|
|
 Do you ever find yourself, when thinking about a non-profit's work, getting caught up in the numbers? Are you so overwhelmed with statistics that you find yourself feeling disconnected from the cause you are supporting? At YWCA Boston, we are proud of our numbers: we are proud that we are serving so many people, involving so many members of the community, and addressing issues that are so significant. But we do like to take time to recognize the true value of our programs: the impact they have on peoples' lives. In this edition of YWCatalyst, we'd like to share with you the stories of two women who have made a difference in the lives of others by volunteering with YWCA Boston. And the next time we send some numbers your way, remember that behind each number lies the face - and experience - of a person like these remarkable women. |
|
survivors give back
Adreenne, third from right, and other members of Spirit Wise Sisters at a May 2010 meeting. |
YWCA Boston's Spirit Wise Sisters has been providing support to African-American breast cancer survivors for six years. To the women who participate in the group's monthly meetings, Spirit Wise Sisters is a treasured source of friendship, information, resources, advice, encouragement, and time away from the everyday stresses that can make it difficult for survivors to focus on their own needs.
Adreenne Law has been with the group for five years now. She says it means a lot to her to know that other African-American women have gone through what she's gone through. She loves gaining new insight from special guest speakers, but what really makes the group special to her is learning from the stories of other survivors, and knowing that she has something to share with new members of the group.
Like other members of Spirit Wise Sisters, Adreenne feels strongly about helping other women who are in the position she once was, and this desire to give back goes beyond mentoring new group members. Adreenne was one of many Spirit Wise Sisters who volunteered at YWCA Boston's quarterly Breast Health Phone-a-Thon this June, reminding women to get their annual mammograms and clinical breast exams. This time, the phone-a-thon was run in partnership with Whittier Street Health Center, and calls were placed to Whittier patients aged 40 and over who had not had a mammogram in the past two years.
When Adreenne called women who already planned on getting a mammogram, it made a difference just to "show that someone cared." And when she called women who were afraid to get a mammogram, she shared her story as a survivor of breast cancer, and encouraged the women to overcome their fear and be pro-active about their health. She even was able to connect these women to Whittier staff members who could schedule appointments on the spot.
Adreenne said that overall, the phone-a-thon was a "spiritually uplifiting" experience, especially since it was an opportunity to provide someone else with the advice and encouragement that she never received prior to her diagnosis. Looking back to her own experience, Adreenne says, "I wish someone had taken the time to call me." YWCA Boston would like to thank all the partners who make programs like this possible, especially the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Massachusetts Affiliate, who are major funders of our breast health programming and who sent volunteers from their own organization to help with our June phone-a-thon!
|
discovering the person behind the badge
Michelle Waters-Ekanem, volunteer facilitator for YWCA Boston's Youth/Police Dialogues  |
YWCA Boston's Youth/Police Dialogues is a unique program that brings together diverse groups of youth and police for multi-session, facilitated dialogues that build mutual respect and understanding. The dialogues culminate in the development of an "action plan" to work as a group to address an issue of importance to the young people.
Michelle Waters-Ekanem is a volunteer facilitator for Youth/Police Dialogues. Michelle knows her volunteer work is critically important, because violence among young people in Boston is still far too commonplace and stereotypes, assumptions and misunderstanding still block meaningful communication between youth and police that could help combat this violence. Michelle grew up in the Roxbury/Dorchester area of Boston herself, and says that she understands the way that today's young people feel about police because she used to feel the same way. She says that in many communities, there has always been a level of mistrust of the police department based on its history of complicated interactions with people of color. And unraveling that mistrust is a challenge. When Michelle begins dialogues, she says there is always palpable tension between the youth and officers. But every time, she gains immense satisfaction as she sees bonds form and trust build. With time, participants begin to see each other as the individuals that they really are, rather than as stereotypes. Through facilitating the dialogues, Michelle says she has discovered that each officer has a great story about why he or she became involved in law enforcement, and those stories come down to a true desire to help the community. Watching the youth she works with make that same discovery is very poignant. When they get a chance to learn about the "person behind the badge," the young people are able to build relationships that would otherwise be impossible.Michelle has been a volunteer with the dialogues since they started, and is still energized by her work. She recently began a series in Roxbury that she will facilitate even during her summer vacation. She knows the impact that it will make. "Youth/Police Dialogues is a hidden gem. I just want people to know that this program exists, that youth and police are talking, and that it makes a difference."
For more information about Youth/Police Dialogues, email dialogues@ywcaboston.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
upcoming events
Empower Hour
September 2, 2010
December 2, 2010
April 7, 2011 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
4th floor Conference Room
YWCA Boston
Join us at one of these quarterly introductions to YWCA Boston's work, and get your questions answered!
For details, contact Julie Martin at 617-585-5476.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Seaport World Trade Center
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a generous funder of YWCA Boston's breast health program, will host its annual Race for the Cure on September 25.
Join the YWCA Boston team and walk/run with us!
For details, contact
Elevating Lives Breakfast
October 5, 2010
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Back Bay Events Center
Join us at this fundraising breakfast to support and learn about YWCA Boston's programs. Admission is free.
For details or to reserve a seat, contact
Stand Against Racism
April 29, 2011 All-day
City-wide
Take part in this one-day advocacy event to raise awareness that racism exists and cannot be ignored or tolerated.
For details, contact Kathryn Henderson at 617-585-5423.
17th Annual Academy of Women Achievers Celebration Luncheon
June 15, 2011
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Westin Copley Place
Join Keynote Speaker Anita Hill as YWCA Boston inducts a new class of women into its Academy of Women Achievers and celebrates 145 years of working toward eliminating racism and empowering women.
Sponsorships now available.
|
thank you to our ongoing major supporters!
|
|
