YWCA Lancaster

Ready to take the next step and begin your new career journey? Our New Choices Career Development Program is here to help you gain confidence, build skills, and open doors to new opportunities. Offered at no cost! Course Sessions: April 22nd, 24th, 29th, May 1st, 6th, & 8th Location: 1905 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602 Whether you're seeking a fresh start, exploring new options, or simply looking for support to reach your goals, New Choices is here for you. Please share with those in your network to uplift our community! Register now: https://lnkd.in/eFQmeSRY. Don’t wait to make the new choice that could change everything.

In a recent article for Millersville University’s Engage for Change journal, YWCA Lancaster CEO Stacie Blake wrote about the urgent need to unlearn biases that fuel inequity in our education system. From underfunded schools to banned books, our education system still falls short for too many students—especially students of color. In Lancaster County: - Nearly half of students of color attend high-poverty schools - Only 4% of teachers are people of color, despite students of color making up 35% of enrollment - Books by Black and LGBTQ+ authors are the most frequently banned When children don’t see themselves in their teachers, classrooms, or stories—they are being told they don’t belong. At YWCA Lancaster, we believe that representation matters, stories matter, and equity matters. Changing the system starts by recognizing these disparities and acting with courage. What are YOU willing to unlearn to make education truly equitable? Read the full blog post by our CEO, Stacie Blake, at YWCALancaster.org. To learn more about education and youth preparedness in Lancaster County, visit equityprofilelancaster.com.

Thank You, Alegre Events! YWCA Lancaster is proud to recognize Alegre Events as a Champion Sponsor of our 27th Annual Race Against Racism! Their commitment to racial and gender equity helps power this historic event and strengthens our community’s movement toward justice. Want to learn more? Visit YWCALancaster.org/RAR for details!

YWCA Lancaster’s Senior Director of Child Enrichment, Christelle Thaw-Bolton, joined PA State Rep. Nikki Rivera and other education experts at a public policy hearing to discuss the impact of Pre-K programming in Lancaster. Christelle shared a powerful story about a child in our PA Pre-K Counts program who overcame developmental challenges with support from YWCA Lancaster's high-quality early education and nurturing environment. His success is a testament to why investing in pre-K is investing in our future. YWCA Lancaster has been a PA Pre-K Counts partner since 2007, ensuring that ALL children—regardless of background—have access to the early learning opportunities they deserve. But we need continued advocacy and funding to make this the norm for every child in Lancaster! Let’s keep the momentum going! Reach out to your local policymakers, share your support, and join us in championing early education for all. Read more on our blog at YWCALancaster.org!

Thank You, Armstrong World Industries! YWCA Lancaster is proud to recognize Armstrong World Industries as a Hero Sponsor of our 27th Annual Race Against Racism! Their dedication to racial and gender equity helps drive this historic event and strengthens our community’s movement toward justice. Sponsorship Opportunities Are Still Available! Join us in making a lasting impact! Sponsoring the Race Against Racism is a powerful way to show your organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion while connecting with thousands of community members. Want to learn more? Visit YWCALancaster.org/RAR for more information and to sponsor the race!

We’re excited to introduce and welcome three incredible leaders to YWCA Lancaster’s Board of Directors: Denise Elliott, Alison Kelser, and Stephanie Thomas! Their expertise, passion, and dedication to our mission will help us continue working toward a more just and equitable Lancaster. For 137 years, YWCA Lancaster has been proud to have the longest-standing all-female Board of Directors in Lancaster—a testament to the power of women leading change in our community. Join us in celebrating Denise, Alison, and Stephanie!

Thank You, Erie Insurance! YWCA Lancaster is proud to recognize Erie Insurance Group as a sponsor of our 27th Annual Race Against Racism! Their commitment to racial and gender equity helps drive this historic event and strengthens our community’s movement toward justice. Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Join us in making a lasting impact! Sponsoring the Race Against Racism is a powerful way to show your organization’s dedication to equity and inclusion while connecting with thousands of community members. Want to learn more? Visit YWCALancaster.org/RAR for more information and to sponsor the race!

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for our rescheduled MLK Day Children's Celebration! From inspiring book readings to joyful community activities, it was a powerful reminder that Dr. King's dream lives on through collective action, learning, and love. Special thanks to our incredible guest readers, volunteers, and community partners who made the day unforgettable. Let’s continue planting seeds of change—together!

Thank You, Fulton Bank! YWCA Lancaster is proud to recognize Fulton Bank as the Premier Sponsor of our 27th Annual Race Against Racism! Their commitment to racial and gender equity helps power this historic event and strengthens our community’s movement toward justice. Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Join us in making a lasting impact! Sponsoring the Race Against Racism is a powerful way to show your organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion while connecting with thousands of community members. Want to learn more? Visit YWCALancaster.org/RAR for more information and to sponsor the race!

Registration is OPEN for the 2025 Race Against Racism! Mark your calendars and get ready to lace up those sneakers—it’s time to come together as a community to stand against racism and make strides toward justice! Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 Location: Musser Park, 135 N Lime St, Lancaster, PA 17602 Join us for: - A 5K course through historic Lancaster City. - A vibrant park celebration after the race. - Supporting YWCA Lancaster’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Be part of the movement! Register now, rally your team, and let’s make this year’s Race Against Racism our biggest yet! Whether you’re participating or cheering from the sidelines, YOU make a difference. Sign up today: YWCALancaster.org/RAR Together, we race. Together, we rise. Together, we change the world. Don’t wait—secure your spot now! Thank you to our Premier Sponsor Fulton Bank and Fulton Forward Foundation for your continued support!