Cultural values: Do they define me?

The following post was written by YWCA Racial Justice Program Coordinator Nell Fleming. As we celebrate Black History Month, Nell's insights lend to the larger cultural and racial dialogue the YWCA of Charleston wishes to promote this and every month as part of our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

One of the reasons my parents cited in their argument against my marriage to a black man, was that we were from two different cultural backgrounds (which they pointed out would make marriage harder). They gave me statistical evidence that persons who marry someone who lives within a mile of where the other person grew up have an astronomically higher rate of staying together. I must admit, my husband and I did grow up 380 miles apart – he in an urban all black setting, and I in a rural mostly white setting. We do have very different cultural backgrounds in that respect. However, when I traveled to Japan in 1990 and experienced the shock of some of my friends’ parents upon seeing a photo of me and my fiancé, I calmly explained that we were both American and that we had the same culture and values. This was something of a revelation in such a homogeneous country where people view culture and language to be synonymous with ancestry and ethnicity. They accepted it to the extent that I was allowed to continue having tea and be in their homes; how they really felt will forever be a mystery.

Although my husband and I do have distinctly different communication styles and have had our share of challenges in the past 22 years, the bigger challenge for me has always been with other people who who look more like me – white women, who were my teachers and colleagues over the years. I have been picked on endlessly for not smiling enough, looking too serious, being too serious and even accused of being stuck up. My facial expressions were such a thorn in my side, I took to reading books on communication styles and looking in the mirror to practice appropriate faces so that I could be viewed as a friendlier person. I took a Dale Carnegie course and won an award for “most improved.” However, no matter how much I’ve learned, grown, adapted and practiced, my natural state of being is to show the true emotions on my face. If I am concentrating or tired, I look severe and, to my dismay, almost angry.

Imagine my surprise when another parent who was from Eastern Europe befriended, saying: “You are one of the few Americans who don’t smile all the time. You show what you are really feeling.” She went on to say: “In my country, when Americans visit, they are always smiling and people say ‘Why do those Americans smile all the time those fake smiles? I wish they would show how what they are really feeling.’” It is no surprise that my mother’s family roots are Eastern European and that the women in my family are the dominant sex with regards to communication. It is nice to know that my way of being is not a flaw in me but a cultural difference that I can explain if given the opportunity.

What is unfortunate is that when we talk about cultural differences in groups, we assume that to be different, one has to have a different skin color. In the same manner, we assume that if persons have a different skin color, they must be culturally different. It is a root of the angst many Asian Americans feel when people ask them “Where are you from originally?” or “What other languages do you speak?”

Perhaps for Black History Month, we should challenge ourselves to think about what we as peoples of many races and colors have in common. Remember that being “white” or “black” isn’t a thing that can be defined by one set of rules or cultural attributes, but is unique to each region, each time in history, and each individual. Part of learning about other cultures is also learning about yourself. If you understand who you are and where you came from, it will be easier to understand others and what impact the past and present has on who they are.

In closing, what would you like people to know about you and your cultural values? Is there anything about your culture that you wish you knew more about?

Photo: Nell Fleming pictured with her daughter, Ronnell.

2010 YWCA Women of Achievement Honoree #3: Kay Goodwin

Meet Kay Goodwin - one of this year’s 2010 YWCA Women of Achievement honorees and the third in our 4-week series of blog posts leading up to this inspirational event on February 18. This year marks the 14th annual YWCA Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon, honoring the outstanding women in our community whose personal and professional achievements inspire and empower other women to strive for their highest goals.

KAY GOODWIN is a lifetime forerunner in arts and education. She was reappointed Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts in 2005 by Governor Manchin and currently serves on the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, the WV Humanities Council, and the Professional Staff Development Advisory Council. Named a Distinguished West Virginian, WVU’s Outstanding Alumna, and recipient of the WVU President’s Distinguished Service Award, she was inducted into the WVU College of Human Resources and Education Hall of Fame in 2008.

Secretary Goodwin is co-chairman of the Center for Professional Development Board, chairman of the West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, co-chairman of the West Virginia Council on Civics Literacy and the Governor’s designated chairman of the Educational Broadcasting Authority. She is a member of The Workforce Planning Council, a lifetime member of the Governor’s Honors Schools Advisory Council, a member of the Board of Advisors for WVU’s Blaney House and serves on the HB 3009 Workforce Development Initiative Committee.

Formerly, Secretary Goodwin served as chair of the University of West Virginia System Board of Trustees, the WV Commission on the Arts, the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, and the Financial Aid Coordinating Council. She was appointed in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush to serve on the Independent Commission to Review the Grantmaking Procedures of the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2004, Secretary Goodwin was designated one of only four recipients of the National Public Service Award and was recognized as Daughter of the Year by the WV Society of Washington, DC.

For more than 20 years, Secretary Goodwin directed community and high school musical theatre in Jackson County, in addition to staging opera performances in other state venues. Secretary Goodwin was honored by both the National Educational Theatre Association and the West Virginia Thespian Conference for her support and advancement of student theatre in West Virginia and the nation. Secretary Goodwin has taught at both WVU and WVSU and has received five honorary doctoral degrees.

Hate Crimes Prevention Act signed into law after a decade of advocacy

More than 10 years after the brutal murders of gay college student Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., an African-American man, President Obama signed legislation named for them on October 28, 2009: The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The new law updates existing federal hate crimes statutes by expanding the legal definition of a hate crime to cover crimes committed because of a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability and lift restrictive requirements regarding engagement in a federally-protected activity. Also, the law provides resources to law enforcement officials including federal training and direct assistance, to combat violent, bias-motivated crime.

President Obama offered words of praise and encouragement to those who worked tirelessly on this legislation. "You understand we must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break break bones but to break spirits. Not only to inflict harm but to instill fear," the President told a crowd gathered in the White House East Room on October 28. The President cited FBI statistics of more than 12,000 reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation over the last 10 years. He noted that many incidents are never even reported.

Together with teary-eyed family members of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., President Obama stood at the podium and announced: "No one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love. No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are or because they live with a disability." We encourage you to watch the full video below on this milestone celebration.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has cited a rise in the number of hate groups resulting from anti-immigration rhetoric, the severe recession and the election of a black president. The FBI has reported an increase in hate-motivated violence particularly against Hispanics and lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Hate crimes victimize both individuals and communities and tend to be much more violent than other crimes.

Passage of the legislation culminates more than a decade of advocacy by over 300 organizations including the YWCA USA. We are so encouraged that measures such as this bring us small steps closer to our mission and the mission of YWCAs across the globe: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Flowers of appreciation

Tomorrow, (Tuesday, October 20) KIDS COUNT will honor West Virginia's 2,400 professional childcare providers by sponsoring a statewide "Take a Flower to Childcare Day." We encourage parents, young children and community leaders to show their appreciation for childcare providers by showering them with flowers of appreciation! Roses. Daisies. Carnations. Lillies. Real flowers. Silk flowers. Homemade paper flowers. Anything goes!

The goal of this celebration of our area childcare professionals is to raise awareness about the important role childcare providers play in the healthy development of young children, the stability of working families and the future of the state's economy. Researchers at Marshall University found that for every dollar West Virginia spends toward a high-quality early childhood development system, the state can expect a $5.20 return through higher academic achievement and future earning power and fewer juvenile delinquents and high school dropouts.

Take a Flower to Childcare Day is part of KIDS COUNT’s Kids First Communities Campaign, a statewide effort to build broad public support for new state dollars to improve childcare. In the Kanawah Valley, the YWCA Child Enrichment Center serves as the regional leader of the Kids First Communities campaign. If you don't have a childcare provider but simply wish to show your support, we would welcome your flower at the YWCA Child Enrichment Center at 201 Donnally Street in downtown Charleston. Join us in recognizing the importance of early childhood development and showing childcare providers how much we appreciate them!

United We Serve

This summer, President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama launched the "The United We Serve" program, encouraging all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities this summer through September 11, 2009. YWCAs across the country have joined hundreds of other nonprofits and community organizations in posting their volunteer opportunities to the site http://www.serve.gov/. This site was specifically to be a comprehensive clearinghouse of service opportunities throughout the country. First Lady Michelle Obama even released a special video about this project.

We have posted numerous YWCA of Charleston volunteer opportunities on this site, from reading to children at the YWCA Child Enrichment Center, to cooking healthy meals for residents at the YWCA Sojourner's Shelter, to sorting donations at the YWCA Past & Present Gently Used Clothing Store. Click here for a full list of our volunteer opportunities in Charleston, WV.

Like the President and First Lady, we encourage you to get involved and give back to your community during this last month of the summer. Sign up for one of our opportunities, contact a YWCA in your hometown, or go to http://www.serve.gov/ and look for special projects that fit your interests and talents. Whatever you choose, you will be helping someone in need and improving the quality of human life in your community. United, we serve.

Economic Abuse - Wall Street or Main Street?

A term commonly associated with Wall Street could apply on Main Street more often than you might expect. According to a new national poll released by The Allstate Foundation, 86 percent of Americans fail to see a connection between domestic violence and "economic abuse." In fact, when given a choice of definitions, the survey revealed that nearly eight out of 10 Americans link economic abuse to Wall Street woes or irresponsible spending.

On the contrary, economic abuse is a tactic commonly used by abusers to control their victims' finances and prevent them from leaving a dangerous relationship. Many victims stay in abusive relationships due to lack of resources to stand on their own two feet. In a recent press release by The Allstate Foundation, Jennifer Kuhn - manager of the Economics Against Abuse program - stated:

"Many people associate domestic violence with physical attacks, but damage to your credit score and being cut off from access to money create lasting scars that make it hard, if not impossible, for abuse victims to recover. For victims of domestic violence, economic abuse is much more personal - and dangerous."

The poll also found that more than 70 percent of Americans know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. With millions of Americans touched by domestic violence in some way, here are some of the warning signs of financial abuse the Allstate Foundation has identified:

• Taking money, credit card or property from a partner without permission
• Racking up debt without a partner's knowledge
• Purposely ruining a partner's credit score
• Preventing a partner from earning money or attending school
• Being forced by a partner to hand over paychecks
• Canceling insurance or credit cards without the partner's knowledge
• Harassing a partner at work to negatively impact a job
  

Building financial skills is an important key to overcoming economic abuse. Now more than ever, it is important that domestic violence survivors build economic skills to overcome financial instability - the leading barrier to exit and stay out of an abusive situation. Here at the YWCA of Charleston, we empower domestic violence survivors with the tools to become financially self-sufficient by providing shelter, clothing, transportation to work, money management classes, education, and job readiness assistance. Furthermore, we offer individual counseling and support groups free of charge and assist victims with obtaining free court and legal representation so they can receive the support they desperately need.

Thanks to The Allstate Foundation and the "ClickToEmpower" Campaign, the YWCA USA has been selected as one of four national organizations to partner in friendly competition to raise national awareness about economic abuse – specifically, how it can impact the personal safety and financial security of domestic violence victims and their families. The organization receiving the most votes at the end of the two-month campaign period will receive $100,000 to support economic empowerment education for domestic violence victims.

How YOU can "click to empower" domestic violence victims through the YWCA:

From July 15 through September 15, visit www.clicktoempower.org and cast your vote for the YWCA each and every day. Also, tell everyone you know to do the same - especially those who know and love the YWCA. Also, please promote this contest on your web site, blog, Facebook, Twitter, or any way you can! We can win this competition, but only with your help. Let's get out there and Click to Empower!

Vintage Art Auction - with a twist!

Vintage art lovers and vintage car lovers unite! A 1955 DeSoto is the newest addition to the items donated to our 3rd annual "Vintage 3" Art Auction being held tomorrow (Thursday, June 18) from 5:30-7:30 pm here at the YWCA on Quarrier Street in Charleston, WV.

The silent art auction will feature more than 180 pieces of original artwork including pieces by our event co-chairs Kemp McElwee and Susan Poffenbarger (picture on the left), June Kilgore, Paula Clendenin, Robert Hart, Carol Toth, William E. Reed, Betsy Johnson, Betty Warner, Steve Payne, Diane White and JoAnne Jacobs. Oils, watercolors, pastels, photography, sculpture, pottery - you name it! Click here for a sneak preview of some of our featured artwork. All at very attractive prices, there's something for nearly any budget. Plus, you'll enjoy a lively social evening complete with music, wine and delicious hors d’oeuvres. It’s guaranteed to be a great party – and we hope you find that perfect piece while you’re at it!

After the silent art auction concludes, the live auction of the 1955 DeSoto will begin promptly at 7:30 with only a $500 minimum bid. All proceeds from Vintage 3 will benefit the YWCA’s social service programs and will be matched dollar for dollar through the $2 Million Challenge campaign. A minimum $25 donation is requested and pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

YWCA USA Celebrates 150 years of Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women

The YWCA USA celebrated its distinguished 150-year legacy as the nation's oldest and largest women's organization at a gala awards dinner in Washington, D.C. over the weekend.

First Lady Michelle Obama noted that "the YWCA has been on the frontiers of this nation's history, standing up for gender and racial equality." In a videotaped message to the YWCA, she remarked, "You fought for job opportunities for women and bringing down barriers that were used to limit the ability of all women to achieve their full potential, and your rich legacy has touched generations of women - mothers, grandmothers and daughters. I want to personally thank you for supporting the President's call to service. In these challenging times, we all have something to contribute."

For the past 150 years, the YWCA has been at the forefront of every social justice movement in America - from the abolition of slavery to voting rights, from civil rights to pay equity, and from violence prevention to global health. Today, its nearly 300 local associations represent the largest provider of services to battered women in the country, and offer critical community services such as sexual assault support services, child care and after school programs, transitional housing for homeless women, job training, leadership development, and economic empowerment programs.

"We are very proud of our 150-year history of accomplishments in civil rights, women's rights and human rights," said Lorraine Cole, Ph.D., YWCA USA CEO. "We look forward to another 150 years of serving American women and girls, and advocating for peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all."

Four distinguished American women leaders were honored at the dinner, which was held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel:

• Lilly Ledbetter is the Supreme Court plaintiff whose name is attached to the first bill signed into law by President Obama. It stipulates that the 180-day statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit can be reset with each new discriminatory paycheck.
• Patti Austin is a Grammy(R) Award-winning jazz singer, composer, and staunch activist against domestic violence who started the Blue Movement, a growing national campaign that brings together individuals to help stop violence against women, children and men.
• Eve Ensler is an internationally acclaimed playwright, author of "The Vagina Monologues" and co-founder of V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls.
• Dorothy I. Height is an icon of the civil rights movement who also worked for the YWCA, leading its racial justice efforts for 33 years, and then later headed the National Council of Negro Women for many decades.

The YWCA USA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to social service, advocacy, education, leadership development, and racial justice. Established in the United States in 1858, the YWCA is the oldest and largest national women's organization, and celebrating its 150th anniversary. The YWCA USA is also a member of World YWCA, which has affiliates in 122 countries that serve 25 million women and girls worldwide. Visit www.ywca.org.

The YWCA of Charleston, WV - established in 1912 - is proud to be a part of this prestigious organization and is honored to further its mission in the Greater Kanawha Valley.

Congress to Vote on Fair Pay

As one of the first actions of the new 111th Congress, the House is expected to vote on two important pieces of pay equity legislation in the very near future: the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act. The national YWCA asks all supporters and advocates to please contact your Representative and tell them to vote yes on these important bills.

Though the Equal Pay Act was signed into law in 1964, pay discrimination is still prevalent, and the Supreme Court has recently taken a backwards approach to handling these claims. Pay equity legislation is necessary to allow individuals to better fight pay discrimination strengthen penalties for violation, compel employers to explain wage gaps, and develop training for women and girls about salary negotiation.

With a record 70 million women in the workforce, wage discrimination hurts the majority of American families. In addition, wage discrimination lowers total lifetime earnings, reducing women’s benefits from Social Security and pension plans and inhibiting their ability to save not only for retirement but for other lifetime goals such as buying a home and paying for a college education.

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Labor unemployment statistics show that women tend to be hurt first and worst during economic downturns. Promoting the economic security of all Americans is critical, especially in these tough times, and equal pay for equal work is a necessary step towards achieving this goal. Passage of both the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act would go a long way towards ensuring pay equity for American women and families.

Action: Call the Capitol Switchboard at 1-202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Representative. Click here to find the name of your Representative.

Message: “My name is ____________ and I am a constituent. I strongly urge the Representative to vote yes on the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act when they come to the floor this week. I also urge you to vote against any attempts to weaken these bills, including any motion to recommit. Thank you.”

All treats, no tricks

Around the nation, the young and the young at heart will celebrate Halloween with their costumes and tradition of scouting the neighborhood for treats. On the East End of Charleston, the ladies of YWCA's Shanklin Center celebrated the occasion with a party and their favorite pasttime, Bingo.

It may seem like a small thing. But to these older women who have suffered great tragedies and abuse -- often at the hands of loved ones -- it's a big deal. It's a real treat to celebrate a holiday with friends and know you're safe from the frightening experiences that once plagued your life.

These wonderful women enjoy holiday celebrations and daily visits with friends in the small community -- the YWCA Shanklin Center. Here, they live out their lives with peace and in dignity with the freedom to enjoy friendships and holidays. So for all the Shanklin women and any women who has known real fear in life -- not from haunted houses or imaginary ghosts -- we at the YWCA salute you and wish you a Happy Halloween.

empowerment: Past & Present

While you may know that the YWCA of Charleston operates a gently used clothing store on Charleston's East End, did you also know that we provide clothing to our program participants free of charge? At YWCA Past & Present, located at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Lee Street East, we empower individuals in need by providing them with quality clothing as they make their way toward self-sufficiency. Through our clothing voucher program, both adults and children at YWCA Sojourner's, Resolve, Shanklin, and Alicia McCormick can obtain vouchers for free gently used clothing, shoes & accessories.

In recent months, we have more than doubled the number of people we serve through this program. In August and September of 2007, 43 adult and 6 child vouchers were redeemed for a total of $1,404 in merchandise. In August and September of 2008, however, 98 adult and 34 child vouchers were redeemed - a total of $3,617!

YWCA program participants aren't the only ones to benefit from fabulous finds at YWCA Past & Present. Our store is open to the public from 7 am - 6 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am - 5 pm on Saturday. As everyone's budgets seem to be a little tighter this year, shoppers come to us for affordable back-to-school clothes, winter gear, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and much more.

In fact, a recent CNN article notes that people are increasingly looking for more ways to be savvy shoppers. The article states that in these troubled times, the powerful lure of a secondhand retail bargain is attracting customers from all economic classes. Read the rest of the CNN article here.

YWCA Past & Present could not continue to provide such valuable resources to our community without the hundreds of bags of donations it receives each month. Proceeds from YWCA Past & Present help offset the cost of the YWCA Alicia McCormick transitional housing program. Thank you to all of our generous donors...and happy shopping!

Y you should vote

Less than 100 years ago, our foremothers fought to secure the right for all women to vote. To be viewed as equal citizens in our country and have a say in shaping our future.

Our country has reached a new milestone with the first African-American nominee for president and the first woman vice president nominee. It's an exciting time in American history.

Not only is our nation making history, but the YWCA has also reached an important milestone in its 100-year history. For the first time, the YWCA (the nation's oldest and largest women's organization) will be a national sponsor of the 2008 presidential debates. As a sponsor, the YWCA has also taken the initiative to create a voter guide that covers issues that relate to the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Issues such as affordable healthcare and housing; ending violence against women; providing quality early childhood education; equal pay for equal work; ending discrimination and promoting equality and strengthening hate crime laws.

These issues are discussed at length on the YWCA's new website ywcavote. It's about your vote. Making your voice heard so you have a role in shaping your future. This powerful tool allows you to register to vote; learn about the important issues our country faces and even become a community activist.

We encourage you to use this tool. Refer your mothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, nieces, friends, coworkers and neighbors to the site. But most importantly, encourage all women to exercise the right that our foremothers fought so hard to earn just 88 years ago.

Note: This Friday marks the first presidential debate. The two presidential nominees -- Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama -- will debate foreign policy and national security during a 90-minute event that begins at 9 p.m. EST.

A big splash for Betty Schoenbaum

On Tuesday, we celebrated the grand opening of our newly renovated building at 1114 Quarrier Street! During our "big splash" to honor Betty Schoenbaum, children from the YWCA Child Enrichment Center were the first to make their own splash in the new Schoenbaum pool. The YWCA dedicated the new aquatic facility to Betty Schoenbaum to honor her $150,000 donation to the project and to recognize her enduring heart for the Charleston community.

For those who are unfamiliar with the building project, the YWCA launched the Raise the Roof building renovations campaign in January of 2007. Through this campaign, we raised $1.1 million to replace our 1920s building’s leaking roof and HVAC systems, repair the exterior bricks and columns, replace the swimming pool and hot tub, renovate the locker rooms, and freshen up the interior with new paint and carpet.

At 91-years old, Betty Schoenbaum continues to be a inspirational philanthropist in the Charleston community. When asked by a reporter to describe how it feels to be able to give back in this way, she replied: "I tell people sometimes I have so much joy in me I think my skin might burst some day."

We truly appreciate everything Mrs. Schoenbaum has done to help women, children, and families all over the world, and we applaud her for joining in our mission of providing peace, justice, dignity and freedom for all people.

A Labor Day reflection

We welcome Janet James, a current YWCA Board member, as our third guest blogger. Janet is the Assistant Attorney General at the West Virginia Attorney General's Office in Charleston, WV and has served on the YWCA of Charleston's Board of Directors since 2005.

Yesterday, we celebrated Labor Day to commemorate the social and economic achievements of American workers. While our nation has truly made great progress since Labor Day was first declared a federal holiday over a century ago, we recognize that many changes still need to be made.

The fact is, women still lag behind men in education and in earnings. Although progress has been made, especially in the last three decades, there remain monumental gaps in the real-world equities between men and women. White women continue to earn a mere 77 cents to every dollar a man makes, while for black and Hispanic women the gap is even greater, dropping to 65 cents on the dollar for black women, and 54 cents for Hispanic women.

Over the course of a career, this puts a woman hundreds of thousands of dollars behind a man. Over a lifetime, a young woman who graduates from high school this year and goes straight to work at $20,000 a year will make $700,000 less than a young man who graduates with her; a woman who graduates from college into a $30,000 starting salary will make $1.2 million less than a young man graduating with her; and a young woman who gets a degree in business, medicine or law and graduates into a $70,000 a year job will make $2 million less than her male classmate. Only 11 of the Fortune 500 companies are led by women, and women make up only 14.7 percent of the board seats of Fortune 500 companies.

The wage gap is the result of a variety of forms of sex discrimination in the workplace, including discrimination in hiring, promotion and pay, sexual harassment, occupational segregation, bias against mothers (in 2005, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reported 4,449 charges of pregnancy-based discrimination), and other ways in which women workers and women’s work are undervalued. The long-standing stereotypes associated with men and women contributes to this problem. In the workplace, men are considered more likely to take charge of a situation. Women are considered sympathetic, caring and more supportive, and not as capable at solving problems, a necessary quality in CEOs.

As a consequence of this economic disparity, women are also greatly under-represented in local, state and national political government. This economic and political disparity causes a steady drain on women’s receiving better medical treatment, child care, housing, food, and retirement savings; and worse, places women at a greater risk of homelessness, or inability to leave abusive domestic situations.

Since its inception in 1858, the YWCA has fought for women’s rights, notably in the women’s suffrage movement, and later in the civil rights movement. Today, Racial Justice and the Economic Empowerment of Women are two of the national YWCA’s hallmark programs. Through programs like the YWCA Sojourner's Job Education/Readiness Center, the YWCA of Charleston works daily to promote education and economic empowerment here in our city.

Breaking the cycle of domestic violence

"When dad gets mad he turns into a monster. He is usually nice, but once he turns mad he says mad for a long time. He hits my mom and laughs. He probably thinks girls can't fight very well. Mommy says boys shouldn't hit girls." Chris, age 4

"This is a picture of my dad punching my mom in the nose. The red puddle is blood from my mom. The blue puddle is spit, because my dad is screaming so loud right in my mom's face. It makes me sad when they fight. I don't try to stop him anymore, because I get cussed when I try to make him quit fighting with my mom. I've seen so mnay situations like this I can't remember all of them."

These images were painted by children who received counseling at the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program. You may find the images disturbing, as we do, because they show the violence that the children have witnessed throughout their lives. This service the YWCA provides becomes ever more important when you think about Nalisha Gravely and how her 2-year-old son may have witnessed similar acts of violence on his mother.

The YWCA is working to break the cycle of violence through counseling offered to the children who witness this violence. By educating the children on the proper way to express your emotions and how to cope with stress, the YWCA is teaching the next generation that it isn't acceptable to use your hands for anything other than help. "Hands are for helping, not for hitting," is a phrase we often repeat.

The cycle of domestic violence is broken when we're able to reach the next generation and educate them about how to have a healthy relationship. The YWCA is reaching out to another generation through "Celebrate Respect" -- a teen rally to promote healthy relationships. The event is scheduled for Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center on Donnally Street. So please join us and help to eliminate violence in our community through prevention and education.

Note: The YWCA's Nalisha Gravely fund has raised nearly $10,000.

It actually is rocket science

We're happy to have Sarah Stebbins, a former YWCA Women of Achievement honoree, as our second guest blogger. Sarah was a pioneer for women in non-traditional fields of employment when she entered the field of aeronautics. She now resides with her husband, Charles, in Charleston and enjoys spending time with her family.

Fifty years ago, college-educated women whom I knew were generally teachers or nurses. My mother, who had put her Latin/English teaching career “on hold” to have a family, suggested that Pharmacy might be a good profession for a woman and that I should consider it. My problem was that a Pharmacy major required additional “dreaded” high school math courses over those in the regular College Preparatory program. I took those courses and, much to my surprise, I loved them… and decided to major in Math instead of going into Pharmacy!

At WVU in 1957, I did not really consider myself a pioneer, even though I was the only woman in most of my math classes. I do remember one other female Math major in my class year. I feel lucky that no one at WVU or in the workplace ever made me feel out of place as a woman. (However, skipping ahead, early in my career the Colorado Springs paper ran a feature article about me—as a woman in a man’s field.)

Now, my dilemma upon graduation was in knowing what a Mathematician would do for a living. I was marrying an Air Force officer who would be reassigned and moved every few years. Teaching Math would be a flexible option, but we arrived in Pasadena CA too late in the school year for me to be hired. Fortunately for me, the computer and space ages were emerging in isolated locations and a limited number of people were trained to program them. I was lucky to be in one of those places and to be hired by the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) that had one of the very first large mainframe computers. Exciting projects at JPL included sending unmanned Ranger spacecraft to the Moon and Mariner spacecraft to Mars. There I gained the computer skills that served me throughout my 40-year career.

Partly because there were so few scientific computer programmers, both times that I “retired” to have a baby and become a stay-at-home Mom, I was asked to return to work part-time for a new project. Other career breaks occurred due to the 27 years of military reassignments. Because working part-time was important to me while my kids were young, in Washington DC I had to wait a year and a half for a position to become open. But, it was well worth the wait… the position was at the Naval Research Lab (NRL) and the Navy’s flexibility made it possible for me to spend 25 years there.

The NRL work was perhaps the most interesting of all in that my Branch Head had helped design the Global Positioning System (GPS). Very precise clocks and timing form the heart of the GPS and placing atomic clocks on board the satellites was my boss’ idea. NRL built and flew several test satellites with increasingly more precise atomic clocks. Among my other assignments, I wrote the mainframe computer software that tested those orbiting clocks… and later tested the clocks on the actual system satellites. It was extremely interesting work back when we thought the system was strictly for military use, but it is overwhelming to see how important GPS has become today in all facets of the civilian world, too.

In spite of the hurdles, I managed to have an interesting and rewarding career in what was, at first, a non-traditional field for a woman. And, today, it is difficult to find a field that excludes women!

Focus on early childhood education

This is our first post by a guest author. Lisa Travis is the YWCA Marketing Committee Chair, mother of 4-year-old Mia and 1-year-old Max, and works full-time as the Marketing Director of Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC.

As the mother of a 4-year-old, the issue of early childhood education is near and dear to my heart. And my heart beats especially fast to know that West Virginia is ahead of the curve on preschool education and the availability to all children – not just those that can afford it.

Six years ago, West Virginia state lawmakers set a benchmark that every 4-year-old would have access to pre-kindergarten by 2012. Even though these children will not be required to attend, the abundance of opportunities has been and will be made available. Just this past year, Kanawha school officials say 1,200 children were enrolled in a pre-kindergarten program and they expect that number to be around 1,500 this year.

I am hesitant about overzealous parents trying to “one up” each other and force our children into activities they either don’t want to do or aren’t ready for. But, preschool is not one of those “activities.” There is a growing amount of research that shows the importance of early brain development. According to a study by the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation, every $1 spent on quality early care saves $7 to society as the children grow into adults. Children with quality early care are more likely to get more education, stay out of jail when they get older and have a greater commitment to marriage, the study indicated.

Early care and education programs, and particularly comprehensive, holistic early care and education programs, are shown to benefit communities on not only a social/educational level, but also as an economic development tool.

According to The Economic Impact of Early Child Development Programs in West Virginia: Executive Summary, prepared for the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the evidence is in and it is overwhelming. The authors state, “Early childhood development (ECD) programs are a major tool to be used in the economic development for a state or region. The payoff for investing in ECD is probably higher than for any other economic development expenditure.” That’s an impressive statement. Getting our children ready for society benefits them, our community and our state.

As a working parent, I understand how hard it is to find the time to get my child ready for even the basics. Expectations in kindergarten can be tough. Preschool and quality day care can help soften that blow. Not to mention the social attributes. Just being ready for a school setting can work wonders.

The holistic approach – caring for our children with educational tools AND nutritional attributes – is one that I am pleased to see in many of the day care centers and preschools throughout the state. When looking at a child care center, I look for children that are happy, healthy and energized. I look for that in the teachers as well. I know the YWCA strives for that holistic balance at the Child Enrichment Center as well as numerous facilities throughout our community.

The most impressive thing I have encountered was my sister-in-law’s response when she learned about West Virginia’s new preschool law. As a teacher in Austin, Texas she assumed West Virginia would be at the bottom of every list – especially educational. Her proactive email to me spoke wonders. “Yeah for West Virginia! Your children really do come first.”

Yes, they do.

YWCA supports vigil, fund for Gravely

While the YWCA of Charleston works tirelessly each day to eliminate domestic violence through leadership, education, advocacy and community collaboration, we also support domestic violence victims and their families in every way we can. Some we reach through shelter and emergency services like our 24-hour crisis line. Others we help through legal advocacy. Still more we reach through educational programs like our Teen Dating Violence Prevention program, where middle and high school students learn about healthy dating relationships that are rooted in equality, trust, honesty and mutual respect, instead of power and control.

In the case of Nalisha Gravely, we are helping her family by supporting a candlelight vigil and fund in her honor. The candlelight vigil will be held Friday, July 11 at 7:00 pm on Magic Island and will include special guest speakers, musical and dance tributes, poem readings and other special tributes to honor this young woman and inspire hope in the family and the community. Learn more about this event here.

Also, at the request of Charleston Mayor Danny Jones, the YWCA established a special fund in Gravely’s honor. This fund will help Gravely’s family members pay for her funeral and burial. More than $4,000 is still needed to cover the total expenses. Donations received above this amount will provide support for Gravely’s 2-year-old child. All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed or dropped off at the YWCA at 1114 Quarrier Street, Charleston, WV 25301.

We are truly inspired by the way we see our community pull together in these times of tragedy, and we wish to support this grieving family in any way that we can.

Celebrating Independence

Tomorrow we celebrate the 4th of July: our nation’s day to celebrate independence. As I reflect on this holiday each year, I think about the freedoms that we have in America...freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to assemble. Just read our Constitution’s Bill of Rights and you can clearly see the principles of liberty and inalienable human rights upon which our nation was based. By declaring our independence, our nation to broke free from excessive laws and taxes passed down by a government that would not grant them representation.

Independence does not always have to be reflected on such a grand scale, however. Many individuals celebrate independence on a much more personal level – such as a young child experiencing her first sleepover party or a teenager receiving his own set of car keys. Here at the YWCA of Charleston, we celebrate independence every day as we help our clients experience true independence for the first time. Sometimes it means helping a young woman and her child move from transitional housing into their very own apartment. Other times it means helping a woman break free from her abuser and re-establish a life free of violence. It can even mean providing quality childcare to a single mother, giving her the assurance that her children are in a safe and positive environment while she works during the day to support her family.

No matter how great or small, freedom is an attribute that we often take for granted. I am grateful that one hot summer day each year, we can look at the stars and stripes and be reminded of how truly precious independence is. So from every mountainside, let freedom ring!

Website gets a facelift

We are proud to launch our new website today.

Not only are we sporting a fresh look, but now our supporters can:

• register online for our events


• make an online donation


• learn about our programs and stores


• get the latest YWCA news


• discover volunteer opportunities


• easily access this blog.

We would like to thank Terradon Communications for their partial donation of our website.

Visit us today at http://www.ywcacharleston.org/ and let us know what you think about our new look.