The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts was founded in 1911. The Mission of the YWCA speaks to the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women. The YWCA has undergone major changes nationally, regionally and locally, but it has continued “to create opportunities for women’s growth leadership and power” since its inception.
The organization adopted its One Imperative in 1970, “to thrust our collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary” and continues to work to that goal internally and throughout its service area. The Board of Directors and staff reflect the diversity of the area with a concentrated effort to have many locales served.
The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts serves the region surrounding Greater New Bedford including communities south of Brockton, east to Provincetown and west to Attleboro. The YWCA is one of 300 local associations of the YWCA USA, incorporated individually and operated autonomously by a Board of Directors elected by the general membership.
The programs and services of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts are identified in five areas. They are Advocacy, Adult Services, Wellness for Women and Girls, the Women’s Collaborative Project and Youth Services.
Mission:
The YWCA is a women’s membership movement nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of many beliefs and values.
Strengthened by diversity, the Association draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision: Peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.
The Association will thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.
Please visit us online at: http://www.ywca.org
Imagine…7 Days, 168 Hours, 10,080 Minutes, 604,080 Seconds. One Week Without Violence.
The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts will kick off the YWCA Week Without Violence on October 18, 2009 bringing attention to the countless cases of relationship abuse that many women and families suffer from.
Imagine…7 Days, 168 Hours, 10,080 Minutes, 604,080 Seconds. One Week Without Violence. The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts will kick off the YWCA Week Without Violence on October 18, 2009 bringing attention to the countless cases of relationship abuse that many women and families suffer from.
This year’s YWCA Week Without Violence marks the 14th anniversary of the program and sheds light on the victims of violence who suffer everyday. Violence is not discriminating. It can happen to anyone. In addition to a focus on domestic violence, the YWCA is bringing awareness to child safety, racism, hate crimes, and other forms of brutality that lead to the loss of lives and the destruction of families.
Each day of the YWCA Week Without Violence is devoted to a specific issue: Sunday, October 18, “A Day of Remembrance;” Monday, October 19, “Protecting Our Children;” Tuesday, October 20, “Making Our Schools Safer;” Wednesday, October 21, “Confronting Violence Against Women;” Thursday, October 22, “Facing Violence Among Men;” Friday, October 23, “Eliminating Racism and Hate Crime;” Saturday, October 24, “Replacing Violence with Sports, Recreation and Fun.”
YWCA’s across the country will launch the week highlighting practical, sustainable alternatives to violence in our homes, schools, places of work and communities.
The 2009 YWCA Week Without Violence will offer the following programs:
Sunday, October 18th: “A Day of Remembrance”
Church bells will ring for one minute at 12 noon in honor of the victims of violence in our communities.
Monday, October 19th: “Protecting Our Children”
The “When I Get Mad I Draw” art contest held among New Bedford Public School students. Winners will receive backpacks full of art/school supplies. The Art Display will be at the YWCA, Levi Standish House, October 19-23, 9am - 4pm. Award Presentation will be held on Oct. 24 at the YWCA Block Party, 20 South Sixth Street, New Bedford 12pm – 3pm.
Tuesday, October 20th: “Making Our Schools Safer”
Safe Zones will be working with children to help them with issues regarding bullying and violence in or around school: Yw kids School Age Child Care, 89 Merrimac Street, New Bedford 3pm - 5pm.
Wednesday, October 21st: “Confronting Violence Against Women”
The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to violence against women. Shirts are decorated and hung to represent the experiences of the women who are victims of violence. This year’s clothesline is supported by UMASS Dartmouth’s, Women’s Resource Center and the Gamma Delta Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority: UMASS Dartmouth, Campus Center, 285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth 9am – 4pm.
Thurs., October 22nd: “Facing Violence Against Men”
The White Ribbon Campaign. We invite you to wear your white ribbon acknowledging that men are allies in the fight against domestic violence.
Self-Defense. In collaboration with UMASS Dartmouth’s, Department of Public Safety, the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) course for women will be offered in 4 sessions. Safety and self-defense information and registration will be available to students and the community: UMASS Dartmouth, Campus Center, 285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth 9am - 4pm.
Fri., October 23rd: “Eliminating Racism & Hate Crime”
Violence is not discriminating. It can happen to anyone. Please join us for a conversation on racism and hate crimes as it affects the education system with Dr. Portia Bonner, Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools and Dr. George Smith, Assistant Chancellor, Office of Equal Opportunity, Diversity & Outreach, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Pledge yourself to the Elimination of Racism. RSVP by October 21st at 508-999-3255: YWCA, Levi Standish House, 20 South Sixth Street, New Bedford 8am – 10am.
Sat., October 24th: “Replacing Violence With Sports, Recreation, and Fun!”
Block Party!! Kids, Family and Friends—join us for a fun day of play at the YWCA. Dance in the street with beats from DJ Jules, Bounce in the Moonwalk with project C.A.K.E., Craft with the Girls Scouts of Southeastern MA, Get your face painted with SMILES Mentoring Program and Much More! The “When I Get Mad I Draw” art exhibit will be on display and awards will be presented. Please RSVP: 508-999-3255. YWCA Levi Standish House: 20 South Sixth Street, New Bedford 12pm – 3pm.
All events are free and open to the community. For more information, please contact Athena Mota at the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts: 508-999-3255 or go to www.ywcasema.org.