welcome!
Welcome to the debut issue of the YWCA of Charleston's monthly e-newsletter! We are so excited to finally have this e-mail capability as an economic and efficient way to keep you (our dedicated supporters) up to date on YWCA news, events and much more. During the first week of each month, check your inbox for timely information on upcoming YWCA activities, highlights from our five social service programs, and updates on our $2 Million Challenge Campaign - plus check out the "spotlight" section, where each issue will feature a new YWCA program participant success story or volunteer testimonial! Join us on our journey of eliminating racism and empowering women right here in the greater Kanawha Valley. We hope you'll feel empowered and inspired too.
Elizabeth Pellegrin, President
YWCA Board of Directors |
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make a small commitment. make a big difference.
For just $24 a month for 24 months, you can help ensure that the critical YWCA social service programs serving thousands of women, children and families each year will exist for generations to come. Dollar for dollar, your contribution will be matched through the YWCA $2 Million Challenge.
Read more about the pledge and watch our 40-second video PSA here >>> |
we need your vintage art
Are you downsizing or redecorating? Are you an artist? Have you inherited quality art? Please donate what's no longer "you" to Vintage 3 - the YWCA's silent art auction on June 18. Give us your original artwork - oils, pastels, water-colors, photography, sculptures, pottery and more. All proceeds from Vintage 3 benefit the YWCA $2 Million Challenge. Bring your donations of original art to the YWCA Administrative Offices by June 11. It's tax deductible and it's for an important cause. Call (304) 414-3113 or find out more information here>>> |
wild wonderful 
womens weekend
Ladies - a weekend designed with YOU in mind! Thousands of women from around the state will be gathering at the Charleston Civic Center, courtesy of MetroValley Magazine, to celebrate being a woman! 25% of Sunday's proceeds benefit homeless women and families at the YWCA Sojourner's shelter. Visit our event page for more information.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 16, 11:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, May 17, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Charleston Civic Center
Admission: $7.50/ day or $12.00/weekend pass |
indian food anyone?
Stop by the booth of Dr. Nilima Bhirud and her friends at the India Heritage Fair on May 16 to sample a delicious variety of native Indian foods - from lentil cakes and curry chicken to baklava and mango smoothies. All proceeds will be donated to help victims of domestic violence through the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program. Be surrounded by colorful displays of jewelry, clothes, handicrafts, and henna and viewing traditional Indian folk dances as you join in the celebration of this wonderfully diverse culture!
Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: The India Center on Corridor G
Admission: FREE! |
| $2 million challenge update:
$1,446,116 raised
Join the challenge and help endow the YWCA's critical social service programs in perpetuity. Help us reach our goal of $2 million by December 31, 2009 to receive a dollar-for-dollar matching gift from the Lyell B. & Patricia K. Clay Foundation. We can't do it without your help. Donate online today or contact YWCA Development Director Jamie Cooper at jcooper@ywcacharleston.org or (304) 414-3113 for pledge cards and naming opportunities. |
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did you know?
Last year the YWCA of Charleston provided 22,333 shelter nights to homeless persons, victims of domestic violence, and their children.
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spotlight on: arnold and
janet dixon
a success story of
real-life YWCA
program participants
 ARNOLD DIXON - "I would like to begin my story by stating that anyone can be one unfortunate occurrence away from my situation. My wife Janet and I had a good life in New York, where I held a successful sales job until my mother was diagnosed with Lupus. When she passed away a year later, my family was left with several hundred thousand dollars in hospital bills. "After selling our house, being evicted from our apartment, and losing every possession except the clothes on our backs, we arrived in Charleston, West Virginia (my wife's home state) with $27 in our pockets. It was here that we found refuge at the YWCA Sojourner's Shelter." "With the safety of shelter and three meals a day, we focused on reconstructing our lives. At the YWCA Sojourner's Job Education/Readiness Center, Janet sharpened her computer skills and I created a resumé to re-enter the work force. Soon the Lord blessed me with a job selling cars at Moses Automotive. With the vouchers I received to YWCA Past & Present, I improved my wardrobe and soon had a new job as a media consultant at LM Communications." "Today, we are back on our feet with our own apartment, and I now own and manage my own business. I thank God for the YWCA, whose services are a hand up, not a hand out to those in need. Bless you, YWCA. Keep up God's good work."
-Arnold Dixon
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where to find us on the web
Visit the YWCA of Charleston's Facebook page and become a "fan!"
Read our blog and and join a deeper conversation about providing peace, justice, dignity and freedom for all people. | |
