Weekly Stories

“Children in Crisis” Program Presents Domestic Violence from a Child’s Perspective

October 9, 2013

For some of us, domestic violence is an issue that we learn about from other people’s stories, experiences and statistics. For many others, it is a traumatizing part of life that is hard to forget, that is hard to express to friends and family. Even more for children of young ages who might have a hard time finding the right words to express themselves, it can leave them anxious, upset or even silent.

It’s Time to Pass the Purple Purse

October 2, 2013

As October moves us into the autumn weather, it also marks the beginning of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Being the largest domestic violence service provider in our service area, this month is very important to the YWCA, as we are committed to breaking the cycle of family violence. October also marks the beginning of the annual Allstate Foundation Purple Purse fundraiser.

Residents’ BBQ Stirs the Communal Spirit of the YWCA

September 25, 2013

Yesterday afternoon, folks from all of the YWCA’s housing facilities came together for the Annual Residents’ BBQ. Residents from the YWCA’s Downtown, Rosedale Senior Housing, Four Winds East Apartments and Mainstream Housing were invited to come down to the YWCA for some delicious, free BBQ as well as other Southern favorites like baked beans, potato salad and sweet tea. Every year, the residents’ BBQ is a great opportunity for tenants to socialize and learn more about the ever-growing community in the YWCA housing facilities.

Fond Farewells and New Beginnings: CEO Suzanne Durham Announces Retirement

September 18, 2013

Tuesday, September 17th, was a tremendous day for all of us involved with the YWCA Central Alabama. Kathryn Harbert, President of the Board of the YWCA Central Alabama announced that long-time YWCA Chief Executive Officer, Suzanne Durham, will be retiring at the end of 2013. The Board of Directors has appointed Yolanda Sullivan as Interim Chief Executive Officer to lead this new transition.

YWCA’s Heritage Panel and Healthy Relationships Programs

September 11, 2013

We’re at the beginning of another school year, and while students are getting back into the flow, the YWCA is gearing up as well with two programs to promote social justice and encourage healthy dating relationships.

YWCA Receives Donation from Thirty One

September 5, 2013

The YWCA received a wonderful surprise from YWCA supporter Amanda Graves, National Executive Director of Thirty-One Gifts, and the more than 40 other consultants and directors from Thirty-One. As part of their Thirty-One Gives initiative, they collected items to donate to the YWCA from our KIDS (Kids in Distress) Korner wish list and women’s clothing and accessories for My Sister’s Closet.
 

YWCA Hosts Fifth Annual Purse & Passion St. Clair County Luncheon

August 22, 2013

The YWCA Central Alabama hosted its Fifth Annual Purse & Passion St. Clair County Luncheon today at Pell City First United Methodist Church. The Luncheon chaired by Honorary YW Board Member Dr. Virginia Gauld raises money to support Our Place, the YWCA’s domestic violence shelter in St. Clair County that offers a broad array of domestic violence services to women and families in the area. This year Purse & Passion St. Clair County raised $72,559 and counting!

YWCA AmeriCorps Members Participate in Camp APAC

August 14, 2013

YWCA Central Alabama has 32 AmeriCorps members serving in areas supporting the homeless population, social justice initiatives, child care and after-school enrichment, girl’s and women’s leadership, domestic violence services, persons with disabilities, housing and economic development. 

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. 

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