Welcome to - YWCA Greater Los Angeles
Transcription
Welcome to - YWCA Greater Los Angeles
one greater los angeles Working together for peace, justice, freedom, equality and dignity. Welcome to ONE VOICE, ONE MOVEMENT, ONE VISION. Job Corps 2013 Summer Graduation “Dream Catchers” Motivated By NBC’s Biggest Loser Celebrity The YWCA Greater Los Angeles’ Job Corps, which serves over 1,100 young people every year, held it’s Summer Graduating Class of 2013 commencement on Friday, August 23rd at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This year’s graduation theme, “Don’t Let Your Past Determine Your Future” was presented by keynote speaker, Ms. Wyann Vaughn, Padadena City College Instructor and special guest motivational speaker Dolvett Qunice from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”. Ms. Wyann Vaughn eloquently stated, “You can catch any dream you imagine. Be yourself! Be supported! Be daring! Be open! Finally, beware and be aware!” She went on to encourage graduates to actively learn who they are, seek mentoring relationships that support their goals and try new things. She implored them to remain open to constructive criticism and to make choices that propel them forward in life. Ms. Vaughn concluded her inspirational speech with one of her favorite childhood songs, entitled Shine. The entire assembly of Job Corps graduates, as well as supporters in the audience, cheered Vaughn with a standing ovation. Her speech resonated with the ceremony’s remaining speakers as well, as they referred to the graduates as “dream catchers” through the duration of the event. The 2013 Job Corps graduation received coverage on ABC Channel 7 News. If you would like to receive One Voice via email, please email [email protected]. Fitness expert and television star, Mr. Dolvett Quince, also delivered a motivational and congratulatory speech of overcoming adversity and achieving goals. Though he was a foster child, he did not let his difficult childhood dictate what his future would hold. A positive male role model in Mr. Quince’s life demonstrated how to live and inspire him to be better. As a result, Mr. Quince pursued his passion and became a leader in his field of health and fitness. Job Corps Graduation continued on back page. WHAT’S INSIDE October 2013 pg 2 October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month pg 4 Board President Receives Prestigious Award pg 3 Women Behind the YWCA GLA pg 6 YWCA GLA Partners We create a safe spac e to live, learn and grow. YWCA GLA Director to Serve on the State of California Domestic Violence Advisory Council YWCA GLA Director of Sexual Assault Crisis Services Alva Moreno was appointed by the Ways & Means Committee to serve on the State of California Domestic Violence Advisory Council. Ms. Moreno will be advocating for rights and employment protections for women who have been sexually assaulted. “Our job is to look at funding streams around the state as it relates to domestic violence,” said Alva Moreno. “Our group of fifteen (15) assures guidelines and protocols are followed by domestic violence centers across states that include rights on the job.” Congratulations Alva Moreno! The YWCA Week Without Violence™, the third week in October, is an international initiative created by YWCA USA in 1995 to mobilize people in communities all across the United States and the world to take action against all forms of violence, wherever it occurs. The YWCA GLA will be holding Week Without Violence activities on the campus of California State Long Beach. To learn more about Week Without Violence – find events near you; learn facts about dating violence, hate crimes and violence against women; and get anti-violence resources visit www.ywca.org. Women Behind the YWCA Greater Los Angeles: Ruth Hern, Senior Executive Assistant to the President & CEO Log on to purplepurse.com and register purse code 01020 along with your zip code to support YWCA GLA. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Celebrating 28 years of improving the quality of life for those victimized by sexual assault, the YWCA GLA is a vital resource for women who are involved in domestic violence and sexual assault and is an expert resource in the field at a state, regional, and national level. Pass the Purple Purse! Over the past three years the YWCA GLA has participated in Allstate’s Purple Purse Campaign. Through this campaign, the Allstate Foundation raises awareness about domestic violence by providing grants and resources to organizations like the YWCA GLA who work directly with survivors. This year, thirty two YWCA agencies across the country are participating in the foundation’s Purple Purse Campaign. Throughout the month of October, hundreds of purple purses carrying domestic violence information will be given to Allstate employees and agents, local YWCAs, government officials, celebrities, media and domestic violence leaders to pass along between friends and family. Each time a YWCA purse is passed and registered on PurplePurse.com, The Allstate Foundation will donate $10 back to that local YWCA. “All the participating YWCAs have an opportunity to raise up to $10,000,” said Sharon Shelton, YWCA GLA Senior Director of Empowerment Services. Visit www.purplepurse.com for information! Faye Washington Receives Standing Ovation at National Sexual Assault Conference PAGE 2 On Wednesday, August 28th, YWCA GLA CEO Faye Washington inspired a crowd of over 1,400 participants from across the country as she served as the Keynote Speaker at the National Sexual Assault Conference (NSAC), a national conference offering training for experts in the field of sexual assault. “I’ve been in this fight a long time,” said Faye, recounting how she has learned to be an efficient and successful advocate. “Getting where we are today has taken the strength of a whole lot of women,” she added, “pushing us all to embrace our passions, find the right tactics, and get down to work. You tell me it can’t be done. It can be done!” Sharon Shelton, YWCA GLA Senior Director of Empowerment Services, and Alva Moreno, YWCA GLA Director of Sexual Assault Crisis Services, both further represented the YWCA GLA by sitting as panelists. Ms. Shelton participated in the sexual assault and incarceration panel and Ms. Moreno joined on the self-defense against sexual assault panel. They say behind every great executive is a great team. At the YWCA GLA, this is no exception. Meet Ruth Hern, Senior Executive Assistant to President and CEO, Faye Washington. Ms. Hern brings over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector to the Executive Department and is an invaluable team member at the YWCA GLA. Why does the mission of the YWCA resonate with you personally? As a Hispanic woman, being a minority in the workforce, I want to help empower women in my shoes to find their way. The mission of this organization is a perfect fit for me. Being in the new building with the Job Corps students and staff, makes our work even more tangible. The most gratifying and fulfilling part of this work is being a part of the solution to real problems. Tell about your position at the YWCA GLA. I have been with the YWCA GLA for nine (9) years as the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO, Faye Washington and also act as the Board of Director Liaison. Ms. Washington and I work very closely together. Knowing her well helps me anticipate her needs. We’ve built a strong bond over the years and now supporting her is intuitive for me. We’re in sync. Because of this, I am afforded the opportunity to be involved in many areas of the organization such as Finance, Fundraising, Programs and special projects. In addition, I work alongside the senior directors. Moreover, Faye has empowered me to represent her regularly at various meetings and events. Why is the work of the YWCA important to the community? We have seen much progress with recent capital projects that benefit the community at large. Union Pacific has reaped benefits in a huge way from our presence there. This center is a hub for positive change in the communityit is serving as a model for the direction the YWCA GLA is going. Also, the Urban Campus is a physical example of how the Los Angeles community has been positively impacted by our work. Our physical presence amongst students and center staff has bolstered their understanding of who we are, what we do, and why it is important to us to help students succeed. Job Corps interns are frequently assigned to work in the Executive office and when they leave, their shoulders are a bit higher, they have greater tools and their sphere of influence is changed. This is tremendous work, but there is still much to be done. Nugget Moment: Tell about a memorable experience as Senior Executive Assistant. The October 4, 2012 Urban Campus Grand Opening was a surreal day for me. Ms. Washington had given the Mayor a personal of the building before the event. When we walked out to the event stage, the cheers were overwhelming. It felt like we were rock stars. So many people came out to support this effort and cheer our success and it gave me an amazing feeling of validation for the years of arduous work that Ms. Washington and her YWCA staff had experienced. That moment was major for me. Now that we have a strong physical presence downtown, we are working to keep up that momentum and maintain the impact of the movement. What is something that others may not know about you? I am the youngest of seven children. My daughter Danielle and granddaughter Brooke are the lights of my life. My family and I were featured in a Roman Meal nutritional video called, “Running on Empty? Fuel Up with the Right Foods.” PAGE 3 O N E V O I C E O N E V O I C E YWCA GLA Board President Receives Distinguished Award! Eleanor Beasley in the Spotlight! YWCA GLA Board President, Eleanor Beasley, was chosen to receive The Women’s City Club of Pasadena 2013 Gloria Gartz Award. The YWCA GLA team and La Ranchera 930 AM Radio Personalities The Gloria Gartz Award was created as a tribute to Ms. Gartz, who was a catalyst of women-driven community contributions in Southern California, in particular in the Pasadena community. Ms. Beasley received the 2013 Award in celebration of her outstanding contributions to the community, for being a visionary, embracing diversity, empowering women and the community. Past honorees include internationally-known executive coach, best-selling author and keynote speaker Dr. Lois Frankel, and last year’s recipient, Christina Regalado, Vice President of Programs with the California Wellness Foundation. Ms. Beasley was presented with the award at a dinner event on Saturday, July 27th in Pasadena, California. Congratulations Eleanor! Faye Washington Honored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Urban Los Angeles (NULA)! National Alliance on Mental Illness Urban Los Angeles (NULA), honored YWCA Greater Los Angeles Chief Executive Officer, Faye Washington, at their 10th Anniversary Luncheon held on July 20, 2013. Founded in 2003, NULA provides education about severe brain disorders, supports increased funding for research, and advocates for adequate health insurance, housing rehabilitation and jobs for people with serious psychiatric illnesses in communities of color. In addition, NULA seeks to educate the public about the myths of mental illness to eradicate stigma. Ms. Washington was honored by NULA for her leadership of YWCA GLA, which delivers programs that promote healthy minds and empowered lifestyles to the Greater Los Angeles community. PAGE 4 JOIN US AS WE HONOR AND CELEBRATE COMMUNITY LEADERS t h e B A L L NOVEMBER 8, 2013 YWCA GLA In the Community: Walnut Park Empowerment Center THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL & BUNGALOWS 9641 SUNSET BOULEVARD BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90210 6:30 PM 8:00 PM RECEPTION, RED CARPET ARRIVALS, SILENT AUCTION DINNER, JAZZ ENTERTAINMENT AND AWARDS CEREMONY VALET PARKING August 16th - 18th YWCA GLA participated in the Walnut Park Summer Festival, which was held Downtown Walnut Park. This annual community event, which attracts over 60,000 attendees, was a great way for the YWCA GLA to create awareness and inform the community about the services the Walnut Park Empowerment Center will be offering. YWCA GLA hosted a booth, distributed Walnut Park Empowerment Center information, as well as promoted our upcoming Child Development, Senior and Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) programs. La Ranchera 930 AM Radio station provided simultaneous live broadcast from the stage. PAGE 5 O N E V O I C E Thank You YWCA Partners! Home Depot, Edison International, United Way and Smart & Final, Make a Lasting Impact The YWCA Greater Los Angeles would like to offer many thanks to its generous partners, both new and long standing. We greatly value our community partners and are excited about the tangible difference their donations are making in the greater Los Angeles area. Thank you Home Depot, Smart & Final, Edison International, and United Way! Home Depot Compton Home Depot brought a new face to the YWCA GLA Compton Child Development Center (CDC) and grounds during their first “Beautification Day” held earlier this year. Home Depot volunteers gathered and assisted the CDC’s parents and staff by painting a mural, planting trees and vegetables and ultimately providing a cleaner and brighter environment for Compton families. Concerns in the Compton area always include safety, economic security, employment and education. The YWCA GLA is committed to providing a safe space for all to live, learn and grow. Home Depot’s partnership improves the YWCA GLA’s ability to provide resources to Compton children and families. Thank you Compton Home Depot for your generous donation. We look forward to a continued partnership! Edison International Thank you to our longstanding partner, Edison International. Their partnership with the YWCA GLA has improved the lives of countless people in our community. Their latest donation was a sizeable grant along with ten laptops that will be used for the Walnut Park Technology Center. Many thanks to Edison International for this new grant! We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Edison! United Way of Greater Los Angeles The YWCA Greater Los Angeles is thrilled to announce that we have been approved for a Workforce Development grant in the area of Financial Stability from the United Way of Greater Los Angeles! We look forward to working together with the United Way as we seek to create pathways out of poverty and improve the quality of life for all in greater Los Angeles. Thank you, United Way! PAGE 6 Smart & Final Extra! The YWCA GLA is so grateful for business and community partners like Smart & Final. Smart & Final recognizes the importance of and invests David Hirz, Chief Executive Officer of Smart & in the YWCA GLA’s Final Inc. and Eleanor Beasley, President of YWCA Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors successful Job Corps program. This summer Smart & Final hired twenty-three (23) Job Corps students to staff its new Smart & Final Extra! Store at 845 S. Figueroa, in Downtown Los Angeles. David Hitz, President and CEO of Smart & Final, invited the YWCA GLA staff to its grand opening and preview night in July and presented the YWCA GLA, along with several other local non-profit organizations, with a generous monetary donation from the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation. Because of the great work that the three lead Job Corps Students did in helping recruit students to attend the Smart & Final job fair, Smart & Final management offered to interview more Job Corps students for twenty-five (25) additional open positions! Thank you, thank you, to our valued partner Smart & Final. You are Our Partners, too! YWCA GLA works to align our mission with our partners’ - whether corporate, foundation or individual - philosophies and carefully nurture these partnerships to Cultivate healthy communities. We need your help! To become a corporate partner or to make an individual donation toward a program/service or specific YWCA GLA Empowerment site, please visit our website at www.ywcagla.org/donations. Thank you for joining together with us! O N E V O I C E YWCA Greater Los Angeles Locations: YWCA GLA Urban Campus Executive Office 1020 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Programs: Job Corps, Workforce Training Union Pacific Empowerment Center 4315 Union Pacific Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90023 Programs: Childcare, Seniors, Youth Walnut Park Empowerment Center Opening Fall 2013! 7515 Pacific Blvd. Walnut Park, CA 90255 Programs:Child Development, Sexual Assault Crisis Services Studio Club Empowerment Center 1215 Lodi Place Los Angeles, CA 90038 Programs: Transitional Housing YWCA GLA at Osborne 12059 Osborne Street Sylmar, CA 91331 Programs: Seniors, Transitional Housing Compton Empowerment Center 1600 E. Compton Blvd. Compton, CA 90221 Programs: Child Development, Sexual Assault Crisis Services Sexual Assault Outreach Specialist, Olivia Alvarez closed out the activities of “Week Without Violence” with a Community Self-Defense Class at Union Pacific. South Bay Sexual Assault Crisis Services 920 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, CA 90813 Programs: Sexual Assault Crisis Services Angeles Mesa Empowerment Center 2501 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 Programs:Child Development, Sexual Assault Crisis Services North Valley Empowerment Center 1200 North Maclay Avenue San Fernando, CA 91340 Programs: Child Development greater los angeles Felicia Mahood Senior Center 11338 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Program: Seniors North Valley Child Development Center 11133 Omelveny Ave San Fernando, CA 91340 Programs: Child Development To support the work of the YWCA GLA visit: www.ywcagla.org PAGE 7 greater los angeles 1020 S. Olive Street, 7th Floor Los Angeles 90015 StayConnected. facebook.com/ywcagla youtube.com/ywcagreaterla ywcagla.blogspot.com Thank you to our Partners! twitter.com/ywca_gla Job Corps Graduation continued from front page. Mr. Quince congratulated the Job Corps students for taking advantage of the opportunities afforded to them to get vocational training. He encouraged the graduates to strive for their dreams and echoed the ceremony’s theme of looking to the future, not the past. “I never thought 10 months ago that I would be so proud and excited,” said Lisa Henriques, Job Corps Graduate Class Speaker, beaming with accomplishment. “I have never graduated from anything before.” The 400 graduates, each with training in one of more than 45 vocational trades, will join the workforce with one of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles employer hiring partners and join the many other individuals who have benefitted from the Job Corps Program’s success. YWCA GLA has been administrating the Los Angeles Job Corps Program since 1965. Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential and educational training program for homeless, emancipated and at-risk youth, ages 16 to 24. The program is comprised of Academic Training, Vocational Training, Social/Employability Skills Training, comprehensive health care, social services, and employment/housing placement. For more information about the YWCA GLA Job Corps program please visit ywcagla.org or call (213) 365-2991. YWCA Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors Officers: Eleanor Beasley President Elected Members: Lisa D. Cagnolatti Vice President Samantha W. Jones Maria L. Garcia Vivian D. Howell Amanda J. Lee Alva P. Adams-Mason Secretary Patricia Keane Treasurer The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Become a member today and ADD YOUR voice to help change YOUR community and help empower lives! Scan the QR code or visit ywcagla.org/membership for more information. The YWCA Greater Los Angeles: Safe space to live, learn and grow.