YW Matters Summer 2016 by YWCA of Asheville

Asheville

MATTERS

SUMMER 2016

YWCA IS ON A MISSION

Advocacyracism In Action: Child Care Crisis eliminating and empowering women

e are on a mission. Since 1907, women’s empowerment has been at the heart of the YWCA of Asheville’s work. More than 100 years later, the YW combines a programmatic history of women’s empowerment, a century of advocacy with and for women, and a passion for justice and equality into action and programs that change women’s lives and the lives of their families. Access to child care remains the biggest barrier to women’s economic security. Without child care you can’t look for a job or access career development resources. Without child care you can’t actually work. Without child care it is difficult, if not impossible to complete your education. In a two-part Asheville Citizen-Times Op-ed series, endorsed by six childcare centers and child advocacy groups in Buncombe County, YWCA CEO, Beth Maczka, broke the silence on the growing childcare crisis in our community. The housing crisis has received much attention, but there is also less than a 1% vacancy rate in care for children under five. The recent closing of five child care centers and the deficit of early childhood teachers fuels this problem on a local level. However, for low income families the child care crisis doesn’t end when a child enters kindergarten. Hundreds of local school age children have already lost access to child care in the past year due to tightened income eligibility requirements. Early learning programs are essential to nurturing young children socially and academically while providing critical support to working families. School age child care programs are essential for families needing care until the end of the work day or through the summer. These programs keep children safe and provide nutrition, academic support and enrichment activities. Through advocacy, the YW will continue to unite our community in activism and awareness around this issue. Through a new partnership with Verner Center for Early Learning the YW will begin to alleviate this crisis by creating Early Head Start openings and implementing a parent led childcare model in partnership with AB Tech this year. We are on a mission. Join us in empowering women, children and families in our community. Donate. Act. Connect.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AVL Technologies Asheville Citizen-Times HomeTrust Bank Duke Energy Progress Asheville Savings Bank CarePartners Foundation

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sue Lomenzo, President Lyndia Chiles, Vice President Maria Roloff, Second Vice President Marian Arledge, Secretary Leslie Fay, Treasurer Jesica Gaskin Althea Gonzalez Cameron E.Raley Heidi L. Reiber Georgia M. Shannon Muriel Singer Sheneika Smith Viola Spells Becky Stone Laurie Stradley Lu Young

The YWCA Takes A Stand Against Racism

very April, the YWCA of Asheville takes part in the Stand Against Racism in partnership with associations nationwide. The Stand Against Racism initiative is the signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. We are proud that Asheville-Buncombe is one of the most active Stand locations in the country.

Our 2016 Stand Against Racism was a huge success! 64 different organizations, businesses and groups in AshevilleBuncombe participated in this year’s Stand, resulting in 37 public events and thousands of community member’s participation. There were a myriad of different events that took place in our community, which addressed racism in education, hiring practices, health disparities, gentrification, youth-focused discussion and various other displays of support. The Stand Against Racism campaign is one part of the YWCA of Asheville’s larger strategy to fulfill our mission of eliminating racism. The YWCA continues to work through the ever-changing challenges of institutional and structural racism through our many programs and advocacy efforts. And although the Stand Against Racism takes place every April, the YWCA is committed to building from the momentum of Stand and making racial justice a year round initiative.

SUMMER HOURS

Fitness Studio

Mon-Fri: 5:30 am - 9 pm* Sat: 7 am - 6 pm Sun: CLOSED *Pool Closes at 7:30 pm

Multipurpose Room Cycle Studio

Child Care: Mon-Thurs: 8 am - 8 pm Fri: 8 am - 4 pm Sat: 9 am - 12 pm Sun: Closed

SCHEDULE Monday

Tuesday

6:15 - 7:15 am Wake Up Circuit/ Marta

6:30 - 7:30 am 6:15 - 7:15 am Step & Sculpt/Tracy Wake up Circuit/ Marta

8:00 - 9:00 am Pump/ Joseph

Wednesday

6:45 - 7:45 am Spin/ Becky

8:15 - 9:15 am Hip-Hop Cardio

8:15 -9:15 am Pump/ Fyffe

Thursday

Friday

6:30 - 7:30 am 6:15 - 7:15 am Step & Sculpt/Marta Wake up Circuit/ Marta 6:45 - 7:45 am Spin/ Becky 8:15 - 9:15 am Gentle Yoga/ Annette

9:00 - 10:00 am Silver Sneakers Circuit/ Ronnie 9:30 - 10:15 am PiYo/ Tiffany

8:15 - 9:15 am Pump/ Fyffe 9:15 - 10:15 am Hip-Hop Cardio/ Joshua

9:00 - 10:00 am Spin/ Jim & Kat

9:15 - 10:00 am Chair Yoga/ Natalie

9:15 - 10:15 am Silver Sneakers Circuit/ Ronnie

10:15 - 11:15 am Level 2 Yoga/ Lindsay

9:15 - 10:15 am Gentle Yoga/ Natalie

9:15 - 10:15 am 9:15 - 10:15 am Stretch & Flexibility/ Stretch & Flexibility/ Jan Jan

10:00 - 11:00 am Zumba/ Jackie

10:00 - 11:00 am Silver Sneakers Classic/ Ronnie

10:00 - 11:00 am Zumba/ Tiffany

Cynthia Lee Silver Sneakers Classic/ Cynthia Lee

10:30 - 11:30 am Backcare Yoga/ Lindsay

10:15 - 11:15 am Tai Chi Level 2/ Jan

10:15 - 11:15 am Core Yoga/ Tucker

10:45 - 11:45 am Yoga l-ll/ Laura

10:15 - 11:15 am Intro Tai Chi/ Jan

11:00 - 12:00 am Spin/ Alieen

11:15 - 12:15 am Creative Movement/ Jackie

11:00 - 12:00 am Spin/ Aileen

11:15 - 12:15 am Gentle Yoga/ Natalie

11:45 - 12:45 am Core Yoga/ Tucker

12:00 - 1:00 pm Restorative Yoga/ Tucker & Aubrey

12:30 - 1:00 pm 11:15 - 12:15 am Creative Movement/ Tabata/ Tracy & Aileen Jackie

4:30 - 5:30 pm PiYo/ Tiffany

4:30 - 5:30 pm Zumba/ Fabienne

4:30 - 5:30 pm Pump/ Amanda

5:30 - 6:30 pm CSI/ Kera 5:30 - 6:30 pm Bootcamp/ Madelyne

6:30 - 7:30 pm Yoga l-ll/ Lindsay

Saturday

4:30 - 5:30 pm CSI/ Kera 5:30 - 6:30 pm Zumba/ Madeleyne

5:30 - 6:30 pm Tabata/ Joseph

CONNECT Download the YWCA App on your phone for the latest updates! * Connect with @ywcaofavl on Twitter for weather cancellations *Note: Schedules may change - please visit www.ywcaofasheville.org/schedules for the most current class listings.

Participant Spotlight: Sarah Bullman Sarah has just graduated from Community High School, which is somthing to celebrate considering she just gave birth to her daughter a little over four months ago. When faced with the a pregnancy as a teenager in high school, Sarah Bullman was scared and worried. “The first thing I thought was: How am I gonna carry a baby around along with all my school stuff? I hope I can do it,” she remembers. “I thought about dropping out, but my Mom said ‘You have a whole life ahead of you.’ I wanted to show her that I knew that.” In the fall of her senior year, Sarah joined MotherLove and began attending Lunch Bunch meetings with other teen parents. Through the YWCA MotherLove Program for pregnant and partneting teens, she received support and mentorship. Sarah set goals to finish school and plan for her continued education all while developing the skills and knowledge needed to become strong parent. MotherLove Coordinator, Holly Gillespie, worked closely with Sarah through monthly check-ins and group meetings. Holly watched and listened while Sarah shared the transformation she experienced through MotherLove. “She told me about her past, wrought with difficult situations for any young person to endure: group homes, foster care, running away, drug overdose,” said Gillespie. “I was struck by this young woman’s strength to persevere.” Annabelle, Sarah’s daughter, was born healthy and chunky (look at those cheeks!) in January. When asked how being a mom has changed her, Sarah replied “It has made me more responsible. I stay clear of drama now.” Sarah is proud at how far she has come. “I’m not as needy anymore; I put others before me, including society. I was kinda selfish before.” Returning to high school in February, Sarah volunteered between classes at her daughter’s daycare, located on her school’s campus. Since her graduation, Sarah has been working in the Community High School childcare full-time and plans to attend AB Tech in the fall. “I’m not gonna stop, because I don’t want to get behind,” said Bullman. “I’m going to AB Tech for Early Childhood Development. But, I want to support Annabelle as best I can, so if an Early Childhood Certificate doesn’t cut it, I’ll go further.” The MotherLove program is made possible with support from the City of Asheville, NC Dept Health & Human Services - Women’s Health Branch - Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative, Bank of America, TD Bank, the United Way of Asheville, Buncombe County Services Foundation and YWCA donors.

Empower Yourself and Your Community at the YWCA! Come see our mission in action as we eliminate racism, empower women, nurture children and promote health in our community. The YWCA invites you to join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in education, earning power, health & wellness and access to child care. Throughout the summer we will be hosting weekly Empower Hour tours on Tuesdays. To make a reservation, please contact Stephanie Tullos at (828) 254-7206 ext. 2017 or stullos@ywcaofasheville.org.

Volunteer Spotlight: Craig Smith

raig Smith, a retired Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor), relocated to Asheville in 2002 to be closer to his daughter. In October 2014, Craig attended the YWCA’s annual Persimmon Luncheon where he was deeply inspired by the speech from former MotherLove participant, Ahmarie Gaines. This was the moment that Craig knew he wanted to dedicate his time volunteering with the YWCA. “Ahmarie came out as star at that event,” Craig recalls. “It’s impressive for someone to be hit so hard in life, and then to persevere through all those challenges. To me, that is just something you want to stand behind in any way you can.” Shortly after, Craig attended an Empower Hour tour to learn more about the programs and work of the YW in Asheville, and to find his niche. While on the tour, Craig was reminded of the 7 years of service his mother had given as a member of the YWCA Board of Directors in Philadelphia, and upon seeing all the little kids in the Early Learning Program, memories of his two children growing up instantly hit home.

Craig immediately began volunteering with the Early Learning Program in the infant room. In fact, Craig was so enthusiastic to get started rocking babies, he brought in his own rocking chair to his very first volunteer shift. As Craig glowingly explains: “I love the infants at the YWCA - to hold them, to feed them, and to put them to sleep is so rewarding for me. It brings me back to taking care of my own kids.” Through his volunteer experience Craig is also gratified by the inclusive and open nature of everyone he meets at the YW. “It’s been wonderful getting to know the entire YW staff and the Foster Grandmother volunteers. Everyone is friendly, warm and I felt accepted immediately.” The impact of Craig’s volunteer efforts has truly been felt all throughout the YW. He remembers a conversation with YW CEO Beth Maczka: “She told me ‘you’re our best volunteer recruiter’. When guests are on the Empower Hour tours, they see me in the infant room rocking babies, and they see how appealing it is to get involved volunteering.”

Don’t Worry, Bee Happy: Laurey Masterton Garden Dedication

n a Friday morning in early June, the YW dedicated our newly planted “Bee Happy Garden” in memory of Laurey Masterton. Laurey was a former YWCA board member, activist, keeper of bees, local businesswoman and beloved community member. Shortly after Laurey’s passing, the YWCA had an opportunity to improve a corner of our campus to make a more welcoming and safe educational space for our children and hoped that in some way we could also honor Laurey’s legacy with a public garden space. The Asheville Design Center DesignBuild team worked with our children and families and installed a beautiful outdoor learning environment. Plans were also created for a garden to honor Laurey, with raised garden beds in the shape of honeycomb. Duke Energy Progress enthusiastically agreed to both fund and build the project with their team of volunteers. Laurey was especially dedicated to helping programs promote healthy eating and nutrition to students and families that the YWCA serves. She was instrumental in the creation of the YWCA student’s Edible Garden and in keeping with our philosophy of nurturing children and promoting health, the “Bee Happy Garden” features fruits and vegetables to be used for and enjoyed by the students in our programs Please come visit the garden and enjoy the blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes and other edible delights all summer long!

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ASHEVILLE NC PERMIT #73

Asheville

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ASHEVILLE NC PERMIT #73

185 S. French Broad Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 828-254-7206 www.ywcaofasheville.org

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A CONVERSATION WITH BETH MACZKA, CEO

Beth Maczka recently sat down with Joshua McClure, the Director of our Primary Enrichment Program BM: Tell me a little about your background and why you were interested in working at the YWCA. JM: I’ve been working with kids for 11 years now. As an African-American man I want to be a positive role model for youth in the community. I grew up at the YWCA - taking swim lessons, participating in after school and hanging out with my grandmother. The YWCA is welcoming and accepting. I think the mission speaks volumes, and it is important to me, but also coming here feels like home.

BM: How does the your program relate to the YWCA’s mission of empowering women and eliminating racism? JM: We’ve always been the voice and resource for single parents. They trust our staff and many have been a part of the YWCA since their kids were 6 weeks old. The thing that I hear from parents the most is that the counselors really care about the kids, as if they were their own, like family. As it pertains to the child care and voucher crisis in our community - these parents want to continue all the way through the Primary Enrichment Program. They don’t want to leave. BM: What is your approach and vision for the Primary Enrichment Program? JM: I want to be involved. Set a new dynamic. Improve the whole ‘feel’ of the program. Make people feel welcome and engaged - the staff, the youth and the parents. I look forward to the program blossoming with more people knowing about us...parents wanting to do more. Crosspromotion between After School, Spring Break and Summer Camp. We have programming that will meet all the different needs of our kids. We are striving to help with education, enrichment and health & wellness. I want it to be viewed as a great program in our community. Read the full interview on our blog at www.ywcaofasheville.wordpress.com. www.facebook.com/ywcaofasheville

@ywcaofavl

MISSION : The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.