In December, we wrote about how Wanda Harris, YWCA Child Care Director, was chosen as “Employee of the Year” for 2009. Today we want to share what we said about why she was giving this award. The YWCA is lucky to have her!
“Wanda Harris is one of the kindest, warm-hearted people ever. She treat all participants as if they are equally special and important. She takes the time out to listen to concerns that participants may have, promptly addresses them and makes sure that the problem is solved. She reassures EVERY parent that their child is safely in the care of people who love and cares for them and their individual needs. As a co-worker, she goes out of her way to speak and say a kind work to everyone that crosses her path. She makes anyone feel proud to be part of the YWCA. She truly stands by our theme of eliminating racism and empowering women. Wanda inspires us all by caregiving for her family, and by taking real strides to get healthier. She has successfully lead her program to save money, go above and beyond on education, and secure a surprise 5-star rating.”
We are proud to announce that the YWCA Child Care Center has achieved a five-star rating from the North Carolina Division of Child Development. This rating is based on the level of education the staff brings to the program and on the quality of the programming itself. A five-star rating is the highest possible rating given by the State. The YWCA Child Care Center serves 50 children and focuses on diversity education, non-violent play, and excels at teaching social and developmental skills. The Child Care Center embodies the YWCA’s mission, which is eliminating racism and empowering women. For more information about the YWCA Child Care Center, call Child Care Director Wanda Harris at 254-7206 x 109.
No, not a western-style round up! This is a round up to support the vital programs and services of the YWCA.
YWCA members who have their Club W or Aquatics membership fees deducted from their checking account can round up $2, 5, $10 or any amount drafted in addition to their fees. This money goes directly to the YWCA’s annual fund. The annual fund enables us to offer programs that bridge gaps in education, child care, health care and earning power. Last year, the YWCA Annual Fund helped to empower more than 7,400 women and families.
So, get a form from the Front Desk, and join the Round Up!
Tami Ruckman, Development Director
P.S. If you are not a member and would like to support the YWCA, simply click here to make a contribution.
From Missy Summers, YWCA New Choices Director
(Call for more information, 254-7206 x 113)
The YWCA Drop-in Childcare mission is to provide top quality childcare services in a safe, clean, and friendly atmosphere. Our childcare staff has over 40 years combined experience working with children. Our focus is on active play and age-appropriate activities.
We are excited to announce two new staff members to the YWCA Drop-in, Amy Shepherd and Adam Wright. Amy is a familiar face at the YWCA having worked in the childcare program for five years and is returning after moving away for three years. Adam most recently worked at Apple Farm Summer Arts Camp teaching creative writing and theater to children 10-17 years olds and has a passion for writing and directing.
The YWCA Drop-in is a free childcare service for Club W members while they are using the facility. We also offer free childcare services for parents who are actively seeking employment, attending classes or accessing social services.
The YWCA was recently awarded $59,850 by the Mission Hospital Community Benefit Grants Committee. This grant will help the YWCA sustain our current Diabetes Prevention program for minority and low income adults, and expand it to include additional participants and immediate family members (adults and children).
The program has a four-pronged approach, grounded in the medically accepted principle that a lifestyle of regular exercise and healthy eating will greatly reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. The program uses individualized exercise help, group support, hands-on education, mentoring, and family engagement to encourage healthy lifestyle changes for the entire family.
With Community Benefits funds, the YWCA will expand our successful Diabetes Prevention Program to 80 program participants, develop a Family Program component to prevent diabetes in the entire family, expand our successful Wellness Pilot Project for YWCA children and youth, and help graduates of the Diabetes Prevention program successfully transition to exercising and eating well on their own.
The YWCA MotherLove program is recruiting volunteer mentors to provide support and encouragement to teen mothers. An information session for potential mentors will be held on Thursday, January 28 at 5:00 pm at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Avenue. Refreshments will be served. An 8 hour a month commitment is required to be a mentor. For more information, contact MotherLove Director Tangela Bowman at 254-7206 x 116.
“I am so glad I was encouraged by Miss Elaine Robinson and Joanne Smith at Abipa to join the YWCA Diabetes Wellness Program. They also got me connected with Three Streams Clinic. These three programs work with each other to make our community healthy. Before I got involved with these programs, my AIC was around 7.9 and my weight was 225 pounds. Now my AIC is 5.2 and my weight is 212. My blood pressure was averaging 170/98 – pulse 105 and now it’s 122/69 – pulse 69. These improvements are in part because I have a great trainer at the YWCA, Rachel, who is my greatest encourager. I have a two-piece outfit I have wanted to wear for 7 years (it was expensive). I tried it on this August and guess what? I look GOOD in it. I am wearing it to a wedding soon!” – Viola Williams
Experience the added community impact at Club W where your membership supports social change and environmental sustainability. Specifically, the mission of the YWCA is eliminating racism and empowering women. The YWCA offers programs that bridge gaps in education, child care, health care and earning power. Club W membership fees help to support the YWCA’s social justice programs and green initiatives.
Club W: The YWCA Health & Fitness Center Offers:
* 2,500 sq-ft Fitness Center with free weights and weight machines
* 860 sq-ft Fitnes Studio with ergonomically designed floors
* 75-ft long indoor solar-heated Pool
*Indoor Cycling Studio
* Fitness classes including pump, tai chi, yoga and more
* Lap, open swims and water aerobics
* Guest passes
* Free health screenings
* Fitness orientation
* Drop-in child care
* Triathlon training program
* 50% off of swim lessons
* Free Wi-Fi
Rates:
$38/month for individuals, $55/month for families
Joining fee: $25 18-21 FT student, $55 individual, $75 for family. (Join by January 31, 2010 for no joining fee!)
A year commitment is required.
“I joined along with my husband and I love it. It is so refreshing to see people of all shapes and sizes, socio-economic statuses, and colors co-existing lovingly while also working to take care of themselves.”
– Maggie Vital-Lozier
In 2009, the YWCA helped more than 100 women and their families find work.
We cared for their children while they did job searches in our computer lab; paid for things like work shoes, tuition, and bus tickets; and supported them through their job search or through returning to school.
More families than ever will be looking for work this coming year.
Will you help a family gain their economic stability?
$25 pays for a month of bus tickets to and from work.
$50 provides child care for a mom on a job interview.
$100 helps buy books for new classes.
Please consider including us in your end-of-year giving.
To help families looking for work, send your contribution now to the YWCA of Asheville, 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801.
concerns that participants may have, promptly addresses them and makes sure that the problem is solved. She reassures EVERY parent that their child is safely in the care of people who love and cares for them and their individual needs. As a co-worker, she goes out of her way to speak and say a kind work to everyone that crosses her path. She makes anyone feel proud to be part of the YWCA. She truly stands by our theme of eliminating racism and empowering women. Wanda inspires us all by caregiving for her family, and by taking real strides to get healthier. She has successfully lead her program to save money, go above and beyond on education, and secure a surprise 5-star rating.” 
