DECEMBER
with theYWCAPrinceton
As we enter December, YWCA Princeton is embracing the magic of the holiday season! With the spirit of giving in full swing, our Newcomers & Friends, as well as Jill Jachera and her team of “elves,” are gathering gifts for the children in our childcare center and the wider community continuing a tradition that brings joy and support to the children and families we serve.
The season of giving doesn’t end there. We’re excited to introduce our new monthly newsletter, spotlighting volunteer opportunities and offering even more ways to get involved with YWCA Princeton We are also celebrating gratitude as our English as a Second Language students enjoy their own Thanksgiving gathering, expressing appreciation for our incredible Breast Cancer Resource Center interns as they complete their time with us, and warmly welcoming our new Chief Advancement Officer.
Keep reading to unlock more of the holiday spirit!
Updates from the Burke Foundation Early Childhood
Cen
ter
Parent Conferences
Parent conferences for both The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center and the Universal Pre-K classrooms are taking place throughout November. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to discuss each child’s progress since the start of the school year, including their academic growth, behavior, and social–emotional development, and to create a plan that supports their continued success
By fostering open communication between home and school, conferences allow teachers to share observations and data while giving parents the chance to provide insights into their child’s strengths and needs at home.
Holiday Gift Giving
Our Newcomers & Friends have kicked off their Holiday Gift Giving initiative, ensuring every child at the Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center receives a special present this season.
Each year, the group comes together to brighten the holidays for our students, thoughtfully selecting a unique gift for every child. In the weeks leading up to the celebration, members dedicate their time to choosing presents that capture the joy and spirit of the holidays.
Celebrating 25 years of the St. Nicholas Project
Jill Jachera and her team of “elves” have once again begun gathering gifts for our Burke families for the 2025 holiday season
A longtime community advocate, Jill has been helping the YWCA Princeton support local families during the holidays since 2000 We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with Jill and her “elves” each year. Her dedication along with her family’s continued support makes a meaningful difference for our organization and the families we serve.
This initiative would not be possible without the generous Santas who adopt our families and help make children’s holiday wishes come true. Many of these Santas have been involved since the very beginning, making this effort a cherished part of their own family traditions.
Gift Distribution will take place on Tuesday, December 16, from 8AM - 12PM at YWCA Princeton’s circular driveway in front of the building (59 Paul Robeson Place).
Last year Newcomers & Friends dropping off their presents from their Holiday Gift Giving initiative.
Last year Jill Jachera and her team of “elves” delivering their presents
Co
lock Joins YWCA Princeton as Chief
Advancement Officer
YWCA Princeton is delighted to welcome Courtney Matlock as our new Chief Advancement Officer, leading our development and marketing efforts as we continue to expand our impact across Central New Jersey. Courtney brings a wealth of experience, deep community connections, and a longstanding personal commitment to our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
Courtney has held key development roles with several respected nonprofits in our region
Most recently, she led the corporate program for the new Princeton University Art Museum, cultivating strategic partnerships and securing critical support for one of our community’s most exciting cultural projects. Her expertise in building meaningful relationships, designing thoughtful stewardship strategies, and aligning donors’ passions with organizational goals will be a tremendous asset to YWCA Princeton.
Courtney’s connection to YWCA Princeton began more than 30 years ago, when she first served as ESL tutor in our programs. That early perience helping adult learners gain language ills and confidence left a lasting impression d sparked a lifelong commitment to community rvice and equity Now, three decades later, we e thrilled to welcome her back in this key adership role, where she will help ensure that r programs remain strong, sustainable, and cessible to all who need them
s Chief Advancement Officer, Courtney will cus on strengthening our portfolio of individual nors, corporate partners, and foundation nders. She will play a pivotal role in shaping ltivation and stewardship strategies that not ly grow financial support, but also deepen gagement with our mission and vision for a ore just and equitable community
ease join us in warmly welcoming Courtney to e YWCA Princeton team We are excited for the pertise, energy, and heart she brings to this ork and we look forward to all we will achieve gether in the months and years ahead.
YWCA Princeton recently launched a monthl
YWCA Princeton recently launched a monthly newsletter highlighting all of the volunteer opportunities our programs have to offer. This month’s offerings included teaching in our English as a Second Language Program, helping to sort shirts for our advocacy department, and hosting a nonperishable food drive
If you are interested in being added to our volunteer list please visit the link
Our offerings are sent out the first week of each month Volunteering at YWCA Princeton strengthens our community, supports survivors, and helps create safer, more equitable opportunities for women, children, and families Get involved today!
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer with a group, please contact Darlene Nawuridam, Equity and Outreach Coordinator, at DNawuridam@ywcaprinceton.org or 609-497-2100 x385.
Click to learn more!
Thank You to Our Wonderful TCNJ Interns!
As the fall semester comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible interns Anneliese Yacuk and Belle Amoroso from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) for their time, energy, and dedication to the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC).
If you are interested in interning or volunteering for the Breast Cancer Resource Center, please contact Melissa McMahon at mmcmahon@ywcaprinceton.org or 609-480-2982.
From spending weekends representing BCRC at community outreach tables to connecting with our breast cancer survivors, your compassion and enthusiasm have made a lasting impression on everyone you ’ ve met. Your thoughtful research and creative ideas have also helped us strengthen our mission enhancing our programming to be even more supportive, inclusive, and empowering for those living with, through, and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis. Thank you for sharing your talents, your hearts, and your time with us You have each made a meaningful difference in our community, and we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next!
From spending weekends representing BCRC at community outreach tables to connecting with our breast cancer survivors, your compassion and enthusiasm have made a lasting impression on everyone you ’ ve met. Your thoughtful research and creative ideas have also helped us strengthen our mission enhancing our programming to be even more supportive, inclusive, and empowering for those living with, through, and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis. Thank you for sharing your talents, your hearts, and your time with us. You have each made a meaningful difference in our community, and we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next!
– Melissa White-McMahon
– Melissa White-McMahon
Director of the Breast Cancer Resource Center
Director of the Breast Cancer Resource Center
Betsy Bell
Betsy Bell
Assistant Director of the Breast Cancer Resource Center
Assistant Director of the Breast Cancer Resource Center
Belle Amoroso pictured on the left; Anneliese Yacuk pictured on the right
Over the next two weeks, our
ESL students will take part in special civic lessons exploring
the history and traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Students will also have the opportunity to share how Thanksgiving or similar harvest celebrations is recognized in their home countries, creating a rich cultural exchange in every classroom.
Each class will host its own small Thanksgiving celebration with students, teachers, and staff. These gatherings are always a highlight of the season, offering a chance to learn about traditional Thanksgiving dishes while enjoying a fun, social atmosphere.
It’s a wonderful time for students to build connections, practice English in a relaxed setting, and appreciate one another’s cultures and traditions. We look forward to celebrating together!
Bloom Where You're Planted with
Newcomers & Friends at YWCA Princeton
Registration for a new year of our Newcomers & Friends at YWCA Princeton is still underway! For over 65 years, the Newcomers have welcomed women to our community from around the world, nation, and state.
We have many Interest Groups for you to participate in. Whether you like hiking, biking, card playing or dining out we have it for you with our 35 different Interest Groups.
You don’t have to live in Princeton to be a part of Newcomers & Friends. Members come from all over including Mercer, Somerset, Middlesex, and Bucks Counties. Whether you are a seasoned resident or new to our area Newcomers & Friends welcome you to bloom where you are planted!
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