YWCA Hanover has been here for our community for more than 100 years, encompassing a rich legacy of inspiration and impact. Spanning over a century of interesting classes, invaluable programming, educational opportunities, and safe housing, as well as a wonderful variety of events, YWCA Hanover has always been and continues to be committed to reaching out with pertinent, timely, and life-changing programs that support its mission of empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Contact Deb Smith at dsmith@ywcahanover for questions or schedules of upcoming DEI events.
Qmmunity will kick off the start of the school year with the Inclusive Closet On Saturday, August 24, from 9 am-12 pm, come pick up some new clothes at our Inclusive Clothing Closet. You do not have to donate clothes to pick up some new to you items at the closet. Everything is free, and whatever is left over will be donated Pick up anything you like, and leave your gender roles at the door Qmmunity is an LGBTQIA+ safe space for students ages 14-19.
Upstanders will continue Cleaning the Streets and their Pen Pal Project with Ballantyne Elementary School in North Carolina Stay tuned for more projects Upstanders is open to students in 7th-12th grades who are interested in making a positive change in our community. Meetings will be held at YWCA Hanover.
Our first Upstanders meeting is on Sunday, September 15, at 1:00 pm with special guest speaker Carla Christopher We welcome all teens for this meeting!
Stay tuned for our Upstanders Story Corner Our Upstanders will host a story time for children at a local coffee shop/bakery
Beginning Spanish Classes
YWCA Hanover and CASA are partnering to offer Spanish for Beginners
Classes are free for Adults and high schoolers, but registration is required. To get the most out of the classes, participants should attend 3-4 classes.
BENEFITS OF LEARNING SPANISH
1) Exploring the Spanish Speaking World
2) Job Prospects
3) Engaging in Culture
4) Travel
5) Personal Growth
Classes 9am-10:30am: Saturday, September 14 Saturday, September 21 Saturday, September 28
FREE PROGRAM - Register online at ywcahanover org
Voting: Register to vote by October 21, 2024. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Check the YWCA Hanover website for information on polling locations. Our votes will determine the direction of our nation for years to come. Whether it’s the President, Congress, state legislators, or state executives such as governors and attorneys general, each office holds a great deal of power
Our Banned Book Club will meet on Thursday, September 26th, at 6:00pm at Something Wicked Spencer Pechart will be leading the discussion Spencer is a high school English teacher at Littlestown High School The book we will be reading is Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
Publisher description: “In Ban This Book by Alan Gratz, a fourth grader fights back when From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler by E L Konigsburg is challenged by a wellmeaning parent and taken off the shelves of her school library Amy Anne is shy and softspoken, but don’t mess with her when it comes to her favorite book in the whole world Amy Anne and her lieutenants wage a battle for the books that will make you laugh and pump your fists as they start a secret banned books locker library, make up ridiculous reasons to ban every single book in the library to make a point, and take a stand against censorship ”
YWCA Hanover’s Artists' Voices Series
Ophelia’s Making Agency Studio Artist Group
September 29th - October 30th, 2024
Opening: September 29th, 1-2:30 PM
Creatives with studios in the nonprofit Ophelia’s Making Agency Studio Artist Group share representative works
On Monday, October 14, YWCA Hanover will host a teen workshop on Indigenous Peoples Day. The workshop will feature speakers and hands-on-activities, including a Native American Flute Circle.
What holidays are celebrated in December?
Join us for our third Reasons for the Seasons at YWCA Hanover on Tuesday, December 10, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Drop in any time between 4 and 6 to learn more about Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, and Sankranti.
Teen Book Club, aka Rabble-Rousers Book Club, is moderated by teacher Ashleigh Tomcics. The book club is free (registration required) and books are provided for each participant Our next meeting is Monday, October 7, at 6 pm.
Supporting the YWCA Mission
Janise Bankard, Director of Development
Over 100 years ago, YWCA Hanover was founded by a group of local women who sought to bring services to women and families within the greater Hanover community. Today, YWCA Hanover is still doing just that and so much more for Hanover and the surrounding communities.
12thAnnual
The 12th Annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes was held on August 9, 2024, and was a great success!! We took to the streets to raise awareness about Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking. This event directly supports victims and provides access to free services such as:
24-hour Hotline (717) 632-0007
Crisis Response and Medical Accompaniment
Case Management
Emergency Safe Housing and Referrals to Local Shelters
Safety Planning
Legal Advocacy
Options Counseling
Civil Legal Referrals
Transitional Housing
Rapid Rehousing
Relocation Assistance
Substance Abuse Treatment Referrals
Mental Health Treatment Referrals
Community Outreach and Education
Prevention Services
Participating in this event raises lifesaving awareness and provides direct funding to victims and their families. This event draws not only large companies and small businesses but also local families, groups of friends, and individuals also join in and walk the walk.
Most people know someone affected by Domestic Violence, and this is your opportunity to make a difference in support of those victims You don’t have to wear heels to show your support you can walk any way you want
Donations are welcome any time of the year, and there is a wish list of items on our website: https://ywcahanover org/safehome-wish-list/
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025
Purple Paws
We welcome you and your dog(s) to participate in the 2nd Annual Purple Paws Pet Walk on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The event is a partnership between Adams County SPCA and YWCA Hanover’s Safe Home! We walk to raise awareness about the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. Let’s walk to show our support to end the violence! Speak Out Against the Violence!
Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 from 1pm - 3pm at Gettysburg Rec Park - 545 Long Lane, Gettysburg, PA 17325
November 7, 202
The 2024 Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree gives you the opportunity to learn about and support 100 nonprofit organizations working to make a difference in Adams County, including the Adams County Safe Home Program
Early Learning Center Comegrowwithus!
The Early Learning Center, YWCA Hanover’s child care program for children ages 1-5, is gearing up for another great year This summer, ELC students have been enjoying the nice weather outside, including our weekly water play and our outdoor sandbox! Our toddlers have been busy learning about the beach, camping, ducks, and colors! Our preschool friends have been busy learning about ocean animals, fruits, and America’s birthday PreK has also been very busy with weekly field trips to explore the outdoors! They went on a scavenger hunt at Codorus and Caledonia state parks, and they’ve visited many local playgrounds for fun-filled play time
The Early Learning Center is open from 6:00am - 6:00pm, MondayFriday Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are provided daily Our Early Learning Center provides a safe and fun learning environment while promoting growth in all developmental areas for our youngest learners. Age-appropriate lesson plans are developed around the PA Early Learning Standards using creative curriculum. Lessons include gross motor skills, hands-on activities, water play, sand play, art, music, and learning centers. We provide daily communication through the Procare parent engagement app to keep families included in their child’s learning
The YWCA Early Learning Center is rated 4 out of 4 stars by the PA Keystone STARS and is licensed by the Department of Human Services. All of our staff have current state clearances and are First Aid and CPR certified Additionally, all staff in the ELC participate in annual professional development trainings.
Call now to set up an appointment to take a tour and register your child for the Early Learning Center for the upcoming school year! Spaces are limited For more information, e-mail Katie Nelson at knelson@ywcahanover.org, or call YWCA Hanover at 717-637-2125.
School Age Learning Academy Comelearnwithus!
The School Age Learning Academy is for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. They have had a fun, exciting and busy summer, taking weekly field trips to places such as Laurel Lake, kayaking at Codorus, swimming, the Gettysburg battlefield, the Splash Pad, Keystone Kids space, the York Revs baseball game, local state parks, playgrounds, bowling, skating, ice cream trips, and other local businesses. Our school age kids also have a STEM program where they participate in a STEM lesson once a week Our school age kids use these STEM materials to learn the foundations of science, technology, engineering, and math careers The STEM center provides interactive lessons that emphasize collaboration and critical thinking skills
During the school year, we offer before and after school care for the Hanover and South Western school districts Before care opens at 6:00am until the kids go to school, and after care begins from the time they get out of school until 6:00pm We offer all-day care on days that school is closed, and extended care hours are also offered on days the school is delayed or dismissed early If the schools decide to do virtual learning days, we are prepared to accommodate that as well; students come to the YWCA with their school laptops, and they can log into their school to do Zoom lessons with their class and complete all their schoolwork assignments on our wifi.
We are now enrolling in our before and after school program. During the school year, we provide children breakfast and an afternoon snack; they also receive lunch on days they are here all day. If you would like more information or to schedule a tour, call 717-637-2125 or email Lisa Staub at lstaub@ywcahanover.org.
Girls Loving Life
According to a survey done by The Confidence Code for Girls, “between the ages of 8-14, girls’ confidence levels drop by 30%. Additionally, “between their tween and teen years, girls’ confidence that other people like them drops from 71% to 38% ” Girls Loving Life, YWCA Hanover’s twice-yearly program for school-aged girls, aims to change those statistics
Lifelong educators Nanci Mart and Marcia Knorr, the GLL leaders, design weekly lessons around the program’s five tenets: love yourself, love your body, love others, love learning and growing, and love life. Nanci and Marcia create an environment of fun, inquiry, conversation, and safe risk-taking to reinforce to the participants that it’s okay to be themselves, it’s okay to fail, and it’s okay to ask for help
Each session of Girls Loving Life runs for eight Saturdays; the fall session begins on October 5, 2024. Girls in grades 2-8 engage in journaling, small and large group discussions, and activities related to the weekly concept/tenet Girls in grades 9-12 are program mentors; they help implement the lessons created by Nanci and Marcia, while developing relationships with the younger girls and being positive role models for the skills/traits they are building
In February of this year, Girls Loving Life was nominated for the 2024 Central Penn Business Journal’s Nonprofit Innovation Award. These awards are presented to nonprofits that work to improve Central Pennsylvania in pioneering new ways Girls Loving Life was nominated in the Programs category, which “recognizes innovative programming that has resulted in the organization’s increased success in achievement of its mission ” To complete the award application process, Nanci submitted an overview of the program, including testimonials from parents, mentors, and participants, and identified GLL successes and future goals. In May, CPBJ held a banquet to announce the winner and runner-up in each category. Marcia and Nanci were delighted and honored to be chosen as the Runner-Up in their category Along with providing an opportunity to share information about GLL with other nonprofits in York County, CPBJ awarded Girls Loving Life $500 to continue developing and offering programs to help the young women in our area grow into confident, capable individuals who will work to achieve the YWCA’s mission to "eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.”
Par-TEE On Women’s Golf Outing
Our annual Par-TEE On Golf Outing was a day of fun and laughter for all who attended on Friday, June 7th.The event was again held at Bridges Golf Course, but an amazing new element this year was our decorated golf carts! Our golfers took this very seriously and we saw everything from a Hot Pink Giant Flamingo cart to a Gilligan’s Island cart. Seeing the decorations floating throughout the 18 holes on a beautiful sunny day was hilarious. All 18 holes were simple fun and games this year, giving every lady the opportunity to just relax and experience the game with no pressure. If you didn’t make it this year, save the date, Friday, May 30th, 2025 and stay tuned to www.ywcahanover.org for updates on when registration will open for 2025.
Women of Hanover Network
When it comes to networking events, the Women of Hanover Network (WOHN) is a great opportunity to meet with women from Hanover, Adams County, York County, Harrisburg, and as far as Maryland WOHN events promote a relaxing atmosphere for women to share with and learn from other women in our area Attendees are greeted warmly when they’re checked in, and then the networking begins Women find great strength in communication, and meeting new women is just the avenue to help build businesses, confidence, or whatever needs are presented Another great part of this event is that they are always FREE!! All WOHN events run from 5:15 pm to 6:45 pm, but women can come and go as desired
Upcoming dates for 2024 and 2025
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 – Sponsored By: The Chrissie Barrick Team (Location: Iron Lion at The Markets of Hanover)
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 – Sponsored By: Devon Ellis State Farm (Location: Iron Lion at The Markets of Hanover)
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - Sponsored By: M&T Bank (Location: TBD)
We are thrilled to welcome Gloria Marcott back to YWCA Hanover in October!
Trainer Gloria Marcott is the CEO, Coach, Author, and Founder of Soul Punch Self-Defense. Gloria brings over two decades of selfdefense training expertise and an 18-year career in law enforcement to the course.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
9:00am-11:00am
YWCA Hanover
$75 Person
This is a self-defense training workshop based on real life attack dynamics with one goal: to complete a single course with a significantly enhanced ability to survive a sudden, unexpected, physical attack or attempted abduction
Gloria Marcott’s training is different She doesn’t teach you how to fight She teaches you how to break down the body and disable the attacker
Why it works:
Focuses on layering levels of safety
Provides tactics and movements that utilize natural leverage
Teaches how to manipulate and break down the body
Incorporates tactics and techniques that offset size and strength disparities
Registration opening soon!
Coming Soon...
Monday, January 20, 2025 MLK Day 9:00am- 11:00am
$75 Person
Are you ready to unleash your inner warrior?
Soul Punch self-defense class is designed to empower you, boost your confidence, and equip you with practical skills to protect yourself in any situation.
All trainings are open to girls and women ages 10 and up
All mobility levels welcome
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes Held at YWCA Hanover
Registration opening soon!
1st United Methodist Church
Adams County SPCA
Adams Electric Cooperative,Inc
Adelyn Stitt
AERO Energy
Aesher Williams
Agricultural Commodities Inc
Albany Shue
Alicia Bowman
Allison's Plumbing Heating & Air
Amanda Day
Amanda Livingston
Amanda Stuckey
Amber Carlson
Andrea Brown
Andrea Green
Andrew Hoffman
Angela Marick
Angelina Piraino Thanksgiving Day Community 5K Turkey Trot
Anonymous
April Hobson
AquaPhoenix Scientific
Arabella Evans
Arik Beagley
Arthur J Glatfelter Foundation
Ashley Hershey
Ava Hooper
Axiom Staffing Group
Back 2 Health Chiropractic
Barbara Rupp
bare Med Spa & Wellness
Basta "Do" Home Improvements & Custom Woodworking
Becky Brown
Berkshire Hathaway- The Chrissie Barrick Team
Berni Bishop Pirollo and Tony Pirollo in Memory of Cindi Greco
Big Mikes Crab House
Bill O'Brien
Blue Bird Tattoo & Body Piercing
Brandi Sauers
Brenna Fry
Bret Kessler
Brian Katarski
Brian Shaffer
Brooklynn Cromer
Carissa Luckenbaugh
Carly Deatrick
Carol Noble
Carol Reese
CarrieJo DeLaney
Catherine Law
Cathy and Mike Bollinger
CGA Law Firm
Cherry Tree Lanes Vacations
Cheyenne Moore
Chrissie Barrick
Christopher Hulse
Christy Driscoll
Conewago Enterprises, Inc
Crabbs & Crabbs Attorneys
YWCA Hanover
2024 Contributor & Supporters
Cross Keys Village
Danielle Lemmon
Danika R S Dallam, SAA, Architects
David Hoffman
David Ross Orthodontics
David Terlizzi
Dawn Muir
Dayhoff Construction, LLC
Deborah Pensinger
Douglas Frank
Drew Trucksess
Edward Jones- Cindy Fremont
Elizabeth Johnides
Emmanuel United Church of Christ
Erin Hanson
Exchange Club of Hanover
Floyd Lohr Jr In Memory of Darlana Lohr
Fuhrman Creative, LLC
Fulton Bank
G & G Automotive
Garden & Art Landscapes
Gary Laabs
Gary Ludwig
George Hubbard
Georgia Simpson
Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce
Gilda Janusz
Glatfelter Insurance
Golf Cart Services Inc
Grace Flores
Hanover Auto Team
Hanover Home Association
Hanover Veterinary Hospital
Harriet Gaither
Health Markets- Kristy Hicks
Heather Buhl
Heather Heberling
Heather Synder
Henry & Eileen Senatore
Hoffman Homes
Home Association of Mcsherrystown
Iron Lion at The Markets at Hanover
Jackson Sprague
Jacqueline Redding
James May
Janise Bankard
Jayni Byam
Jeffrey & Patricia Baker in Memory of
Marcia Mackley
Jen Krichten
Jenifer Swope
Jenn Oswald
Jennifer Stickler
Jessica Waltersdorff
Joanna Hartman
Jody Adelsperger in Memory of Cindy
Greco
Jody Shaffer
Jordan Dale
Joshua Williams
Judith A. Dayhoff
Justine Trucksess
Karen Coyle
Karen Nelson
Karen Tavenner, Re/Max Quality Service, Inc
Kathleen Sheerer
Kathryn Bauder
Katie Senft
Katrina Gladdish
Katrina Wachenfeld
Kelly Grim Bookkeeping Services, LLC
Kelly Lynch
Ken Horak
Kenneth Skahn
Kerri Renoll
Kevin Barnes
Kevin Holcomb
Kevin Stoltz
Kim Cole
Kim Hissong
KLM Investments
Kristin Hart
Kylie Harvey
Lancers Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps
Laura Bradley
Laura Linebaugh
Laurence Zimmermann
Linda Lohr
Linda Sanders
Linda Terlizzi
Lobar Associates
Louis & Nanci Mart
Loyal Companion Pet Cremation, Inc
Lush Salon and Spa LLC
Lyla Hose
M & T Bank
M A K E It Happen Construction
Mackenzie Mayer
Mai Homes, LLC
Marijo Warnick
Martha Vite
Mary Price
Maryanne Adams
Matthew Ruth
Mcsherrystown Moose Family Center 720
Megan Nawn
Melissa Loiselle
Michael Stick
Michaela Shaffer
Michelle Shae
Miller Hanover, Inc
Minuteman Press
New Era Restaurant Bar and Motel
Nicole Amoss
Nicole Bealing
Norah Kirsch
Olivia Mummert
Ox Industries
PA Representative Kate Klunk
Pam Morrisey
Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center
Pat Risch
Patty Beltrante
PCI Insurance
Peak Exteriors, LLC
Peoples Bank
Phoebe Shaw
Phoenix Physical Therapy-Hanover PA
Prestige Apparel, LLC
Quality Painting by Michael Gray
Rachel Singer
Raymour & Flanigan Furniture and Mattress Store
Republican Club Of Hanover
Richard Gallagher
Ring Container Technologies
Robert C Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust Grant
Ronald & Sheila Carter
Rutter's Dairy
SAA Architects, Inc
Sal's Pizza & Subs
Samantha Schlitzer
Sam's Club
Sarah Evans
Schmitt's Interiors, Inc
Scott Garvick
Sean Claggett
Select Medical
Sharon Kebil-Whisler
Sharon O'Connell
Sherri Staub
Smiles on Broadway of Hanover
Smitha Nair
St Paul's Lutheran Church
Stacie Shurock
State Farm- Devon Ellis
State Farm- Lyle Pitner
State Farm- Vincent Cerceo
State Farm-Nicole Grove
State Farm-Ryan California
Stephanie Pettit
Steve and Kelley Latta Family Foundation
Steven Kerr
Susan & Abby Orner
Susan Oberman
Tamara Champagne
Terry Mobley
The Bridges Golf Club
Thrivent
Tim Williams Family
Timothy Foreman
Traditions Bank/ Her Traditions
Triple R Roofing & Siding
True North Wellness Services
United Way
Universal Hotel Supply
UPMC
Vanessa Vidal
W H Cooke & Co
Wellspan Health
Wyatt Evans
York County Community Foundation
York Water Company
Mission Impact Campaign 2024 Donors
Peace - $10,000 and up
INET Technology
Justice $5,000 and up
Jennifer & Michael Carter
Cindy Fremont
Freedom $2,500 and up
Dr Barbara Rupp
SEK, CPA's & Advisors
Staff Music & Amusements
Partner $500 and up
Holly Kehler
Grace & Rusty Elsner
Stephanie Werner
Mary Saunders
Dignity $1,000 and up
Webb Insurance
Watering Hope, LLC
Andrew & April Collins
Jessica and Dan Carson
Daniel & Donna Weber
Louis & Nanci Mart
Hanover Family Practice
Associates, LLC
Jody Shaffer
Champion $250 and up
Scott & Sherri Staub
Joan Witman
Renata Lob In memory of Naomi Mart
Janise Bankard
Kristin Hart
Carolyn Schaefer
Freda Bortner
Patricia Myers
Pat Shaffer
Michael & Martha Dows
Friend $100 and up
Cheyenne Moore
Bonnie Gartrell-Ney
Jeanette Hulse
Gayle Mowrer
Alan & Pamela Cashman
Ellen Biesecker
Judy & Ralph Jodice
Rhonda Ramos
Margaret Bria
Jean Gartrell
Jo Ann J Bauer
Melanie Cope
Fuhrman Creative, LLC.
Sue Crawford In memory of Cyndi Greco
Andrew & Debra Smith
Dian Cramer
Maryann Truitt
Supporter $99 or less
Lori Groft
Maura Buri
Ralph & Gay Dickson
Shannon O' Connell
Troy & Ashley Szwoyer
Terrence & Barbara Hynes
Donna Winters
Jennifer Manz In Memory of Lindy Dobbins
Gilda Janusz
Angela Batista
Kimberly Egerton
Kathleen Kowanic
Sharon Kebil-Whisler
Funding the Mission
YWCA Hanover is a mission driven, charitable, nonprofit organization committed to providing services and programs at low cost to no cost to fulfill our purpose of creating sustainable social change in our community Our Board of Directors and volunteers hold a Mission Impact Campaign to support the ongoing efforts of the organization.
YWCA Hanover’s Mission Impact Campaign kicks off every year in April. This fundraising event started eight years ago and is crucial to YWCA Hanover’s ability to pursue our mission These donations provide so many opportunities for all we serve including, but not limited to:
Creating sustainable financial support for educational programs for the victims of Domestic Violence
Providing opportunities for building life skills, developing self-esteem, self-respect, and growth for the children in our Early Learning Center
Offering free music and theater classes for the youth in our community
Sustaining free youth programs like Girls Loving Life and Upstanders
Assisting with tuition for our Family Centered Child Care and Summer Camp, and So much more
YWCA Hanover is growing quickly and thriving, meeting the needs of our community in unprecedented ways and facing the social injustices around us head on We need support to continue on our exciting path.
If you would like to participate in YWCA Hanover's Mission Impact Campaign 2024, we would welcome your support! Please use the form to your right or contact Janise Bankard, Director of Development, at jbankard@ywcahanover org
Board of Directors 2024
Jennifer Holcomb - President
Vanessa Berger - Vice President
Jess Kelley - Treasurer
Taylor Welsh Esq. - Secretary
Sivel
Dr Pani Rao
Rhonda Ramos
Jessica Carson
Justine Trucksess
Jessica Miller
Stephanie Werner
Kelly Rebert
Devon Ellis
Kristin Hart
Management Team 2024
(Pictured Left to Right)
Jody Shaffer, Chief Executive Officer
Sherri Staub, Chief Financial Officer
Louis Mart, Director of Client Services/Technology
Katie Nelson, Director of Childcare
Janise Bankard, Director of Development
Sarah Harvey, Director of Safe Home
Amy Baker, Assistant Director of Safe Home
Lisa Staub, School Age Manager
Deb Smith, Social/Racial Justice Coordinator
Scott Staub, Facility Manager (not pictured)
YWCA Hanover’s Facility Rentals
Louis Mart, Director of Client Services & Marketing
NEW! YWCA Hanover’s gymnasium is now equipped with A/C and Heat. Plan your seasonal sports practices now
Our multi-purpose room is perfect for one-day workshops or conferences and is especially popular for evening parties and celebrations For more information contact Louis Mart at (717) 637-2125
