Weekly Stories

YWCA Honored as one of Birmingham's Most Admired Companies

August 7, 2013

The YWCA Central Alabama was recently recognized as one of the Birmingham Business Journal’s Most Admired Companies of 2013. Other honorees in the nonprofit category included Salvation Army, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and award recipient, United Way of Central Alabama.

When asked why she believes the YWCA was chosen as a company to admire, YWCA CEO Suzanne Durham says, “For 110 years, the YWCA has been responding to critical needs of women and their families; often serving populations no one else does.”

YWCA Celebrates Christmas in July with the Birmingham Quilters Guild

July 31, 2013

The YWCA Central Alabama recently celebrated Christmas in July when members of the Birmingham Quilters Guild (BQG) stopped by to start preparing for Santa’s Workshop.
 
Sewing machines and cutting boards covered the Sloss Room at the YWCA as the guild made items for Santa’s Workshop which is held every December. 

YWCA AmeriCorps Program Recognizes Members of the Year

July 24, 2013

The YWCA Central Alabama’s “Building Communities, Bettering Lives” AmeriCorps program recently recognized three members of the year for their outstanding service and commitment to the AmeriCorps mission. These members have demonstrated multi-year dedication to the YWCA’s AmeriCorps program, and their service has contributed immeasurably to their host sites. The 2012-2013 members of the year are Irion Lane, Bridget McDaniel and Stacy Oliver.

YWCA Hosts Make A Change Leadership Institute

July 17, 2013

Earlier this year, the YWCA Central Alabama hosted 100 students and educators from 23 schools across the Birmingham area to participate in the Make A Change Leadership Institute. The theme of this year’s event focused on sexual minority youth at school. Sexual minority youth are young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or are uncertain of their sexual identity. The program was facilitated by student leaders who have attended Anytown Alabama, a social justice leadership camp sponsored by the YWCA and the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). 

YWCA Hosts YouthServe Urban Service Camps

July 10, 2013

This week the YWCA Central Alabama opened its doors to a group of campers who, with sleeping bags and suitcases in tow, will make the YW their home for one week during YouthServe’s Urban Service Camp. This five day residential camp hosts a diverse group of youth, ages 13 -18, who come together to get to know each other as well as our city.

The YWCA is excited to continue its partnership with YouthServe to provide life-changing experiences for Birmingham area youth.

YWCA Partners with NCCJ to Host Anytown Alabama

July 3, 2013

Anytown Alabama, a week-long residential camp started by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) in 1989 and now held in partnership with the YWCA Central Alabama, took place on June 2 – 8, 2013, at Camp Hargis in Chelsea, Alabama. 

YWCA Summer Enrichment Celebrates National Summer Learning Day

June 26, 2013

As part of our After-School Enrichment Program (ASEP), during the summer months the YWCA offers all day summer enrichment. The children participate in a variety of activities that keep them engaged in learning while they are having fun. In the mornings, the students participate in the daily five reading or math centers. In the afternoons there is art, creative writing, history or science to choose from. The program also schedules fun and educational field trips.

YWCA St. Clair Shelter Benefits from Dolores Hydock Performance

June 21, 2013

On June 2, 2013, actress and award winning story performer, Dolores Hydock, brought her special style of storytelling to St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church in Pell City to benefit the YWCA’s Our Place domestic violence shelter – the only confidentially located shelter serving victims in St. Clair and Blount counties that is certified by the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 

Hydock entertained the audience with her funny, affectionate stories about mothers and fathers, family fireworks and the power of a parent’s love. 

YWCA Summer Enrichment Program Receives Donation From BB&T

June 13, 2013

Summer vacation is a highly anticipated time of rest, relaxation and recreation for area students each year. Many students travel on family vacations, while others go to camps, join sports leagues and everyone loves spending time in the sun at the local swimming pool. However, if you are a child who lives in an area shelter, like the children we serve in the YWCA’s Summer Enrichment Program, opportunities like these are few and far between. Because for these children, camps and sports are a luxury they cannot afford and most of them do not own a swimsuit of their own. 

YWCA Holds Second Annual YWhisper Event

June 6, 2013

Homelessness, domestic violence and racism are uncomfortable subjects that are often avoided in society, especially in social situations. YWhisper is designed to encourage this “uncomfortable conversation.” The YWCA Central Alabama will hold its second annual YWhisper today – Thursday, June 6th at REV Birmingham’s SocialVenture event space located at 5529 1st Avenue South. 

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