YWCA is on a mission and YWCA Elyria is making it our own!
To empower women and eliminate racism, we must meet our clients where they are most vulnerable and provide the compassion and services that place them on a path to self-sufficiency and prosperity.
Our vision is that all women and their families can achieve their full potential in a world without discrimination.
This requires a focus on the future, anticipating the needs of our clients, and creating innovative solutions to the problems they most often face – poverty, unsafe living conditions, lack of reliable and affordable childcare, and under- or unemployment.
We are evolving our services to meet the changing needs of our clients today and in the future.
Nationally, YWCA advocacy issues include lobbying for pay equity and hate crimes legislation, increased funding for Head Start and passing the Violence Against Women Act. Locally, through our programs, we are changing lives and restoring hope for women, their families, and our community!
We remain rooted in rich history, but our approach to serving our clients is holistic, strategic and innovative.
RACIAL EQUITY CENTER of Lorain County ↘
The Racial Equity Center of Lorain County works with government jurisdictions and non-profit organizations to advocate for social and racial justice. The Center provides Equity Training and policy research for organizations desiring a more inclusive workplace.
WOMEN’s HOUSING ↘
The Women’s Campus Project (WCP) serves single females and single female heads of households by offering a structured program intended to help them become self-sufficient and secure permanent housing. The Women in Secure Housing (WISH) program is a 14-unit apartment building in downtown Lorain for women with disabilities.
YWCA Dance ↘
The YWCA Dance studio provides an out-of-school activity for youth ages 3 to 18. Dance is a sport that promotes confidence, character building, character building, healthy living and well-being. Students can select from classes in ballet, jazz, tap and pointe.
GIRL POWER ↘
Girl Power is an evidence-based support group for girls between the ages of 14 and 18 that is effective in reducing delinquency. The program integrates resiliency practices and skills training designed to increase positive connectivity tons, personal and collective strength and competence in girls.
SOUTH BASEBALL CLUB ↘
SBC is an out-of-school youth activity for youth ages 4-7 who reside within the boundaries of Elyria’s Southside and are at risk of engaging in behaviors that lead to delinquency. Little League programs are rooted in values that promote character building, sportsmanship and self-discipline.
CRISIS COUNSELING ASSISTANCE ↘
The COVID-19 Pandemic created a secondary crisis in all communities regardless of income, race, gender and abilities — Trauma. The YWCA partnered with FEMA, the MHARS Board and El Center to provide a community-wide response to the mental health crisis. Services included individual and group counseling, assessment, referral and resource linkage and a public service media campaign.
ELYRIA CULINARY KITCHEN ↘
The EKC will focus on providing culinary education and training to the residents of the Elyria YWCA Women’s Campus, women residing in other shelters and to the general public. The course will run for twelve weeks and will be divided into four, three-week sections. Students will learn the basics of cooking, menu development, pricing, and ingredient sourcing.
