|
|
|
|
| Volume 1/Issue 2 | August 2010 |
|
|
|
|
YWCA CEO
Natalia Peart  | Greetings!
Increasingly, women are using their connections to form networks of influencers in their charitable giving. Women, strengthened by economic independence and education, often give back passionately to the the communities they live and work in. A 2009 Barclay's Wealth study showed that women in the U.S. give to charity an average of nearly twice as much as men. Women and other philanthropic leaders are looking to solve community problems by investing in their own community and thereby creating economic opportunities. They back programs which enable individuals to help themselves transition out of tough circumstances by working toward economic and personal self-sufficiency. Through a broad spectrum of programs and services, the aim and mission of the YWCA is to help women build lives of strength, growth and stability. Most Sincerely, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Success Stories: In Emma's Words
 (Name has been changed to protect her identity)
My name is Emma and I am 24-years-old. I am currently divorced and I have a full time job. I live with a roommate and I am actively involved in my church.
I first heard of the YWCA through Catholic Charities; I was living there at that time. I was a victim of domestic violence. My social workers recommended that I go to counseling because I was suffering from post-traumatic stress. I completed counseling with the YWCA for about seven months and in the meantime, I also took some classes at the YWCA like financial education and Empowerment. YWCA helped me when I had no income and when I had no hope. They made me feel like there was a place for me to learn how to get out of my situation and finding myself back. They gave me the hope of one day being able to have the life I once had before and more; to be able to turn those fears into courage and that shame into respect. It has always been a place where I can be myself along with my strengths and weaknesses and I was still accepted, understood and appreciated for every big or small effort I made. I thank God for the counselors, advocates and other staff at the YWCA. They were constantly supportive, positive and encouraging through all this process I went through...for the commitment, love and selfless help I received and that now I am able to cherish and share with other women. |
 First Annual Domestic Violence Month Kick-Off
Omaha and Council Bluffs community agencies will be hosting the First Annual Metro Domestic Violence Awareness Month Kick-off on Friday, Sept. 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge between Council Bluffs and Omaha. |
| YWCA Provides Training for those Who Work with Deaf and Blind Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
The YWCA has been working with the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) for over three years to better serve the deaf community. We have a videophone, a TTY (telephone/typewriter device) and several videos and other resources on hand.
A training workshop for YWCA and other agencies' staffs titled Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence in the Deaf Community, will be held on
Thursday, Sept. 16, at the YWCA, for DV/SA staff in the local area including YWCA, The Shelter, Family Justice Center of the Midlands, DVCC, OPD DV Unit, Douglas County Attorney, Safe Haven, The Phoenix House, Victim Assistance, and other programs that may work with deaf clients and DV/SA victims.
The goal is to ensure all DV/SA Program staff-statewide-are knowledgeable about Deaf Culture and for programs to re-evaluate current programs and services to be more accessible to the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community and to be identified as a safe and confidential place for these clients.
This Program is funded primarily through grants provided to NCDHH (Enrichment Grant). For more information contact Sakura Yodogawa |
|
YWCA 2009 Volunteer of the Year | Maurice Hill: Why I Volunteer
Every other Friday night for the last four years, Maurice Hill has been the reassuring voice of hope on the other end of the YWCA Omaha Hotline serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Although most of our hotline volunteers are female, there are a few dedicated men, like Hill, who serve as role models for their peers.
For a volunteer application and other information on volunteering go to the
|
| There is Still Time to Give!
|
Click on photo and go to DVSA program page | If I am a family member or friend how can I help if I suspect someone is in an abusive relationship?
- Know the facts about relationship abuse.
- Assure her that you believe her story.
- Listen and let her talk about her feelings.
- Do not judge or give advice. Talk to her about her options.
- Physical safety is the first priority.
- If you believe she is in danger, let her know that you are concerned.
- Help her create a safety plan.
- Respect her right to confidentiality.
- Let her know you care and want to help.
Don't be upset if your friend doesn't react the way you think she should. Let her talk about the caring aspects of the relationship as well. People who are being controlled by their partner's behavior must consider many factors before coming to a conclusion about how to access safety. Let her make her own decisions and support her throughout the process.
-Information from the Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness. |
|
|
|
Click on the icon below to learn more about our Bridges to Opportunity program
|
|
| Upcoming Events |
Friday, November 12 6:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Convention Center
 Career Fair and Clothing Extravaganza
8 a.m.-6p.m., YWCA Omaha, 222 S. 29th St.
|
| Closing Headline | | On behalf of our clients and all of us at the YWCA Omaha, we thank you for your interest, support, donations and volunteerism.
|
| Contact Information | Melodae Morris, M.A., APR, SPHR
Marketing and Public Relations Director 402.345.6555 |
|
|
|
|
