Career: Owner of The Well Traveled Child, Inc. (baby equipment rentals)
Education: BS in Management from UNCA
History: Moved to Asheville 8 years ago to attend college. Fell in love, both with Asheville and with my husband. I worked as the marketing assistant at Asheville Mall then as the communications director for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Community Service: volunteered with March of Dimes, ABCCM and MotherLove
Hobbies: volleyball, camping, hiking, spending time with friends and family
Why she is a Board Member: The YWCA is in touch with and serves many different parts of our community. I’m a stay-at-home mom and a small business owner and being a board member allows me to stay connected with bright women working to make a difference in the community in which we live.
The YWCA of Asheville’s Annual MotherLove Giving Tree will be on display in the lobby of the YWCA at 185 S. French Broad Avenue starting on November 11. The Giving Tree is made of stars, each bearing wishes from a local teen mother. The public is invited to stopy by the YWCA and pick out a star to help make someone’s holiday brighter by providing gifts for their children. The purpose of the Giving Tree is to assist with the holiday expenses of teen mothers in the YWCA MotherLove program.
For more information, call Tangela Ballard Bowman at 254-7206 x 116.
The YWCA MotherLove program is a mentoring program for pregnant and parenting teens. Participating teens are paired with a trained adult mentor who provides support, guidance, friendship and teaches parenting skills. If you would like to make a financial contribution to this program, click here.
Career: Owner of Long Term Care Insurance Connection, Inc; Financial Representative of Northwestern Mutual
Education: PhD Florida State, MS Southern CT State, BS Bethany College
History: 28 years of teaching and administration; 1978-1996 Professor or Education , Chari of the Education Department at the University of North Carolina at Asheville
Community Service: Co-Chair United Way Campaign in 2005, UW deToqueville Leadership; Carolina Day School Board Community Foundation Board, Memory Care Board, 2003-present
Hobbies: General Contractor of home at beach, Golf, and Hiking
Why she is a Board Member: I belong to the YWCA board because I am committed to the mission: “eliminating racism and empowering women.” Although many people profess these values, not many actually embody them. The YWCA not only professes and embodies them, but impacts the community through programs that benefit women and children. It is an honor to sit on board that actively works toward positive individual and community change.
The YWCA of Asheville announced today an exciting new initiative coming to Western North Carolina. The “Stand Against Racism” is the program of the YWCA aimed at raising awareness that racism still exists in our communities and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. The 2010 Stand Against Racism is planned for April 30, 2010.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization located in Montgomery, Alabama, the number of hate groups operating in the United States has grown by 54% in the last eight years (there are close to 1,000 active hate groups in the United States today). SPLC’s Intelligence Report sites “immigration fears, a failing economy and the successful campaign of President Obama” as the factors that have fueled the increase. Hate groups have beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people. They promote hate, hostility, and sometimes violence.
In response, the YWCA created the Stand Against Racism in order to combat the spread of hate and intolerance, and to honor and celebrate the richness of diversity. In 2009, the program attracted over 300 partnering organizations that became participating sites by hosting local “stands”. Over 30,000 individuals took a stand against racism by attending one of the participating sites and sending a strong message. They committed themselves to a lifetime of promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people in their community and in the world. This powerful, unified, effort helped raised awareness that racism hurts everyone. Participants ranged from school-age children to elected officials, executives of large corporations, church leaders, and others. Racism affects everyone.
“Today, the YWCA of Asheville is calling on all local organizations, corporations, churches and other houses of worship, government agencies and individuals in Western North Carolina to join with us by becoming a participating site of the 2010 Stand Against Racism,” announced Holly Jones, YWCA Executive Director. “Any group of any size that believes in a society free of racism is invited to join us.”
Any organization or group of individuals can become a participating site by signing up through the Stand Against Racism Web site: www.StandAgainstRacism.org. A participating site will host their own Stand Against Racism event at their own location (which can be private or open to the public). Participation in the Stand Against Racism is free and becoming a participating site is very simple. The YWCA will provide all the necessary materials and documents, including a How to Run the Event Template that can be customized to meet the organization’s needs. Each organization’s “stand” will range from gatherings at work to larger scale stands like rallies and marches. No matter what shape the “stand” takes in each participating site, all activities will echo the theme “racism is unacceptable.” Organizations are urged to visit www.StandAgainstRacism.org to join this important movement.
The persistence and pervasiveness of racism divides our community and keeps individuals from achieving success in education, economics, employment, and quality of life. Strength comes from numbers. This year the Stand Against Racism will be a collaboration of 65 YWCA Associations throughout the United States. For more details, please visit www.StandAgainstRacism.org. For local information, please contact us at www.ywcaofasheville.org.
The YWCA of Asheville seeks to bring people together across communities for one common goal—the elimination of racism—and we ask you to please make your voice heard by joining the Stand Against Racism.
The public is invited to the “Celebrate Good Health” health fair from 7:oo -11:00 a.m. on November 7 at the YWCA of Asheville, 185 S. French Broad Ave. This free event is sponsored by the YWCA and Mission Hospital and will include glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI screenings, as well as education and counseling. There will be opportunities for children and adults to get active and try new kinds of exercise.
Appointments must be made in advance by calling 254-7206 ext. 202.
Career: Engaged in non-profit management for over 30 years focusing on arts and educational organizations.
Education: Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Theatre from Beaver College in Glenside PA, Masters in Educational Theatre from New York University.
History: Born and grew up in New Jersey, lived in Florida for 10 years, in western NC for 12 years. Owned and operated a women’s retreat in Mitchell County.
Community Service: Serves on the board of directors of North Carolina Stage Company and chairs the board of directors of Arts North Carolina, the statewide advocacy organization for the arts.
Hobbies: Travel, Reading, Hiking, Kayaking, Cooking, Yoga, attending arts events.
Why she is a Board Member: I wanted more diversity in my life and to be able to connect with people outside my typical arts-focused community. So far, it’s working!
This Saturday, October 24th is the international 350 Day of Climate Action. Find out about Asheville’s 350 event here. Here are some quick facts:
350.org is an international campaign dedicated to creating an equitable global climate treaty that lowers carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million.
350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide–measured in “Parts Per Million” in our atmosphere. 350 ppm–it’s the number humanity needs to get back below as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.
350.org is coordinating an international day of action on October 24, 2009 at hundreds of iconic places around the world – from the Taj Mahal to the Great Barrier Reef – we will spark a global movement that will unite the public, media, and our political leaders behind the 350 goal.
350.org was launched in March 2008 by Bill McKibben and the team of young organizers behind 2007’s successful Step It Up campaign.
Our work is only possible because of our network of friends and allies around the world, including major international NGOs and local, grassroots organizations.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Helpmate has set up a display in the YWCA lobby. The display includes shirts from the Clothesline Project, and tables full of shoes representing people who have died from domestic violence. “The Clothesline Project is a visual display of shirts with graphic messages and illustrations that have been designed by women survivors of violence, or by friends and/or families of surviors.” The shoes are also a powerful visual respresentation of victims of domestic violence. Next to each pair of shoes is a card with a photo of the victim listing their name, age when they died, and their relationship to their murderer. Helpmate makes this call to action:
Together, we can send the message that domestic violence is not acceptable.
Together, we can create a model for peace on earth.
Together, we can build a strong foundation of care and support,
so that today’s victims can stand tall as tomorrow’s survivors.
Here are some facts from Helpmate’s website:
Nearly one-third of American women (31 percent) report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives, according to Commonwealth Fund survey. (The Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across A Woman’s Lifespan: The Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women’s Health, May 1999.)
In the United States, domestic violence crimes account for up to 40 percent of all calls to police. (“Equality Denied. The Status of Women in Policing.” National Center for Women and Policing, 1999.)
Domestic violence is both a national and worldwide crisis. According to a 2000 UNICEF study, up to half the female population of the world become victims of domestic violence. (“Domestic Violence Against Women and Girls”, UNICEF, June 1, 2000)
On average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in this country every day. (Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief, Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001, February 2003.)
Women are 7 to 14 times more likely than men to report suffering severe physical assaults from an intimate partner. (National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevalence, incidence, and Consequences of Violence Against Women: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey, November 1998.)
Over 30% of Americans are acquainted with a woman who has suffered violence from her male partner. (Family Violence Prevention Fund and the Advertising Council, 1998. Approximately 4 million women suffer domestic violence each year. U.S. Department of Justice Statistics, May 2000.)
Most evidence suggests that incidents of domestic violence often go unreported, meaning that in reality, these numbers could all be much higher. (The American Medical Association, 1998)
Approximately one in five female high schools students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. (Dating Violence Against Adolescent Girls and Associated Substance Use, Unhealthy Weight Control, Sexual Risk Behavior, Pregnancy, and Suicidality, Journal of the American Medical Assoc., Vol. 286, No. 5, 2001)
Today is Blog Action Day, and the theme is climate change. With a mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, of course the YWCA is committed to social justice. We are also committed to “green” practices that don’t harm the environment. Why? Because, as we work for social justice, we also want to help ensure that there is a heathly planet on which people can thrive. One of the biggest steps we have taken is to install 30 solar thermal panels on the roof of our building that provide energy to heat the water for the pool and domestic water. But we are doing many other things. Below is a list of some of the actions we’ve undertaken. We’re adding to this list all the time. If you’d like to make a contribution to the YWCA in support of our green efforts, please click here.
Solar panels heat water for pool and domestic use
Commercial dishwasher for kitchen which allows us to use reusable plates and cups for childcare and afterschool
Dishwasher installed in staff kitchen for reusable plates for meetings
Doubled amount of recycling esp. in the kitchen
Using compact fluorescent bulbs where possible/LED fluorescent bulbs
Using cleaning chemicals that get a “Good Housekeeping Green Seal of Approval”
Adjusted air/heat schedule for more efficient running
Use copy paper is used for notes and some staff print on the back side
Biodegradable ice melt used on walkways during winter
Swim suit wringers installed
Ceramic mugs for coffee for employees
Support groups and programs serve meals on reusable plates and cups
Running the YWCA buses on biodiesel when possible
Educating staff to turn off lights
Ongoing maintenance including filter changes, coil cleaning, thermostat calibration of our AC units, etc.
Lower lights in certain areas that were too well lit
Looking into:
Installing hand dryers in locker rooms to reduce paper towel usage
Water bottle refilling stations
Installing low-flow toilets
Encouraging people to use the stairs instead of elevator
Last week nationally respected speaker Tawan Perry gave an inspiring presentation to middle and high school students in the YWCA FutureVision program. He encouraged the group to pursue a college education.
Here are quotes from FutureVision students about the presentation:
“I like when he said, ‘Don’t look at the top of the steps, but look at the first step.’” – Ebony Burt
“I liked that he [Tawan Perry] told you what happens if you don’t stay in school instead of just telling you that you have to go to college. He gave us options instead of just telling us what we should do or not do.” – Mariah Flaherty
About Tawan Perry:
Tawan overcame incredible odds to become the person he is today. As a teenager, he lost his best friend to a violent crime. After completing high school, he had to learn the reality of life without an education: Choices are made for you. The turning point came when he grew sick and tired of doing nothing with his life. He enrolled into a local community college and began taking classes. Although he was enrolled, he failed both the English and Math placement tests. He spent the next two years struggling to get out of remedial courses. With hardwork and persistence, he eventually graduated and was awarded a full academic scholarship. He would never look back again.
Tawan earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Morgan State University and his master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Tawan’s talks and workshops focus on student leadership, college transition, and diversity. Tawan’s inspirational message is “it’s not about the smartest or most gifted; it is about who can persist. Persistence always wins the marathon of life.” Today, Tawan draws on the life lessons learned to help people, especially young people, transform their lives.
Tawan Perry is the author of the award-winning college guide, College Sense: What College and High School Advisors Don’t Tell You about College. He has been a guest on several national radio and TV talk shows.
Tawan has traveled all over the world, including: France, Italy, Egypt, Ethiopia, England, Brazil, Hawaii, Switzerland, Greece, and the Bahamas. He has also been to over 35 states in the US, bringing truly a national and global perspective to the audience. He currently resides in Raleigh, NC.
The YWCA of Asheville’s Annual 
The YWCA of Asheville announced today an exciting new initiative coming to Western North Carolina. The “Stand Against Racism” is the program of the YWCA aimed at raising awareness that racism still exists in our communities and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. The 2010 Stand Against Racism is planned for April 30, 2010.
worship, government agencies and individuals in Western North Carolina to join with us by becoming a participating site of the 2010 Stand Against Racism,” announced Holly Jones, YWCA Executive Director. “Any group of any size that believes in a society free of racism is invited to join us.”
The public is invited to the “Celebrate Good Health” health fair from 7:oo -11:00 a.m. on November 7 at the YWCA of Asheville, 185 S. French Broad Ave. This free event is sponsored by the YWCA and Mission Hospital and will include glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI screenings, as well as education and counseling. There will be opportunities for children and adults to get active and try new kinds of exercise.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and 
boyfriend at some point in their lives, according to Commonwealth Fund survey. (The Commonwealth Fund, Health Concerns Across A Woman’s Lifespan: The Commonwealth Fund 1998 Survey of Women’s Health, May 1999.)
On average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in this country every day. (Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief, Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001, February 2003.)
numbers could all be much higher. (The American Medical Association, 1998)
Today is 
