Violence (WWV) is taking place from October 18–23. During this year’s campaign, we will work to move traditional conversations about gender-based violence past a focus on survivor’s endurance to a focus on healing and renewing our collective commitment to addressing domestic and systemic violence.
Throughout the year, YWCA Boulder County works with SPAN – a human rights organization committed to ending violence against adults, youth and children through support, advocacy, education, and community organizing – to provide child care at Persimmon Early Learning to victims of interpersonal violence. Our community is experiencing higher domestic violence rates than national and state averages, and child care is a critical piece of the services SPAN provides to victims of interpersonal violence.
Will you help us envision a world without violence during WWV? Can we count on you to JOIN US for WWV2021 and participate in our Week of Action? We hope you will join us! In the meantime, we will get up and continue to do the work until injustice is rooted out, until institutions are transformed, and until the world sees women, girls, and people of color of all ages the way we do: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.
Sincerely,
Deidre
Deidre Farrell
President
YWCA Boulder County Board of Directors
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FREE Coding Jam Session for SVVSD Students
TOMORROW
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St. Vrain Valley School District
Coding Jam Session with YWCA and the Innovation Center
October 15, 2021
1 - 4 p.m.
Online or at the Innovation Center (33 Quail Rd., Longmont, CO 80501)
Join us for our free Coding Jam Session where students will explore the world of coding and STEM. Event includes a hands-on coding activity and a Q&A session with a panel of amazing women in STEM professions.
or (303) 443-0419.
St. Vrain Valley School District
Sesión de Codificación con YWCA y el Centro de Innovación
15 de octubre 2021
1-4 p.m.
en línea o en persona, el Centro de Innovación (33 Quail Rd., Longmont, CO 80501)
Únase a nosotros para nuestra Jam Session de codificación gratuita donde los estudiantes explorarán el mundo de la codificación y STEM. El evento incluye una actividad de codificación práctica y una sesión de preguntas y respuestas con un panel de mujeres increíbles en profesiones STEM.
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How to be Anti-racist: Introduction - Virtual Training
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Wednesday, Oct 20 & 27
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Via Zoom
Our Racial Justice & Equity Education courses are designed for individuals who are committed to learning more about the personal, interpersonal, institutional and structural systems of racism, and taking informed action to transform our communities.
This two-session, four-hour-total training series is focused on understanding individual and interpersonal racism, and is intended to stimulate personal reflection and discovery. The second session will provide training to understand institutional and structural racism and better recognize how systems and structures perpetuate racism.
The $100 registration fee covers the cost of both virtual sessions of this course.
Our next course will be offered on Wednesday, October 20 and 27, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
The training needs a minimum of 10 registrants and will be rescheduled if that threshold is not met.
After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom link before the first session.
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Our Advocacy Committee and staff have been very busy! In the past few weeks, we’ve co-hosted a powerful webinar; sponsored and helped to plan the Boulder County Women’s Marches; and mobilized and let our voices be heard regarding the Violence Against Women Act and federal legislation around Roe v. Wade:
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"Beyond the Buzzword: Critical Race Theory" Recap
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On September 21, YWCA Boulder County and NAACP Boulder County co-hosted “Beyond the Buzzword - Critical Race Theory”, a powerful virtual discussion about Critical Race Theory. During a moderated discussion participants learned from a panel of experts the information needed to challenge the misrepresentations of CRT being used to create barriers for educators who are working toward more inclusive curriculum and equity programming in schools. Participants also received resources to act and voice support for greater equity and inclusion in K-12 education. We were delighted to have such a big turnout for the event with 215 participants and100 more listening to the recording of the webinar online since the event.
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Boulder County Women's Marches
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We believe in defending a woman’s right to make decisions about her body and were a proud sponsor of the October 2 Boulder County Women’s Marches in Boulder and Longmont. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us and women around the country at the rallies for reproductive rights. Over 1,000 people participated in the marches, and we were thrilled that so many members of our community took a stand and let their voices be heard!
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Violence Against Women Act
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Standing up for Women's Reproductive Rights
The Supreme Court - Amicus Brief
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The state of Mississippi is working to overturn Roe v. Wade, and in turn the reproductive freedom of women in the U.S. We stand with YWCA USA in opposing the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade as upholding Mississippi’s ban will have devastating consequences for young women, especially young women of color. To ensure the experiences and voices of young people are heard by the Supreme Court, YWCA USA is submitting an amicus or “friend of the court” brief in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case that ultimately could overturn Roe v. Wade. During this historic fight, we need allies like you to speak out for women and people of color who will be the most negatively impacted if the rights granted in Roe v. Wade are revoked. Join us in this historic push for women’s equality and reproductive justice by visiting: https://ywca.quorum.us/campaign/35393/.
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Tuesday, November 2 is Election Day 2021! Mail-in ballots have been mailed out, so be sure to cast your vote this year.
Ballot Guide Resources:
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YWCA Week Without Violence
Oct. 18 - 23, 2021
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Week Without Violence is part of a global movement with YWCAs across the country and around the world to end violence against women and girls. At YWCA, we know that not all violence is acknowledged or responded to equally and that some victims go unrecognized altogether. That’s why, for more than 20 years, YWCA has set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence. Join us from October 18 – 23, as we hold events, share information and stories, advocate, and more with a common goal in mind: together, we can end gender-based violence.
YWCA Boulder County is one of two YWCAs in Colorado. Our sister association, YWCA of Pueblo Colorado, is one of the only domestic violence service providers in southern Colorado.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and with YWCA's Week Without Violence we are raising awareness of domestic violence in our Boulder County communities and the local service providers you can access and support:
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REIMAGINING the Role of RESILIENCE
YWCA USA virtual town hall event
Oct. 21, 2021 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. ET
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Join YWCA for a dynamic discussion that reimagines the role of resilience for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. By centering healing- including replenishment, rest, and recovery - and addressing the root causes of trauma and systemic violence, we can disrupt the cycle of harm and open pathways for survivors to build thriving futures for themselves and their families.
Speakers include:
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Elisha Rhodes, Interim CEO & Chief Operating Officer, YWCA USA
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Vernisha Crawford, Founder and CEO, B.Y.E./Community Resilience Project
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Olivia Garcia, Public Policy & Training Manager, Esperanza United
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Monica Khant, Executive Director, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-based Violence
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Ayana Wallace, Training Manager, Ujima, Inc.
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Carole Warshaw, M.D., Director, National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
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Funder Highlight: The Colorado Health Foundation
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The Colorado Health Foundation recently awarded $70,000 in grant funding for the Latina Achievement Support (LAS) Program. LAS is a culturally responsive mentoring program that supports Boulder County Latina high school students in overcoming systemic barriers to success and bridging the opportunity gap in order to reach personal, academic and career path goals. Grant funding is allocated to activities and resources for LAS students and bi-lingual, college-aged Advocate mentors to support healthy minds and youth resiliency. $5,000 of the grant funding is restricted for activities and programming that support staff well-being. The Colorado Health Foundation is bringing health in reach for all Coloradans by engaging closely with communities across the state through investing, policy advocacy, learning and capacity building.
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Donate your IRA Distribution
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Did you know that you can donate your IRA distribution? If you are at least 70.5 years old and have a traditional IRA, you can donate directly from your traditional IRA to a qualified charity (like YWCA Boulder County) up to $100,000 without it being considered a taxable distribution. Consult your tax advisor to see if you can further your philanthropic goals and enjoy this tax benefit!
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Persimmon Early Learning - Enrolling Now!
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- Small class sizes and low teacher-student ratios
- 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
To schedule a virtual Parent Tour for Persimmon Early Learning, or to begin the enrollment process for your child, please visit our website to fill out an Interest Form. We will follow up with you with tour dates and times.
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Sign up for Persimmon Grove - Our Parent eNews
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Once a quarter we bring our Persimmon Early Learning classrooms to you with Persimmon Grove, our eNews for parents. Hear what each classroom has been focused on, and learn nutrition and wellness tips, too!
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Thank you LAS Funder, Capital One
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Thank you to Capital One for your support of our Latina Achievement Support (LAS) program! Senior Manager, Community Impact & Investment, Jamie Lutton had this to say about their support:
"Capital One is proud to support the YWCA Boulder County's Latina Achievement Support Program which focuses on providing the mentoring, skills and resource support for Latinx students to graduate and seek higher education/career options. The LAS Program aligns with Capital One's Impact Initiative which seeks to close gaps in equity and help people gain better access to socioeconomic opportunity."
- Jamie Lutton, Senior Manager, Community Impact & Investment, Capital One
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Staff Highlight: Celina Hernandez
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What’s your title?
My title is Senior Manager, Persimmon Early Learning.
When did you join the team at YWCA Boulder County?
I was a teacher from 2014-2017 and came back as Senior Manager in April of 2018.
What do you do at the YWCA?
I help to manage Persimmon Early Learning. I handle all ground and daily operations of the program including enrollment of new families, file maintenance, daily financials, the scheduling of both teachers and students, and daily problem solving.
What's your favorite thing about YWCA Boulder County?
Working at the YWCA, I’ve had the honor or working alongside many hardworking, devoted and determined women who have been valuable role models for me.
My family and I have been very fortunate to have the YWCA. It’s been a great place for me to work and evolve as a professional, as well as a terrific environment for both my sons to be in. I’m beyond grateful to the teachers of the Persimmon for being consistent, nurturing, qualified caregivers to my boys. Our life would be very different if we were not a part of this wonderful organization!
What is something people may not know about you?
In my free time, I like to do different types of arts and crafts, especially DIY projects at home.
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Latina Achievement Support (LAS) Advocates
The Latina Achievement Support (LAS) Advocate works directly with ninth- to twelfth-grade Latina high school students in Boulder County, helping to close the achievement gap and provide specialized support. LAS advocates provide a space where students can build upon the strengths and resources of the Latinx community and understand the challenges they may face in reaching their goals. LAS provides positive youth development through programming and exposure to other organizations in Colorado. This is a position requiring a commitment to the work and mission of YWCA Boulder County and supervision of youth. May be a virtual position or partially virtual, subject to COVID-19, and will start in September 2021. Average of 6-12 hours per week.
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Persimmon Early Learning Early Education Teachers
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Early Childhood Education Teachers - Persimmon Early Learning of the YWCA needs ECT-qualified teachers for our new toddler and preschool classrooms. $1,000 signing bonus, small class sizes, and great benefits!
Persimmon Early Learning of the YWCA offers high-quality, affordable child care, and expanded indoor and outdoor learning areas. It provides a nurturing, creative space for children to learn and grow in redesigned and expanded indoor and outdoor learning areas. The program emphasizes parent engagement and education, health equity through scheduled activities and active play time, and good nutrition modeling and activities including diverse and healthy meal plan.
For additional info, email Kate Hise at: khise@ywcaboulder.org, or call Persimmon Early Learning: (303) 449-1951.
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Have you, your child or someone you know benefited from a YWCA program or service?
We love sharing personal stories and testimonials with grant funders, donors and in our communications with the community. Please contact Robyn Hazlitt at rhazlitt@ywcaboulder.org to share your story or testimonial.
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YWCA Boulder County in the News
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YWCA Boulder County Events
Community Events
- Tues., Nov. 2 - Election Day
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Secretary Deb Haaland is the first Native American to serve as a U.S. cabinet secretary and only the third woman to lead the Department of the Interior. She is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, a 35th generation New Mexican and is one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress. You can learn more about her inspiring story and impressive background here.
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Thank you City of Boulder Housing and Human Services
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Thank you City of Boulder Housing and Human Services Department for your grant funding for Persimmon Early Learning!
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Thank YOU for your support!
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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.
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Non-cash Ways to Support the YWCA
- Give from your Donor Advised Fund
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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
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Buy items from our Amazon Wishlist and ship them directly to our office
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