YWCA GLA One Voice Newsletter

one greater los angeles

Working together for peace, justice, freedom, equality and dignity.

Welcome to ONE VOICE, ONE MOVEMENT, ONE VISION.

If you would like to receive One Voice via email, please email monica.galindo@ywcagla.org.

Recognize Your Star Employee at YWCA Greater Los Angeles’ 2012 Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon!

The 2012 Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon, presented by Union Bank and Edison International, will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2011 from 11:30am - 2pm at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.

Local businesses have the opportunity to recognize star employees at this year’s event with the theme “Saluting Women Who Inspire Change”.

Laphonza Butler has been named the 2012 Phenomenal Woman of the Year. Butler is the President of SEIU United Long Term Care Workers (ULTCW), which represents 180,000 in-home caregivers and nursing home workers throughout California and is the largest local in the state. She also serves as one of twenty-five International Vice Presidents of SEIU responsible for providing SEIU leadership with strategic vision and counsel.

She is a nationally recognized power broker on the issues of working families and the labor movement and exemplifies the YWCA’s core mission to “eliminate racism and empower women”.

YWCA GLA CEO Faye Washington said, “YWCA Greater Los Angeles is honored to salute Laphonza Butler with the 2012 Phenomenal Woman of the Year Award. Her personal and professional contributions have moved the YWCA GLA’s mission of “eliminating racism, empowering women” forward for women, and families both in California and internationally.

Article continued on the backside.

WHAT’S INSIDE pg 2 YWCA Korea Visits YWCA GLA

April/May 2012 pg 3 Women Behind the YWCA GLA

We create a safe space

YWCA Greater Los Angeles Partners with YWCA Korea Ms. Eun Sil Park, Director of Bureau for Civil Movement at the YWCA of Korea visited the YWCA Greater Los Angeles. The purpose of the trip was to learn a global perspective of women’s empowerment movement at other YWCAs who are successful in this area.

YWCA GLA: How are you improving the lives of women and girls in Korea through the work of the YWCA? Since 1966, we have developed jobs for women, arranged employment for women, managed a Woman Resources Development Center and financial education for youth. By our movement, we help women stand on their own feet. We help women in crisis by running a shelter and counseling center for women experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault. We invest in and strengthen women’s leadership by running the YWCA Academy. Also, we support self-study, information exchange, a mentor program and improvement of living by running a small group club of youth and married migrant women.

How do you envision we can stand together as YWCAs from various countries to empower women?

If we don’t know well, we can’t act; therefore, we need an opportunity to know the situation and data of discrimination against women and violence to the human rights of women that actually happen currently in the world. This trip was very important for us regarding the “knowing” and understanding on a global level.

During your time visiting the YWCA Greater Los Angeles, what experiences or knowledge have you taken back with you or do you plan to incorporate into your work?

It was really impressive that YWCA GLA completely reflects the need from local community and makes its goal to empower community members. YWCA GLA has wonderful strategies that

Ms. Eun Sil Park, Director of Bureau for Civil Movement at the YWCA of Korea visits the YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

actively cooperate with local residents, facility and resources and open services to make their centers as not ‘YWCA’s’, but OURS. I want to apply this wisdom to YWCA of Korea which has 52 local YWCAs in their community.

Donor Spotlight: Thank You, Roni Pfeffer!

Society of Benefactrix member Roni Pfeffer wanted to be more involved with helping further the mission of the YWCA GLA, so she volunteered her time to increase the YWCA GLA social media efforts.

Why does the mission/work of the YWCA resonate with you personally?

From early on, it was instilled in me to help those who are less fortunate. It’s important that I show gratitude for what I’ve been given and the opportunities I’ve had. I believe this is something we all must do.

Why were you inspired to help the YWCA GLA specifically in the area of social media?

The mission of the YWCA is very close to me so helping the organization was a natural choice. I had already joined as a Society of Benefactrix member and was between jobs. I offered to help and noticed there was a great opportunity to assist in the area of social media. We worked it out and I began donating time focused on developing more of the YWCA social media messaging.

ce to live, learn and grow.

Women Behind the YWCA GLA Meet May Chen Tham, YWCA GLA Special Projects Manager. May has been part of the YWCA team for the last 19 years. She joined the YWCA as Executive Secretary to the CEO in 1993. Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for taking on challenging tasks, she was promoted to Executive Assistant to the CEO, Board Liaison and now Special Projects Manager since 2004.

What is your vision for the Strategic Development Department at the YWCA Greater Los Angeles?

YWCA Greater Los Angeles envisions a Downtown Empowerment Village, with the Urban Campus building included, within the city block bounded by Hill Street, 11th Street, Olive Street, and Olympic Blvd. My vision for the Strategic Development Department is seeing the overall development of this Downtown Empowerment Village come to fruition. I believe we can achieve this through our previous experiences, knowledge and dedication to getting the job done.

Why does the mission of the YWCA resonate with you personally?

The phrases “eliminating racism, empowering women” are powerful affirmations which I believe in very strongly. Working for the YWCA GLA has empowered me to be a bolder person, to speak up against any injustices and to fight for my rights and the rights of other individuals.

Why are you committed to your work at the YWCA? Why is it important from the community’s perspective?

In 2007, the YWCA GLA adopted a new vision of creating a “Safe Space to Live, Learn and Grow”. Following that

adoption, two new construction projects have been completed with a third project to commence this fall.

As Special Projects Manager, I am the liaison between our project consultants, architects, contractors, and the YWCA Executive Offices. In this position, I was involved with the building of two new construction projects, namely, the Union Pacific Empowerment Center and the Urban Campus Building since its conceptual stage.

I feel a sense of accomplishment to know that our constituents appreciate the YWCA’s effort to provide them programming in a facility that they can call “home” for services such as child care, after-school programming, job training, and programs for senior citizens.

What has been a special event or experience you have had while working at the YWCA? I have two nugget moments that hold a special place in my life with the YWCA GLA. They are the actual groundbreaking of two construction projects: The Union Pacific Empowerment Center and the Urban Campus Building.

What is something interesting about you personally that others might not know?

I was born and raised in Bombay (today referred to as “Mumbai”), India, to Chinese parents who immigrated to India from Canton, China. I speak English, coupled with American expressions, with an Indian accent. Aside from the English language, I read, write and speak Hindi and speak conversational Chinese “Toisan” dialect. I studied in Bombay and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Bombay, and a Diploma in Secretarial Practice from the YWCA of Bombay, India.

O

N

E

V

O

I

C

E

Program Spotlight: YWCA GLA SACS Programs

S

ince 1985, the YWCA Greater Los Angeles has provided Sexual Assault Crisis Services for residents of the Los Angeles area. This program seeks to improve the quality of life for those victimized by sexual assault and strives to expand awareness in the community on issues related to sexual violence.

One unique program offered at the three YWCA GLA SACS locations uses art to assist in healing. Through collaboration with “A Window Between Worlds” (AWBW), an organization focused on art as a tool of healing specifically in the area of Domestic Violence, the YWCA SACS program offers healing art workshops.

“We are grateful to work with AWBW because we know that many times sexual assault and domestic violence are linked together,” share Grace Aguilar, YWCA GLA SACS Therapist. “During these monthly workshops, art is used as a healing tool to help clients process the feelings of pain, hurt, guilt and those associated with Rape Trauma Syndrome.”

SACS therapists receive training from AWBW to teach healing arts workshops. Art projects include a variety of themes from self esteem to empowerment to pain using various mediums like paint, ceramics, beads and even repurposed items. Each attendee leaves the workshop with their creation.

“These workshops have been a great tool for us. The creative process helps victims express feelings that they might not be able to express in a counseling room and it also makes them aware of feelings they have not yet shared with their therapist,” continues Aguilar. “Even if it’s a trigger that happens during the workshop and we can go back and address it in therapy, this is helpful. This is a safe

place for victims and it gives them a level of confidence that assists in their therapy and healing.”

Additional services provided through SACS include 24hour advocate support, community education, counseling, crisis intervention including a 24-hour crisis hotline (1-877-Y-HELPS-U), prevention education, self defense classes and the Clothesline Project, a creative therapy t-shirt campaign for survivors to overcome the social stigma of abuse by openly “airing out the dirty laundry”.

YWCA GLA provides these services for those 12 years of age and older at three different program locations: Compton, South Los Angeles, and South Bay/Long Beach.

Program services are provided by student interns and volunteers through a 40-hour training program certified by the State of California with an emphasis on cultural diversity and sensitivity.

“For six of my nine years as a therapist, I have worked in sexual assault crisis therapy. We work to communicate hope - hope to deal with hurt and pain and hope that healing can come through guidance.

I am here to facilitate the journey to hope,” stated Aguilar. “The other half is their commitment to healing and the self awareness that they need help.”

“We honor survivors who have broken their silence and support victims who have yet to find their voice.” Excerpt from the YWCA Sexual Assault Services pledge

O

In Memoriam:

Winifred “Winnie” Hessinger May 16, 1922 February 3, 2012

Former Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles, Winifred Ruth Hessinger passed away at the age of 89 in Los Angeles on Friday, February 3rd 2012.

Ms. Hessinger became the CEO of YWCA Greater Los Angeles in 1975 and remained there for sixteen years until her retirement in 1991. Her support the YWCA’s World Service Council work in fostering women’s programs throughout the world remained a major priority in her life.

Some YWCA History that took place under Winnie During the 1970s: first Leader Luncheon was held, funding obtained for Women’s Career Development project to train disadvantaged Hispanic women for employment, Infant Care Center opened at San Fernando High School, Job Corps expanded and students moved into Hollywood Studio Club, Child Care services at Angeles Mesa funded by State Department of Education.

During the 1980s: Child Care services at North Valley funded, Asteroid discovered by Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist Eleanor Helin is named Soromundi in honor of the YWCA of Los Angeles, opening of new North Valley Center, Child Care

N

E

V

O

I

C

services in 13 elementary schools in LAUSD began, Compton Center awarded grant for Sexual Assault Crisis project, HIV/AIDS Education Program offered to teens funded by CDC Under Winnie, the YWCA GLA became computerized, sold a significant amount of property.

After obtaining her degree, she joined the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve where she was stationed in North Carolina and taught pilots how to fly blind. During World War II Ms.

E

Hessinger was stationed in Landshut Germany. After the war she moved to New York City and was recruited by the national leadership of the YWCA to help run USO clubs in Virginia and Arizona. This work eventually led her to Los Angeles where she recruited, organized and supervised volunteers for USO clubs, including travel itineraries for Bob Hope’s overseas tours.

Be a Catalyst for

Change in Los Angeles

Become a Society of Benefactrix Member The Society of Benefactrix is a special donor circle of humanitarians established in October 2000 by the YWCA Greater Los Angeles to embrace and address issues facing women and girls and to diligently strive for positive change. The group generously supports YWCA GLA community programs and acknowledges the achievements of individuals who uphold YWCA GLA core values of empowering women and eliminating racism. For more information visit ywcagla.org.

greater los angeles

1020 S. Olive Street, 7th Floor Los Angeles 90015

StayConnected. facebook.com/ywcagla

youtube.com/ywcagreaterla

ywcagla.blogspot.com

Thank you to our Partners! twitter.com/ywca_gla

Article continue from the front.

She’s both a global giant and hometown hero for laborers and is a longstanding advocate for equal rights.”

Josefa Salinas will return this year to host the event. Josefa uses her voice and reach to improve the community and is known as a role model.

During the event, guests will enjoy a pre-event reception, lunch, inspirational speakers, awards ceremony, live jazz performance by Joe Shashaty and gift bags. Proceeds from the event will benefit YWCA GLA programs and services.

Media sponsors include Los Angeles Confidential Magazine and Clear Channel Radio.

Companies may contact the YWCA GLA to purchase tables and submit names of their star employees who they would like to acknowledge and celebrate.

YWCA Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors Officers:

Elected Members:

Vivian D. Howell President

Lisa D. Cagnolatti

Eleanor Beasley Vice President

Melissa R. Hibbért

Jane Pak Secretary Constance Anderson Treasurer

Maria L. Garcia Samantha W. Jones Patricia Keane Alva P. Mason Robbin N. Preciado

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

The YWCA Greater Los Angeles: Safe space to live, learn and grow.