Our Mission
The YWCA of High Point is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
We Are Growing Our Future. Join Us! In 2011, the YWCA worked with Freeman Kennett Architects to create a master plan for the organization. This plan created a vision for renovating the existing facility located at 112 Gatewood Avenue. This facility was built in 1960 from the vision of local women and is owned by the YWCA of High Point. We’ve had two campaigns in our 90-year history…one in 1920 for $7,000 to purchase the original home, “The Hut,” and the second in 1959 for $351,000 to build the current facility on Gatewood Avenue. Today, we’re committed to building on our past, and much of our past is within he YWCA of High Point has been delivering vital and our facility on Gatewood Avenue. To unique services to women, youth, babies and famiensure that this building can continue lies in our community since 1920. While some think providing innovative programming in of the YWCA only in terms of “the pool,” the YWCA is so support of our community, the YWCA much more. We provide opportunity for individuals to grow will be embarking on a robust funding through our Aquatics and Wellness, Adolescent Parenting, campaign to renovate the facility and to Social Justice, Studio Art, Women’s Resource Center and Youth “Grow Our Future.” Services programs. As individuals who need us grow into selfsufficiency, they are able to lead productive, independent lives and contribute to our community’s growth.
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When someone asks us about the YWCA and what we do, our response is: … When we talk about laps, it isn’t just about swimming in our pool, it’s about going the distance for women, youth, babies and families in our community. … When we talk about weightlifting, we’re asking you to help lift someone else’s load. … When we talk about warming up for the race, it isn’t only about our 5K, but helping evolve the human race.
The YWCA belongs to this community. We are your YWCA!
Growing our Future | YWCA of High Point
The Women’s Resource Center The Women’s Resource Center provides a range of services for women and families in challenging situations. The programs are designed to meet the changing needs of women and their families in order to help them achieve their personal and professional goals through information, education, referral and support. Volunteers assist with referring people to the resources they need and then
A Message from our President Dear Friends, When someone asks me why I’m so devoted to the YWCA of High of Point, my answer is easy. I believe in what the YWCA does. It celebrates the lives of women, children and families in so many ways ... it’s a veritable hotbed of activity, geared to enhancing the lives of all High Pointers. It deserves my time, and, more important, it deserves your time, too. Here are just a few things that the YWCA can do to enhance your life and the lives of those you love: The Youth Services program offers after school care and middle and high school programs where children are taught good habits and diversity, enhancing their educations and their ability to develop into productive adults. The Adolescent Pregnancy program helps young mothers learn to care for their children and value education. Our Computer Lab offers a place to explore good job opportunities and learn resume skills. Our Career Development Workshops help get people back to work or transition into a new phase in life. The Studio Art Program offers a creative YWCA 2013 Board of Directors Ann Lynch President Lisa Poplin President Elect Elizabeth Terrell Treasurer Peggy Adams Ericka Best-Hunt Shelley Delmestri KJ Grissom Debbie Irvin Gloria Jackson Lorraine Klietsch Monica Lewis Cristina Qubein Buckfelder Terri Poindexter Smith Monika Stanley Joyce Trescot Annie Tyson Jett Nadine Williams Ann York
The Career Closet
outlet we can all use. Our Swimming Pool is kept at temperatures recommended by the Arthritis Foundation, and The Water Aerobics classes keep the young at heart fit. We are a proud Silver Sneakers Fitness Program facility, and, this past year, we opened a fitness center through a grant from the United Way. We’re these things and so much more. Read about your local YWCA and all that we do to serve High Point in the stories outlined here. This year, we’ve set a goal toward enhancing our facility. We’re eager to make it greener and more efficient, while we also keep our footprint firmly in downtown High Point. This is our first capital campaign in more than fifty years, and we hope you’ll want to support it. It’s a privilege to serve the YWCA as president. As such, I invite each of you to come take a tour to learn more. We hope to see you soon! Sincerely, Ann Lynch
The Career Closet offers clothing suitable for work or interviews. The clothing is new or lightly used and is donated by individuals and/ or companies that participate in clothing drives. Anyone can shop in the Career Closet, but the clothing is provided for free, by referral, for those in need who have an interview. Having professional clothing to wear to an interview helps the women served feel more confident. The program also provides sustainable income for the Women’s Resource Center.
Computer Lab The Computer Lab gives YWCA clients access to computers and the Internet – technology that they may not have at home. In addition to making computers available for job searching and resume development, the lab provides our members access to basic computer classes and some community college courses.
Educational Programs Educational Programs are offered by the YWCA to the community including Dollars & Sense, Economic Seminars, Resume Writing, Mock Interviews and other topics related to the needs of women in our community.
Support Services and Referrals
YWCA Advisory Panel
YWCA Staff
Edwin Bass Rae Beck Logan Si Bell Bill Bencini Lou Cater Katherine Covington Tim Ellenberger Carol Jollay Amo Kearns Paul Lessard Debbie Lumpkins Jim Morgan Pamela Palmer Pat Pate Linda Roney Bobby Smith David Smith Margaret Thompson
Heidi Majors Executive Director Jill Smith Finance Director Ivy Satterwhite Aquatics and Wellness Director Joy Ledbetter Adolescent Parenting Director Elizabeth Brannock Youth Services Director Denise Blunder Women’s Resource Center Director Brooke Avery Studio Art Coordinator
Support Services and Referrals include one-on-one information and referrals to all Human Service Providers in the community, along with follow up and access to the Resource Library and Women In Transition support group.
Social Justice Based on the ideals and qualities of human rights and equality of opportunity, the YWCA Social Justice programs include Front Porch Conversations and Diversity Drama.
Front Porch Conversations
The YWCA partners with the City of High Point Human Relations Department to bring you Front Porch Conversations. Launched September 2007, this program is a series of panel discussions on various topics held on the third Thursday of each month at 12 noon. The purpose of the program is to help keep the public informed about racial and social justice issues, to build multicultural and diversity literacy, highlight resources and propose solutions. Upcoming events include: March 21 – Discussion, “The Help” April 25 – Fair Housing
For more information on any of the programs you see featured in this section, please call: 882-4126 or email: hmajors@ywcahp.com.
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Growing our Future | YWCA of High Point
provide follow-up communications to ensure clients are able to secure the help they needed. These volunteers establish relationships with the people they assist and often find that the needs of the clients are much deeper than originally thought.
The program provides girls with encouragement and assistance at a critical time in their lives. They learn to take care of themselves and their child, while planning for a successful future. Upon graduation from the program, the majority of the participants go on
ywca | save the dates
Check our website often, www.ywcahp.com, for more events and times. Find us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter
Adolescent Parenting The Adolescent Parenting program is a small program with a tremendous impact. The primary goal of the program is to work with adolescent girls who are pregnant with their first child and who are in school or working on a GED. The goal is to help them lead independent, self-sufficient lives through home visits, group meetings and college tours.
at a glance
to further their education or into the military. Last year, the YWCA worked with 60 young mothers and had six graduates. All six of the girls are now attending Guilford Technical Community College or Forsyth Technical Community College. Over the last ten years of the program, 100 percent of the participants have graduated from high school or earned a GED, and only one has had a repeat pregnancy while in school.
Summer Camp Registration Opens March 1
Summer Camp Begins June 10
Women’s Ministry Open House March 1, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
After School Registration Begins for 2013-2014 School Year July 1
Women In Transition Support Group March 7, 6 p.m. – 7:30.p.m. Parents Night Out March 8 Self- Esteem Lunch & Learn March 14, 12 noon – 1 p.m. Lifeguard Class starts March 16
Baby Basics Closet
Ready to Ride
The Baby Basics Closet, the only one of its kind in Guilford County, provides diapers, wipes, clothes and other baby care necessities to over 600 families each year. The YWCA works with partner organizations to provide this service. Vouchers are given to care givers in need who then use them to shop at the Baby Basics Closet.
The Ready to Ride program provides car seats to low-income families. Last year, 110 families were assisted with car seats, helping to ensure the safety of our youngest residents.
Diversity Dramatist
Diversity Dramatist is a new program for the YWCA of High Point. Dr. Charlotte Hamlin of Guilford College began the program in 1995. Two years ago, Dr. Hamlin turned over the copyrights of Diversity Dramatist to the YWCA of High Point. The two-tier program begins with training, which prepares non-professional actors from organizations and the community to become Diversity Dramatists so that they can provide on-going live drama programs on a wide-range of diversity issues for staff development and community relations. The second tier features a series of live dramatic scenarios by trained Diversity Dramatists for the purpose of stimulating discussion between audience members and the actors about cultural misperceptions, assumptions, marginalization and miscommunication. On April 1 & 2, students from the community will be trained in the Diversity Dramatist model and will then be ready to go out into the community to perform for various groups.
Check our website www.ywcahp.com often for more events and times. Find us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter.
CPR / AED Class March 17 Women’s History Short Film and Discussion March 20, 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. Front Porch Conversations: “The Help” March 21, noon Book Discussion: A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George March 28, 6 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Diversity Drama Training April 1 & 2 Front Porch Conversations: “Fair Housing” April 18, noon Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon April 24, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Christian Hip Hop Show April 26
Parents Night Out September 20 Monster Mash October 25 YWCA 5K Challenge For Change November 16 Parents Night Out November 15 Ginger Bread House Workshop December 13 Pottery Workshops: April: “Mother’s Day Vases” & “Flower Teacup and Saucer” May: “Father’s Day Tool Kit” & “Watering Cans” June: “Independence Day Wind Chimes” & “Chip and Dip Set” July: “Flower Pot Sculptures” & “Beverage Pitchers” August: “Slump Fabric Bowls” & “Pencil Holder Set” September: “Leaf Bowls” & “Bird Bath and Feeder” October: “Trick or Treat Baskets” & “Pumpkin Plates” November: “Serving Dishes” & “Tree Branch Vases” December: “Christmas Stockings” & “Snowman Jars” November 30 & December 7: Youth Classes “Santa’s Workshop” 9:30-11:30 a.m. July 22 – 26: Youth Summer Camp $130 members / $150 Nonmembers
Aquatics and Wellness
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ighteen different water classes are offered as part of the Aquatics program, many of which serve senior citizen members. The water temperature is kept at 84-86 degrees, as recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. The YWCA partners with other organizations, Guilford County Schools and Arc of High Point to ensure that members have access to the aquatics center in preparation for the Special Olympics.
Hop into our pool! It’s open year-round! Book your next birthday party, Boy or Girl Scout gettogether, family celebration, or after school, social or church group event. Contact isatterwhite@ywcahp.com. The pool is open for lap swimming, groups, family gatherings and fellowship.
Swim Lessons
Silver Sneakers Fitness This is a fun, energizing program targeted for older adults and seniors to help them enjoy a fit, active and independent lifestyle by encouraging physical activity and offering social events.
Water Fitness The YWCA offers water fitness classes for seniors and adults. We have classes targeted to arthritis sufferers, rehabilitations and strength training. Morning, afternoon and evening classes are available.
We offer swimming lessons for all ages six months and older. Prices start at $40 for members, $60 for nonmembers. Private swim lessons are also available. We also offer the opportunity to daycares and school groups to arrange a time for field trips and swim lessons. Book your next swim lesson with the YWCA.
Red Cross Training Looking to become a certified lifeguard? Looking to become certified in CPR? Or First Aid? Enroll in a class at the YWCA today! The YWCA is an authorized provider for health and safety classes for the American Red Cross. Check our website often, hpywca.org, for more events and times.
YWCA of High Point 112 Gatewood Ave, High Point, NC 27262 Phone:(336) 882-4126 www.ywcahp.com facebook.com/YWCA.High.Point twitter.cm/Ywcahighpoint
Youth Services
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ore than 300 youth benefit from Youth Services programs provided by the YWCA of High Point each year. One of these services is a free, structured after-school program that is provided for middle school students. The program works directly with Guilford County Schools, paying close attention to each student’s education and addressing any needs as they arise. The program also uses the after-school time to provide career exploration activities, including speakers from a variety of professions. The group takes field trips to expose the students to different college environments and to get them excited and motivated to pursue a higher education. Approximately 89 percent of the youth who participate show improvement in their academic performance, and 91 percent participate in service learning projects. The YWCA also provides a summer day camp for a diverse group of area youth each year. The program takes children on field trips and offers other fun summertime activities – exciting experiences that they would not otherwise get to enjoy. This year, 85 youth were enrolled in summer day camp. Ninetytwo percent of those enrolled received some form of financial assistance to be able to participate.
Studio Art
Fitness center A fitness center with cardio machines and weights is also available for use by members. Overall, the Aquatics and Wellness programs average 2,300 visits each month. Last year, the YWCA provided over $30,000 in scholarships for individuals and groups with limited financial resources to participate in these programs that improve quality of life.
Established in 2008, the Studio Art program is the only art program open to the public in the area. The program provides pottery and oil painting classes and workshops for children and adults on an ongoing basis. Youth from the YWCA, the Latino Family Center and the Boys and Girls Club all took pottery classes last year where they learned basic wheel-throwing techniques, hand building and glazing applications.
Pottery Classes
Pottery Classes are offered every six weeks or you can come take part in one of the many workshops that are offered.
For more information on any of the programs you see featured in this section, please call: 882-4126 or email: hmajors@ywcahp.com
Oil Painting
The YWCA offers Oil Painting Classes and workshops under the instruction of Peggy Barnes. Classes are offered at various times throughout the year for four-week session.