Since 1918 the YWCA of the Harbor Area and South Bay has been a leading voice for women, teens and girls.
About one year ago, a good friend of mine asked me, “Do you believe in the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women?” My answer was obvious, “Of course!” Silissa Uriarte-Smith, Executive Director of the Harbor Area Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) answered in her sassy way, “Then why aren’t you a paid member?” Frankly, I had no excuse.
Silissa has been with the YWCA for over a year and in her short term as Executive Director, she has made a significant impact to improve the lives of women, teens and girls in our community. Under her leadership she has been able to improve the quality of services and has created partnerships to expand into the Long Beach area. In celebration of that expansion, YWCA will be having its first annual event in our own back yard.
1st Annual YWCA Long Beach Event
Thursday, March 27, 2008 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the home of Kathleen Thurmond
$50 per person
All funds raised will be utilized to fund the programs offered by the YWCA
Contact: Chelsea Moore at (310) 547-0831
YWCA’s mission is to foster the economic empowerment, physical and emotional well being of women and girls in a world of peace, racial justice, dignity, freedom and equality for all.
Please join the YWCA family have a memorable Long Beach Event.
LB Programs Offered
YW Teens: An after-school and summer program for girls, grades 6-12. Staff works on life skills, exploring future goals, teenage pregnancy prevention, improving communication skills and community service to name a few areas. Homework assistance and college preparation is also a priority of the program. Staff also does pregnancy prevention workshops at public middle and high schools in Long Beach, Carson, Wilmington and San Pedro.
Cradle Closet: For pregnant women and mothers who need assistance. Free of charge assistance with referrals, maternity clothes, baby clothes, diapers, etc. Women and children come from as far away as Hollywood to receive these items generously donated by women and businesses in the community.
Encore Plus: Offers educational presentations in English and Spanish about breast cancer. It also provides early detection and treatment, advocacy, and support services for women in need. The screening program coordinated the provision of over 1,500 free mammograms last year for women who have no health insurance. This is a mobile program and provides screenings in Long Beach, Carson, Wilmington, San Pedro, and Lomita.
Racial Justice Program, which has a direct impact on furthering racial justice throughout our service area. Core programs include the Racial Justice Breakfast, Week without Violence and curriculum in child care and the YW Teens.
For more information about the YWCA, please click here to visit their website.