GROWING OUR
FUTURE THE YWCA OF HIGH POINT
Our Mission
The YWCA of High Point is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
We Are Growing Our Future. Join Us! Today, we’re committed to building on our past, and much of our past is within our current facility at 112 Gatewood Avenue. To ensure that this building can continue providing innovative programming in support of our community, in 2013, the YWCA embarked on a robust funding campaign to renovate the facility and to “Grow Our Future.”
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he YWCA of High Point has been delivering vital and unique services to women, youth, babies and families in our community since 1920. While some think of the YWCA only in terms of “the pool,” the YWCA is so much more. We provide opportunity for individuals to grow through our Aquatics and Wellness, Adolescent Parenting, Social Justice, Studio Art, Women’s Resource Center, Latino Family Center and Youth Services programs. As individuals who need us grow into self-sufficiency, they are able to lead productive, independent lives and contribute to our community’s growth.
Freeman Kennett Architects worked with us to create a master plan for the organization – an architectural vision for renovating the existing facility, which was built in 1960 and grew from the vision of local women. It is wholly owned by the YWCA of High Point. We’ve had two campaigns in our 90-year history…one in 1920 for $7,000 to purchase the original home, “The Hut,” and the second in 1959 for $351,000 to build the current facility on Gatewood Avenue.
When someone asks us about the YWCA and what we do, our response is: … When we talk about laps, it isn’t just about swimming in our pool, it’s about going the distance for women, youth, babies and families in our community. … When we talk about weightlifting, we’re asking you to help lift someone else’s load. … When we talk about warming up for the race, it isn’t only about our 5K, but helping evolve the human race.
The YWCA belongs to this community. We are your YWCA!
eliminating racism| YWCA of High Point
A Message from our President Dear Friends, At the YWCA, of High Point, we celebrate the lives of women, children and families in so many ways ... it’s a veritable hotbed of activity, geared to enhancing the community for the good of us all. It deserves my time, and, more important, it deserves your time, too. Here are just a few things that the YWCA does on a daily basis to enhance your life and the lives of those you love: •The Youth Services program offers after school care and middle and high school programs where children are taught good habits and diversity, enhancing their educations and their ability to develop into productive adults. •The Adolescent Pregnancy program helps young mothers learn to care for their children and value education. •Our Latino Family Center provides support to the most disenfranchised among us as they navigate the complicated waters of their adopted community. •Our Computer Lab offers a place to explore good job opportunities and learn resume skills. •Our Career Development Workshops help get people back to work or transition into a new phase in life. YWCA 2014 Board of Directors Ann Lynch President Lisa Poplin President Elect Elizabeth Terrell Treasurer Samantha McDevitt – Secretary Peggy Adams Ericka Best-Hunt Olivia Cain Shelley Delmestri Kathleen Graham Charlene Green Debbie Irvin Gloria Jackson Leigh Anne Kasias Lorraine Klietsch Monica Lewis Cristina Qubein Buckfelder
•Our Studio Art Programs offer a creative outlet when we need it most. •Our Swimming Pool is kept at temperatures recommended by the Arthritis Foundation, and The Water Aerobics classes keep the young at heart fit. We are a proud Silver Sneakers Fitness Program facility, and, this past year, we opened a fitness center through a grant from the United Way. We’re these things and so much more. Read about your local YWCA and all that we do to serve High Point in the stories outlined here. Last year, we set a goal toward enhancing our facility. This year, we’re eager to make good on that goal. Our vision is for a greener and more efficient facility, keeping our footprint firmly in downtown High Point. This is our first capital campaign in more than fifty years, and we hope you’ll give generously to support it. It’s a privilege to serve the YWCA as president. As such, I invite each of you to come take a tour to learn more. We hope to see you soon! Sincerely, Ann Lynch
Llucy Ortiz Terri Poindexter Smith Monika Stanley Joyce Trescot Annie Tyson Jett Nadine Williams Ann York YWCA Advisory Panel Edwin Bass Rae Beck Logan Si Bell Bill Bencini Lou Cater Katherine Covington Tim Ellenberger Carol Jollay Paul Lessard Debbie Lumpkins Carlos Olvera Pamela Palmer Linda Roney Bobby Smith David Smith
Margaret Thompson Gail Tuttle Ann York
The Women’s Resource Center The Women’s Resource Center provides a range of services for women and families in challenging situations. The programs are designed to meet the changing needs of women and their families in order to help them achieve their personal and professional goals through information, education, referral and support.
The Career Closet The Career Closet offers clothing suitable for work or interviews. The clothing is new or lightly used and is donated by individuals and/or companies that participate in clothing drives. Anyone can shop in the Career Closet, but the clothing is provided for free, by referral, for those in need who have an interview. The program also provides sustainable income for the Women’s Resource Center.
Computer Lab The Computer Lab gives YWCA clients access to computers and the Internet. In addition to making computers available for job searching and resume development, the lab provides access to computer classes and some community college courses.
Baby Basics Closet
The Baby Basics Closet, the only one of its kind in Guilford County, provides diapers, wipes, clothes and other baby care necessities to more than 600 families each year. The YWCA works with partner organizations to provide this service. Vouchers are given to care givers in need who then use them to shop at the Baby Basics Closet.
Educational Programs Ready to Ride The YWCA offers Dollars & Sense, Economic Seminars, Resume Writing, Mock Interviews and other classes related to the needs of women in our community.
The Ready to Ride program provides car seats to low-income families. Last year, 110 families were assisted with car seats, helping to ensure the safety of our youngest residents.
Support Services and Referrals
Support Services and Referrals include one-on-one information and referrals to all Human Service Providers in the community, along with follow up and access to the Resource Library and Women In Transition support group.
YWCA Staff Heidi Majors Executive Director Jill Smith Finance Director Ivy Satterwhite Aquatics and Wellness Director Joy Ledbetter Adolescent Parenting Director Elizabeth Brannock Youth Services Director Denise Blunder Women’s Resource Center Director Brooke Avery Studio Art Coordinator
Latino Family Center The only agency of its kind in Guilford County, the YWCA’s Latino Family Center focuses exclusively on reaching out and supporting the Latino community. Its fully bi-lingual, bi-cultural staff offers resources and assistance in both English and Spanish and has become a trusted and valuable source for information.
Hermanas / Hermanos
These programs offer middle and high school girls and boys mentoring services to build healthy self-esteem through personal and social skill development with emphasis on academic pride, personal responsibility, leadership development and community service. Both of these programs have goals to improve academic performance, prevent early pregnancy and curb gang participation. Parenting skills and guidance are also provided to parents of the Latino community to strengthen family communication and understanding.
El Pueblo
This program provides access and information to adults regarding community resources. The staff also provides interpretation and translation services and is available to offer transportation to clients when needed.
ywca
empowering women | YWCA of High Point
Social Justice Based on the ideals and qualities of human rights and equality of opportunity, the YWCA Social Justice programs include Front Porch Conversations and Diversity Drama.
Front Porch Conversations The YWCA partners with the City of High Point Human Relations Department to bring a series of panel discussions on various topics held on the third Thursday of each month at 12 noon. The purpose is to help keep the public informed about racial and social justice issues, to build multicultural and diversity literacy, highlight resources and propose solutions.
Diversity Dramatist Dr. Charlotte Hamlin of Guilford College began this program in 1995. Three years ago, she turned over the copyrights of Diversity Dramatist to the YWCA of High Point. The two-tier program begins with training, which prepares non-professional actors from organizations and the community to become Diversity Dramatists so that they can provide on-going live drama programs on a wide-range of diversity issues for staff development and community relations. The second tier features a series of live dramatic scenarios by trained Diversity Dramatists for the purpose of stimulating discussion between audience members and the actors. Training is offered on May 30 and 31.
Adolescent Parenting The primary goal of the program is to work with adolescent girls who are pregnant with their first child and who are in school or working on a GED. The goal is to help them lead independent, self-sufficient lives through home visits, group meetings and college tours. The program provides girls with encouragement and assistance at a critical time in their lives. They learn to take care of themselves and their child, while planning for a successful future. Upon graduation from the program, the majority of the participants go on to further their education or into the military. Last year, the YWCA worked with 66 young mothers and had six graduates. All six of the girls are now attending Guilford Technical Community College or Forsyth Technical Community College. Over the last ten years of the program, 100 percent of the participants have graduated from high school or earned a GED, and only one has had a repeat pregnancy while in school.
For more information on any of the programs you see featured in this section, please call: 882-4126 or email: hmajors@ywcahp.com.
at a glance
ywca | save the dates
Check our website often, www.ywcahp.com, for more events and times. Find us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter Summer Camp Registration Open Now Women’s Ministry Open House March 1, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Women In Transition Support Group - 1st Thursday of the Month May 1, June 5, 6 p.m. – 7:30.p.m. Lifeguard Class starts May 2 Women’s Car Care Clinic at Ilderton Dodge May 6 Life Line Screening May 7 Five Money Questions for Women May 8 Mothers’ Day Celebration May 9 Women’s Mental Health Seminar May 20
Lifeguard Class starts June 6 Summer Camp Begins June 16 The Journey Begins Here: Lunch & Learn Travel Seminar June 19 Preparing for the Home Buying Process June 26 After School Registration Begins for 2014-2015 School Year July 1 Fall is for Planting with Price Nursery August 21 YWCA 5K Challenge For Change November 15 Ongoing Swim Lessons Fitness Classes
10,000 Words Photograph Project Exhibit May 20
Pottery Workshops:
Cork & Ale May 22
or Lemon Squeezers & a Tray
Home Depot Do it Herself Workshop May 22, July 24
August: Up-cycled Utensils
Hispanic Dance Club May 23
May: Jewelry Tree Holder June: Apple Bakers July: Belly Bottomed Dishes September: Two Part Vessels October: Treat Jars November: Flower Bricks December: Lanterns
Crafts & Chat May 28 Diversity Drama Training May 30 & 31
December: Youth Classes “Santa’s Workshop” July 14 - 18: Youth Summer Pottery Camp
promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all
E
Aquatics and Wellness
YWCA OF HIGH POINT | YWCAHP.COM YWCA of High Point 112 Gatewood Ave, High Point, NC 27262 Phone:(336) 882-4126 www.ywcahp.com facebook.com/YWCA.High.Point twitter.cm/Ywcahighpoint
ighteen different water classes are offered, many of which serve senior citizen members, in the newly renovated YWCA pool. The water temperature is kept at 84-86 degrees, as recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. The YWCA partners with other organizations, Guilford County Schools and Special Olympics to ensure that members have access to the aquatics center in preparation for the Special Olympics.
Birthday Parties & Rentals Book your next birthday party, Boy or Girl Scout get-together, family celebration, or after school, social or church group event. Contact isatterwhite@ywcahp.com. The pool is open for lap swimming, groups, family gatherings and fellowship.
Swim Lessons
Silver Sneakers Fitness This is a fun, energizing program targeted for older adults and seniors to help them enjoy a fit, active and independent lifestyle by encouraging physical activity and offering social events.
Water Fitness The YWCA offers water fitness classes for seniors and adults. We have classes targeted to arthritis sufferers, rehabilitations and strength training. Morning, afternoon and evening classes are available.
We offer swimming lessons for all ages six months and older. Prices start at $40 for members, $60 for nonmembers. Private swim lessons are also available. We also offer the opportunity to daycares and school groups to arrange a time for field trips and swim lessons. Book your next swim lesson with the YWCA.
Red Cross Training Looking to become a certified lifeguard? Looking to become certified in CPR? Or First Aid? Enroll in a class at the YWCA today! The YWCA is an authorized provider for health and safety classes for the American Red Cross. Check our website often, ywcahp.com, for more events and times.
Fitness center A fitness center with cardio machines and weights is also available for use by members. Overall, the Aquatics and Wellness programs average 2,300 visits each month. Last year, the YWCA provided more than $30,000 in scholarships for individuals and groups with limited financial resources to participate in these programs that improve quality of life.
For more information on any of the programs you see featured in this section, please call: 882-4126 or email: hmajors@ywcahp.com
Youth Services
MServices programs provided by the YWCA ore than 300 youth benefit from Youth
of High Point each year. One of these services is a free, structured after-school program that is provided for middle school students. The program works directly with Guilford County Schools, paying close attention to each student’s education and addressing any needs as they arise. Approximately 89 percent of the youth who participate show improvement in their academic performance, and 91 percent participate in service learning projects. The YWCA also provides a summer day camp for a diverse group of area youth each year. The program takes children on field trips and offers other fun summertime activities – exciting experiences that they would not otherwise get to enjoy. Last summer, 92 percent of those enrolled received some form of financial assistance to be able to participate.
Studio Art
Established in 2008, the Studio Art program is the only art program open to the public in the area. The program provides pottery and oil painting classes and workshops for children and adults on an ongoing basis. Youth from the YWCA, the Latino Family Center and the Boys and Girls Club all took pottery classes last year where they learned basic wheel-throwing techniques, hand building and glazing applications.
Pottery Classes
Pottery Classes are offered every six weeks or you can come take part in one of the many workshops that are offered.
Oil Painting
The YWCA offers Oil Painting Classes and workshops under the instruction of Peggy Barnes. Classes are offered at various times throughout the year for four-week session.