Dear Friends,

This summer I am filled with gratitude, and I hope you are, too. We are the lucky ones who witness how empowering women and their families multiplies good throughout our communities. We are lucky for the privilege to effect change through our personal growth and actions to eliminate racism. Collectively, we benefit by uplifting others.

For these reasons and others, the theme for our annual Celebration Breakfast is Rising to the Moment: Futures on the Move. Please plan to join us the morning of Wednesday, October 19th. Our 2022 Honorary Co-Chairs are two incredible women, Drew Fennell and Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White.

We recently celebrated our 127th Anniversary by honoring our past, embracing the future, and adapting to the moment. For the first time we presented the “Man of Distinction” award to our patron and friend, Kemal Erkan, the Genevieve Gore Young Women’s Leadership Award to the amazing Jalyn Powell, and the Trailblazer Award posthumously to Dr. Eva Verplanck who dedicated more than six decades to YWCA.

At YWCA we are always adapting the meet the changing needs of our clients. As you'll read in this newsletter, we're making extraordinary impact. The last few years have affirmed that there is no obstacle, no disruption that can stop us from rising to the moment.

With thanks,
Stephanie Staats
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Delaware
Save the Date - October 19th, 8 - 9 AM
We're thrilled to announce that Drew Fennell, Esq., Chair of the Delaware Community Foundation and former SVP Chief Communications and Experience Officer at ChristianaCare and Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White, transplant surgeon, Professor of Surgery, and Medical Advisory, will serve as honorary co-chairs during our annual Breakfast Celebration.

You won't want to miss this inspiring event happening on October 19, 2022, from 8 - 9 AM at Riverfront Events. Visit ywcade.org/breakfast to register to attend in-person at Riverfront Events, to attend a designated hosted watch party, or to live stream.
Honorary Co-chairs
Drew Fennell, Esq.
Chair, Delaware Community Foundation
Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White
Transplant Surgeon, Professor of Surgery, and Medical Advisor
Meet Our New Board President
YWCA Delaware Board Elects Karen Smith as Board President

Karen Smith, CRISC, CSM, CSPO, is the newly elected President of YWCA Delaware's Board of Directors. She has been involved with YWCA for over six years, previously serving as Vice President Board Resource.

Karen joined TD Bank Group in 2019 as Senior Manager Business Information Security Officer. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of Information Technology.

Karen holds a BS from PennWest California in Computer Science and Management, an MS from Wilmington University in organizational leadership, and is certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) and Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age.  She is also the founder and Past President of the BDPA Northern Delaware, a 501c3 Non-Profit organization focusing on diversity in the Information Technology industry. She continues to promote the values of a career in STEM to underserved youth as a volunteer for the Innovative Leadership Program. 
Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC)
Debbie Litten Receives National Recognition for Leadership in Sexual Violence Prevention With 2022 Visionary Voice Award

YWCA Delaware's Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) Client Services Manager Debbie Litten received the National Sexual Violence Resource Center's 2022 Visionary Voice Award for her service to survivors and their communities.

Stephanie Staats, CEO of YWCA Delaware, said "We're so incredibly proud of Debbie's vision and voice which plays an intricate role in coordinating community responses, crisis intervention, aftercare case management, medical and legal services, counseling, and prevention education. Debbie's passion and commitment have helped the SARC team successfully provide domestic and sexual assault response services to over 5,000 survivors in 2021."

The 2022 Visionary Voice Awards are presented each year during sexual assault awareness month (SAAM), a national campaign in April to raise awareness about preventing sexual violence. Debbie is one of 29 recipients from across the country recognized for her outstanding work toward preventing sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse.

Pictured above: Debbie Litten (on left) joined Governor Carney, lawmakers, and other victim advocates during a proclamation signing declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
Center for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP)
YW's Counselors Help Disabled Retiree Avoid Foreclosure and Generate Savings Stream Amid Inflation

Beverly recently retired and was transitioning from employment to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program that provides monthly payments to disabled adults and children who have low income and resources. At the time, she had recently lost her part-time job and fell behind on her mortgage, resulting in her lender to seek foreclosure. YWCA's financial counselors assisted Beverly through her journey, submitting a request for a temporary forbearance while helping her create an operating budget and secure additional employment. Beverly secured a part-time job while focusing on her monthly budget and was able to get all her utilities and accounts current.

Soon after, the lender approved her for a reduction on her total mortgage by holding a portion of the balance at 0% interest for 30 years. As a result, Beverly's monthly payment was reduced to an amount she could afford with her SSI income, and the income from her part-time job allowed her to continue to save. After completing a trial plan within three months, her mortgage was modified, and her foreclosure case was dismissed.
Wo(men) Achieving New Directions (WAND)
YWCA Delaware Receives Grant from Google.org to Launch Google Certification Program This Fall

Google.org has awarded $15,000 to YWCA Delaware to launch a new Google Certification program, which will combine the delivery of flexible online training in user-experience design, project management, and data analytics with soft-skills training and the support of YWCA Delaware staff.

"Our goal is to make sure everyone has the opportunity to learn new digital skills, gain competitive job opportunities, grow careers, and increase household income," said Stephanie Staats, YWCA Delaware CEO.

Participants who become a Google Career Certificate graduate will gain exclusive access to the Google Coursera job platform, where a group of more than 150 employers are hiring for opening roles. Individuals will be able to apply their skills with hands-on projects, earn a career credential to enhance their resumes, and gain in-demand skills that will have them job-ready within 6 months. 
WorkAbility Reenergizes Job Applicants

Congratulations to Emilia, Cherjon, Sabrina, Lawanda, and Sonia for being a part of the fourth cohort to graduate from WorkAbility, our 4-week online career development boot camp!

"I love witnessing participants start the program with an idea of how to improve their job search and leave with a Career Action Plan with S.M.A.R.T. Goals," said June Crockett, WAND Workforce Readiness Program Coordinator. "Workability provides confidence, peer support, and, most importantly, a highly relevant job search strategy."

The 6th cohort of WorkAbility begins in person on Tuesday, September 13th, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The 7th cohort of YW Strive, our 6-week digital literacy and workforce training program, begins in person on Thursday, September 22nd, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mind Your Business Graduate Pauses Business for Children's Charity

As a single parent, Adrieane felt the need to generate an additional income. After finding a balloon machine online, she drove 2 hours to pick it up and met her soon-to-be balloon mentor. Afterwards she enrolled in YWCA Delaware's Mind Your Business program and established her own business called Precious Jubilee Decor.

We're excited to announce that Adrieane has recently joined a talented team of international balloon professionals to create a giant immersive balloon wonderland using over 300,000 balloons for the Give Kids the World Village charity in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations Adrieane!

To learn more about our entrepreneur and career readiness curriculums, visit ywcade.org/WAND.
Home-Life Management Center (HLMC)

YWCA Delaware Expands Community Housing Program

Thanks to additional financial assistance through DEHAP, YWCA Delaware’s Community Housing Program, which includes Rapid Rehousing and Diversion, is expanding to include Rapid Rehousing resources for individuals and families working with SARC. This in-depth program helps connect more families and individuals with employers, job training, counseling and therapy, and sustainable housing.

YW’s Community Housing program helps individuals navigate various opportunities, including housing searches, landlord-tenant rights, landlord-tenant engagement, fair market rentals, public housing, Emergency Housing Vouchers, Prevention Assistance, and more.

The Rapid Rehousing portion of the program assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness to re-engage in the community by establishing safe, affordable housing as quickly as possible. The Diversion program prevents homelessness for families by assisting them in identifying alternate housing arrangements that divert them from entering the shelter system.
Weekly Movie Nights Bring HLMC Families Together

Home-Life hosts Friday Movie Nights each week, featuring two films, the first for children and the second for adults. Weekly themes vary from celebrating women and parenthood to exploring healthy relationships and overcoming adversities.

“It’s important for us to be able to help individuals and families carve out time to engage in meaningful, relaxing, and fun activities. Activities as simple as walking, stretching, painting, or participating in nutrition education classes can help lower emotional distress from traumatic experiences. Sometimes a little bit of popcorn, comfort, and community can go a long way,” said Clytia Royster, YWCA Delaware Family Enrichment & Support Manager.

Learn more about our innovative residential program designed for emergency and transitional housing here.
Racial and Social Justice
Save the Date - Voting Rights Scholar Carol Anderson Set to Speak at YWCA Delaware Event

YWCA Delaware and our partners are thrilled to present A Conversation with Professor Carol Anderson on Monday, September 19th from 7 – 8 p.m.

Dr. Carol Anderson is a voting rights scholar and Charles Howard Candler Professor of African American Studies at Emory University. She will be joining us this September to discuss her book “One Person, No Vote,” which chronicles the rollbacks to African American voter eligibility since the 2013 Supreme Court decision that eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Exploring Social Equity and Justice Topics with Community Leaders

If you've been looking for a free monthly subscription to resources and activities designed to enhance your social justice knowledge, look no further! YWCA Delaware, in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers interactive ways for children and adults to learn and engage in social equity and justice through the Social Equity Championship.

You can even attend our live monthly Let's Talk webinar on the last Monday of every month at 7 p.m., which covers various topics relevant to the Social Equity Championship. Every time you complete the required number of activities for the month, you earn a digital badge and enter a chance to win a monthly prize.

"We've created a digital safe community space where participants can learn on their own time and hop on Zoom during our monthly Let's Talk series to connect with community leaders to discuss each month's topic in further detail," said YWCA Delaware's Racial and Social Justice Director, Rebecca Cotto. We're honored to have the opportunity to welcome such incredible guests onto our series, from advocates and activists to artists, authors, journalists, lawmakers, and scholars."

Our latest Let's Talk webinar, titled "The Shades of Race, Between Black and White," discusses the complexities of race in the United States and the importance of sharing Asian and Indigenous perspectives.

The panelists included:
Nena Todd, Historic Sites Supervisor, Old State House Museum
Pei-Jen Hickey, Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, YMCA of Delaware
Iz Balleto, Community Engagement Specialist, Delaware Art Museum

Click the button below to watch the full webinar and explore more of our discussion-based programs at www.ywcade.org/RSJ.
YW Leaders
Archmere Students Complete YW Leaders Program

Nine Archmere students took the lead to become certified racial and social justice facilitators after completing 12 weeks of online training for the YWCA Delaware YW Leaders program. This program creates a framework to help students become the driving force behind social change.

Congratulations to Chinwendu Emedoh, Sara Denning, Cassandra Matalonis, Gabrielle Dove, Jessica Lattanzi, Mandy (Haoxue) Jiang, Maggie Turner, Elisa Small, Jaela Rembert, and Niamh Cranny!
Visit ywcade.org/youth to explore our Emergence youth development programs.
YWMarketplace
Celebrating National Black Business Month (NBBM) with YWMarketplace

Founded in 2004 by John William Templeton and Frederick E. Jordan Sr., National Black Business Month (NBBM) helps bring awareness to the policy issues affecting Black entrepreneurs. It also reminds us how we can all celebrate Black-owned businesses throughout August and beyond.

To explore a list of Black-owned business directories, click here.
If you’re looking for more ways to support Black-owned businesses, consider visiting ywmarketplace.org to shop for products from regional Black-business owners. You can also write positive reviews, promote black-owned companies on social media, or offer mentorships and resources.
YWCA DELAWARE - 127 YEARS OF SERVICE
Friends and supporters recently celebrated YWCA Delaware's 127 years of service and all of it's accomplishments from the prior year at YW's Annual Meeting. YWCA Delaware also acknowledged and thanked outgoing Board President Paula Jenkins-Massie and Board member Colette Daney for their extraordinary service. If you missed the event you can read the full Annual Report here.
100 W 10th Street, Suite 515
Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: (302) 655-0039
Fax: (302) 658-7548