WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY Twice this summer, the office of our sister YWCA in Alliance has been graffitied and vandalized with obscenities, anti-Semitic symbols, and a white supremacist slogan. We applaud the leadership of Stacie Weimer, Executive Director of YWCA Alliance, and Shana Smith, CEO of YWCA Canton, for their work organizing a unity walk created to… Continue Reading We Stand in Solidarity
Every year, as youth age out of the foster care system, many are not given the opportunity to thrive. Independence Place provides the stability and safety needed for residents to achieve permanent housing, seek educational and career development opportunities, meet physical and mental health goals, and develop life and parenting skills. A previous resident of Independence Place,… Continue Reading Join Us in Supporting Cleveland’s Youth
UNTIL [VOTER] JUSTICE…JUST IS. YWCA Greater Cleveland is proud to be a part of the Until Justice…Just Is campaign. Join us as we cover a different topic each month to explore some of the many areas in which true justice is needed, and what we can do to achieve equity in our community and our… Continue Reading Until [Voter] Justice…Just Is.
This week, we celebrate the 31st anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). This important civil rights legislation continues to serve as a benchmark to ensure true accessibility for all in creating legislation to: Prohibit employment discrimination based on disability Require reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, and Require… Continue Reading Anniversary of the ADA Reminds Us of Our Responsibility as Allies
After experiencing homelessness shortly after aging out of foster care, “S” sought out YWCA Greater Cleveland, where she was welcomed into her new home at Independence Place. With secure housing and the guidance of YWCA staff, S has been able to focus on her future. S has earned an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies and is currently employed… Continue Reading 10 Years of Independence Place: A Personal Story
UNTIL [EDUCATIONAL] JUSTICE…JUST IS. YWCA Greater Cleveland is proud to be a part of the Until Justice…Just Is campaign. Join us as we cover a different topic each month to explore some of many areas in which true justice is needed, and what we can do to achieve equity in our community and our country… Continue Reading Until [Educational] Justice…Just Is.
57 years ago, our country’s standard for civil rights legislation was signed into law. The 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, still resonates strongly in conversations around equity. Today, as we celebrate the accomplishments of those whose dedication to justice and community helped… Continue Reading 57th Anniversary of 1964 Civil Rights Act
UNTIL [TRANSGENDER] JUSTICE…JUST IS. During Intersectional Pride Month 2021, we take the time to uplift and support our trans sisters of color. A group that has been long ignored and violently silenced is experiencing a crisis in our community. Cleveland, Ohio is an epicenter of the transgender murder crisis, 90% of these being Black transgender… Continue Reading Until [Transgender] Justice…Just Is.
At YWCA Greater Cleveland, we believe that understanding our collective, complete history is the first step in the cycle of action that ideally produces racial equity. As you read this post, the efforts to suppress or limit the teaching of this history–and more specifically the legacies of racism and sexism in the United States–are well… Continue Reading Celebrating Bayard Rustin
On Thursday, June 24, 2021, YWCA Greater Cleveland was selected by CEOs and Executive Directors across the YWCA network to receive the YWCA USA Excellence Award for Racial Justice in recognition of their exemplary and innovative programming and advocacy. The award honors local associations championing YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism within their communities while centering… Continue Reading YWCA Greater Cleveland Wins YWCA USA Excellence Award for Racial Justice