
YWCA Hosts Rally to Raise Awareness of Predatory Lending
January 15, 2014
Last Friday the YWCA, in partnership with Alliance for Responsible Lending in Alabama (ARLA) hosted a rally advocating legisl
Last Friday the YWCA, in partnership with Alliance for Responsible Lending in Alabama (ARLA) hosted a rally advocating legisl
As record-breaking lows hit the Southeast, many less fortunate individuals must make crucial decisions about how to stay warm. Some may not be able to afford the appropriate attire during this frigid weather. We have all been caught in the cold without a coat on occasion, but this time of year can be very cold, even dangerous, if there is not a warm coat waiting for us at home.
Last Saturday it was once again time for Santa to bring his elves down to the YWCA and transform our gymnasium into Santa’s Workshop! With the help of over 300 volunteers, the YWCA was able to bring magic and excitement to families experiencing homelessness in Birmingham on this special day. The gymnasium was converted into a winter wonderland with the help of very gracious volunteers from Belk, which has shared a long relationship with the YWCA and Santa’s Workshop.
Earlier this month, Birmingham’s Childcare Resources awarded our CEO Suzanne Durham the Margie Curry Lifetime Achievement Award due to her more than 30 years of committed service to women and children in Central Alabama.
At the YWCA we believe that every child deserves a safe place to learn and grow, which is why we have a nationally accredited child care center. We believe that every child deserves a birthday party, that's why we make sure every child we serve blows out candles on their birthday. And we believe that children deserve a happy holiday season, filled with the magic and wonder of giving and receiving. That's why we have Santa’s Workshop. This year’s annual event will be Saturday, December 14, 2013.
The YWCA Central Alabama continuously strives to serve the needs of women, children and families across our region. The YWoodlawn Revitalization Enrichment Project, for example, has been an ongoing effort to transform several acres of once blighted housing into an award-winning neighborhood. Over the past six years the YWCA has established key partnerships and collaborations which have tremendously helped this initiative.
During this season of thanks, our staff, Board and Junior Board members share why they are thankful for the YWCA. From Social Justice to Domestic Violence Services, Housing and Child Care, we are proud to make a positive impact on the lives of women, children and families in Central Alabama.
The YWCA is proud to be a part of The Alliance for Responsible Lending in Alabama (ARLA) that is hosting a free predatory lending town hall meeting will be November 19 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
As we all know, teaching children the difference between wants and needs, especially when it comes to finances, is a very valuable lesson that starts early in their lives. Informing children on what it means to exchange currency for goods at a young age is a sure way to help prepare them for future financial stability. When families come to the YWCA for assistance, they are often times financially unstable and do not have the resources or help to become stable or show their children how to be.
The crisp autumn weather settled just in time for the many YWCA seasonal festivities. Last week, kids and adults alike were at our YWoodlawn location putting on their costumes, painting their faces and stocking up on candy for the annual YWoodlawn Fall Festival. The sun was setting just in time to kickoff the event. Children from both the YWoodlawn and downtown locations were dressed in full princess, superhero and even zombie attire.