Message and Updates from Our President and CEO
Friday, April 24, 2020
Through these rapidly evolving times, a lot has changed. But one thing remains the same – YWCA Minneapolis’ mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.While we implement temporary closures of some of our programs through May 4, in accordance with the current stay-at-home executive order, we are serving children of essential workers at our Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Ecolab locations. Effective Monday, April 27, we will reopen our Early Childhood Education Center Midtown location to serve not only the children of essential workers, but also Pathway I Scholarship and Child Care Assistance Program families. We are providing high-quality child care and education for women and families who are most often working on the front lines to keep our community running during this pandemic.To support youth while schools are closed, we’re offering dynamic online classes and activities, including video-guided STEM projects and a nature scavenger hunt. Members can choose from a variety of virtual, live group fitness classes each week. And take at-home workouts to the next level with virtual, private personal training and Pilates sessions.We thank those who joined us yesterday for a pre-recorded conversation with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. We trust it helped increase awareness and understanding of how crises like COVID-19 magnify systemic inequities that exist in our community and propelled you to take action to combat it.Be sure to join us next Wednesday, April 29, for our 24th annual signature fundraising event, Connecting our Circles. You don’t want to miss our first-ever 12-hour day of virtual celebration, giving and fun in support of our mission. Connect with us as we spotlight a few of the many and beloved YWCA community members, sponsors, program participants and staff who live our mission and empower our work. Hear inspiring stories about our life-changing programs, honor our Woman of Power Award recipient Shelley Carthen Watson, who personifies our values of peace, justice, freedom and dignity, shop the silent auction, participate in YWCA Minneapolis trivia, special challenges and more!For 129 years, YWCA Minneapolis has strengthened our community. Every year, we leverage our expertise to deliver innovative programs and passionate advocacy in racial justice, education and wellness, creating a positive impact on the lives of over 30,000 people in our community.Please join us on April 29 and consider making a tax-deductible contribution to YWCA Minneapolis Emergency Fund. Your support is crucial to ensuring the near-term and long-term viability of YWCA Minneapolis.I look forward to seeing you next week. Thank you for your ongoing support.DONATE TO THE EMERGENCY FUND