YWCA Central Alabama will continue to make a difference in the Woodlawn Communitythanks in part to the generosity of Publix Super Market Charities. Publix Charities presented the nonprofit with a $10,000 grant for affordable housing and homelessness services in the Woodlawn Community which aligns with the funder's focus on youth, education, reducing hunger, and alleviating homelessness in the community.
The Board of Directors of the YWCA Central Alabama is delighted to announce that LaRhonda Magras, EdD., has been elected CEO of the organization, effective September 1, 2019.
Currently Senior Vice President, Program & Operations with YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Magras succeeds Yolanda Sullivan, who retired as CEO late last year. Patricia Hoban-Moore will continue as Interim CEO through August 2019.
YWCA Central Alabama joined YWCA USA’s national campaign, “Stand Against Racism,” to educate, advocate, and promote racial justice. Stand Against Racism is a four -day opportunity, April 25 – April 28, 2019, for members and various organization in the community to find an issue or cause that inspires them to stand against racism.
Birmingham, AL– The YWCA Central Alabama hosted its 20th Annual Purse and Passion Luncheon. The event was titled the Power of 20, in honor of the event’s 20th year. Maggie Brooke, President of the YWCA Central Alabama Board of Directors, reflected on the many lives impacted by the organization’s programs over the 20 years of Purse and Passion. Nearly 1,500 guests opened their purses and wallets to support the YW’s mission. The luncheon was held on April 18, 2019 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.
YWCA Central Alabama hosted its 12th Annual KIDS Korner Luncheon on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at the BJCC East Ballroom. This event raised $152,600 (and counting) to support the YWCA’s KIDS Korner child development program for children of homeless families. The room was abuzz with over 650 guests in attendance, ready to help provide our YWCA angels with the best start at life.
YWCA Central Alabama recently named Sunny Tillman of Sun Video as its 2018 Jeana P. Hosch Woman of Valor recipient at its Annual Meeting. This award is presented each year to an extraordinary woman who has worked tirelessly on the behalf of the YW and our community.
The YW selected Tillman for both her dedication to the organization in producing approximately 100 videos telling the stories of YW clients, but also for being a strong business leader who for more than 40 years has embodied the YW mission of empowering women and eliminating racism.
YWCA Central Alabama provided toys to more than 350 children on Saturday, December 8, 2018, with its annual Santa’s Workshop event! This event helps families living in area homeless shelters and transitional housing programs have a happy holiday season.
Serving with YWCA Central Alabama’s “Building Communities, Bettering Lives” (BCBL) AmeriCorps program comes with many benefits–educational awards, career opportunities, job skills training and more. However, most members don’t consider the possibility of finding love. This was the case for former BCBL AmeriCorps members Alicia Calloway and Walter Nolen-Schmidt who began their year of service at the YW in 2016 with no idea that 2-years later they would be married and starting a life together.
Happy Halloween from your YW family! We had a spooktacular time celebrating at our annual Fall Festival, put on by the YW Junior Board and a host of volunteers. The gym was filled with little princesses, superheroes and ghosts who got a chance to dress up and enjoy a cake walk, football toss and several other activities.
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church (VHUMC) recently visited YWCA Central Alabama’s housing program for its annual game night. VHUMC facilitated an exciting game of bingo and provided a taco buffet for dinner, dessert and prizes for the YWCA’s resident adults and children who participated.
“It was a wonderful night of fun and fellowship, and we are very lucky to have Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church’s support,” said Parrish Knorr, senior director of Housing for YWCA Central Alabama. “They have adopted this event each year and they make it special every time.”