Initiatives & Projects

YWCA of Greater Milwaukee

Mission

The YWCA USA is a women’s membership movement nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of many beliefs and values. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. The YWCA will thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.

For more information, visit YWCA.

Initiatives & Projects

Racial Justice. As a part of its mission, the YWCA has expressed a committment to eliminate racism in the community. As part of this initiative, the YWCA Greater Milwaukee has implemented Unlearning Racism. The series is designed to provide opportunities for participants to share their thoughts, feelings and attitudes about the issues of race and racism in an environment where the free exchange of ideas is encouraged.

Economic Advancement. The YWCA serves those striving for economic independence through gainful employment and financial responsibility. The Women’s Enterprise Business Incubator (WEBI) provides case management, rent-subsidized professional office space and technical assistance to emerging businesses in the Milwaukee area so they can build the capacity to compete fully in the marketplace. In addition, the Living Paycheck to Paycheck program aims to educate women about ways to maximize limited resources, promoting a shift in financial behavior that empower women to improve their economic status.

Youth and Teens. The YWCA serves girls in City of Milwaukee between the ages of 11 and 18 years old. The Girls Leadership program reaches more than 600 girls each year. The programming (Leadership in Action, Teaching Tolerance, Economic Literacy, A.R.T.S) increases girls’ recognition that they are valuable resources to the community, trustees of neighborhoods’ well-being and leaders in their own right.

Housing. The YWCA’s Transitional Housing Program has been in operation since 1988 and serves about 35 families each year in a 17-unit apartment building and duplex in the central city. Each furnished apartment provides up to two years in a home, assisting with basic needs while offering services to break the cycle of homelessness. The women are given work-related education, parenting training, AODA treatment, mental health consultations and interpersonal skill building.

Adult Education. The YWCA offers a variety of adult educational opportunities. The Adult Learning Lab is an education and skill-building program that helps participants increase skills leading to employment or advancing their employment in an effort to increase their earnings. The lab offers a many services including individual instruction toward General Educational Development (GED), goal planning and educational assessments.

W-2. The YWCA is a partner organization in serving W-2 participants. The program is designed to help low-income parents with minor children gain economic independence. This is accomplished by connecting individuals who have work skills with suitable employment and assisting those who need to develop work skills in a quick, efficient manner.

Employment. The YWCA Employment Resource Center (ERC) is open to the community for employment-related activities and job search assistance. Available services include: unemployment workshops, use of internet-ready computers, employment and training-related assessments, weekly onsite employer recruitment events and staff assistance in creating resumes, cover letters, completing online applications and career counseling.

Events

Now to June 2009 YWCA Unlearning Racism.

YWCA Keys to Education Workshop.

News