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ywca clark county is asking the community to help grow the future of our community by donating to its second annual spring campaign, which runs from April  to June 30^th and will focus on the great work of ywca clark county’s Y’s Care Program.

Too often, children’s futures are defined by their parents’ economic or social status. With an innovative early childhood program like Y’s Care, parents are confident that their children will enter kindergarten at a level equal to those of their peers and have a better chance of succeeding in this increasingly competitive world.

Every day individuals walk out of the ywca’s doors and blossom into agents of change in our community. One such individual, Rachel Collins, first appeared at ywca clark county when she brought her two youngest children to Y’s Care.

When Rachel left her abusive husband, she knew she needed to secure employment and housing immediately to support herself and her five kids. Her biggest barrier was finding affordable day care that would permit her time to work. Rachel went looking for day care, but found so much more.

“The program saved my life; it gave me hope and faith. I now had affordable childcare and I was going to be able to work in order to provide a safe home and a good life for my children. I could finally be free and begin to heal, we were going to be alright and my children and myself were going to be something and not statistics. This was one of the best days of my life.”

Now, Rachel works at a local non-profit that helps women in troubled circumstances find affordable housing, and her children are thriving at Y’s Care where they receive high-quality preschool education.

Y’s Care also provides nutritious meals, a Head Start Program, parent support and access to community resources and referrals for children and families in homeless, transitioning, or low-income circumstances.

Seeds of Empathy: growing the future

In the fall of 2011, Y’s Care became the second entity in the country to implement an exciting, innovative program called Seeds of Empathy.

Developed by Mary Gordon, Seeds of Empathy has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among schoolchildren while raising social and emotional competence and increasing empathy. At the heart of the Seeds of Empathy curriculum is the participation of an infant and parent who engage students in the classroom. Over an eight month period, the children come to better understand and respect the unique feelings and temperament of themselves and others.

Why give?

Donations to ywca clark county supports programs like Y’s Care, which empowers families like Rachel’s to be the change they want to see in their lives and in their community. Your donation will grow the future.

How can I give?
Make your tax deductible donation to ywca clark county through a secure online donation form, make a donation via check payable to ywca clark county and mail to 3609 Main St., Vancouver, WA 98663, or call 360 696 0167 for more information.

David Reiter, Alan Ford and Emily Oliva have recently been appointed to ywca clark county’s board of directors. ywca utilizes board support to pursue a mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Each new member brings unique perspectives and skill sets which help to make this mission a success.

David Reiter has been with U.S. Trust since 2000. With a background in political science and financial planning and consultation, Reiter brings a valuable skill set to ywca clark county.

Alan Ford is a principal partner with Garrow Equity. His experience in small business ownership, law enforcement, retail management and sales, as well as appreciation for the arts brings ywca a creative eye for detail, organization and systems.

Emily Oliva teaches yoga, and has worked as a construction project manager. She also chairs an annual fundraiser which teaches yoga to underprivileged populations. ywca welcomes Oliva’s project management experience and commitment to the community.

“We’re delighted to add three new members to our board. Each member helps advance our mission in their own, unique way,” said Sherri Bennett, Executive Director of ywca clark county.

The board of directors currently seats 20 individuals from the Clark County area who serve as ambassadors of the organization, and support the mission of ywca clark county through advocacy and policymaking. Kelly Walsh presides over the board which swore in three additional members earlier this year: Don Gladson, Dustin Klinger and Dena Horton. Established board members include Megan Vaughn, Debbie Abraham, Sarah Theberge, Kathy Corwin, Susan LaLone, Greg Kimsey, Cheryl Armstrong, Stacey Graham, Pat Jollota, Kelly Nolen, Cathy Ramer and Kayla Tiano.

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For more information, contact:
Sharon Svec
Communications Specialist
360 906 9153
ssvec@ywcaclarkcounty.org

Benefit Luncheon guests network before event.

Vancouver, Wash. — ywca clark county is pleased to announce total revenues of $128,162 at the 17^th annual benefit luncheon.

The event, held at the Hilton Vancouver on September 7, was a huge success. ywca clark county brought in $2,400 more funds than last year, despite a slight reduction in registered guests. Additionally, Erin Merryn, leading advocate for victims of sexual assault inspired many with her story of abuse, healing and pursuit of legislative change.

“No matter where I travel in this world including here in Washington, anytime I speak survivors feel the courage to share with me their experience. Many breaking down in tears and telling me I am the first person they have told. It is their courage that keeps me speaking out knowing I am helping people find their voice and begin to heal,” said Erin.

Thanks to the generosity of the following community partners, this year’s luncheon was fully underwritten: ADCO Commercial Printing and Graphics, Columbia Credit Union, The Columbian, Corwin Beverage Company, Home Instead Senior Care, IQ Credit Union, Lee & Connie Kearney, Miller Nash, LLP, Providence Health and Services, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, Tidewater Barge Lines, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, US Bancorp, Vancouver Business Journal and The Vancouver Clinic.

“Thank you to all who supported and attended this year’s luncheon. We’re so pleased to have such wonderful sponsors, a record number of table hosts and a dedicated staff and luncheon committee,” said Sherri Bennett, Executive Director of ywca clark county.

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For more information, contact:
Sharon Svec, Communications Specialist
360-906-9153, ssvec@ywcaclarkcounty.org