YWCA e-news: a personal story of resilience and annual meeting recap

ywca hartford region is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice,
freedom and dignity for all.

yw matters now

January 2012

In This Issue:

War from a woman's perspective

Annual Meeting Recap

save the dates!

in the company of women luncheon

an afternoon with

rosie perez

march 20, 2012

connecticut
convention center

Want more info?

During the in the company of women luncheon, your purchase of a $20 raffle ticket will help fund our College Discovery Experience program for our youth leadership program participants. For example in February, a group of 38 young women will be traveling to Providence to visit Brown University. It is through these types of experiences that young women are able to visualize a future filled with unlimited potential for themselves.

Peace Unveiled

PBS Series: Woman, War & Peace

Feb 7

YWCA Hartford

135 Broad St

7-9 pm

Stand Against Racism

April 27

take action

Women, War & Peace

A Personal Story of Resilience

by Alisa Dzananoic

On January 10th, a brave group of women gathered to watch PBS' Women, War & Peace: I Came to Testify. As we watched the film, I sat in the room, reliving some of my own memories of Bosnia, and wondering what the other women in the room were thinking.

The film portrays the moving story of how a group of 16 women who had been imprisoned by Serb-led forces in the Bosnian town of Foca broke history's great silence - and stepped forward to take the witness stand in an international court of law. Their remarkable courage resulted in a triumphant verdict that led to new international laws about sexual violence in war.

Bosnia and the atrocities committed during the country's 1992-95 civil war are often forgotten. But during this film Bosnia - an often misunderstood but beautiful country - came back to life and so did the women who shared their brave stories.

Following the film, I shared parts of my own journey, which started when my family escaped from our home at the onset of war. I was nine years old at that time.

The women in the audience asked excellent questions, and shared great enthusiasm for our role as women and the role we play as our very own advocates. While we were not able to offer solutions to all the issues women face today, I took great comfort in knowing that they walked away having learned a bit more about Bosnia and that the special bond of sisterhood works in powerful ways.

Thanks, YWCA.

building connecticut's
future together
annual meeting recap

The Hartford, Recipient of the Corporate Partner Award

At YWCA's 144th Annual Meeting, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman joined YWCA supporters, community partners and staff to celebrate 2011 and to look forward to 2012. Ms. Wyman emphasized the important role non-profit organizations have played in the past, and how critical they will be in the future. Recognizing YWCA Hartford Region's contributions to the community since the organization was founded in 1867, she said, "groups like YWCA Hartford Region are the foundation of our communities. Government can't do this important work alone. You have made a brighter future for so many."

With the challenges that face the State of Connecticut, Ms. Wyman emphasized the partnership between the State, its corporations and small business owners, and non-profits. By working together people will be trained and ready for employment, jobs created and our children educated.

Highlights from 2011 were shared by Ardell Wilson, Board Chair, illustrating the ways in which YWCA is playing its part in building a strong Connecticut, including hosting the 10th Anniversary of the Money Conference for Women, by serving over 400 children each day in children's programs, and by developing strong leaders for tomorrow through programs for young women that emphasize financial skills and college planning.

A new program launched in 2011 received special recognition. Teens as Successful Parents focuses on helping teen parents complete their high school education and to become successful parents - passing on skills gained to the next generation.

Deborah Ullman, CEO, presented YWCA's "Creating Opportunities" award to four key partners.

The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. -- Corporate Partner Award

Covenant Prep School -- Community Partner Award

Konover Residential -- Business Partner Award

Paddi LeShane -- Leadership Award

Long term employees were recognized for their special contributions to the work of YWCA, including Jeannette Paige, staff member, celebrating her 20th year of employment with YWCA.

Summarizing the evening, Ms. Wyman stated "The YWCA has done such great work for 144 years; we still need you for another 144 years! Your work has helped so many women and families get back on their feet. Together we are building a better Connecticut."