by Brianna Rae
Elizabeth, a program participant, speaks of her success and improved life. Photo Courtesy of Hedi Rudd
Last Thursday, the Alliant Energy Center was packed with more than 700 people who attended a lunchtime fundraiser for Madison’s YWCA. Committed to empowering women and eliminating racism, the YWCA is an invaluable asset to the community and across the United States. Many women and families rely on YWCA’s crucial services in job training and transportation, housing and safe shelters, and racial and gender equity.
With the help of the Madison community, YWCA was able to raise over $350,000 to support their programs. Sponsored by the CUNA Mutual Foundation, among other organizations, and attended by generous donors and guests, the event was a sobering yet uplifting reminder of the dire need for the programs YWCA offers, and of the positive impact they have on so many people’s lives.
Ananda Mirilli, YWCA CEO Rachel Krinksy, and YWCA board member Jacquelyn Hunt.
Photo Courtesy of Hedi Rudd
The event focused on the particular success of three programs. The YWeb Career Academy, a career training program for women and people of color age 17-25, groups who are underrepresented in the technology field; Restorative Justice, a program that seeks to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and the racial disparities in punishment by providing alternative discipline models in school; and Empower Home, which provides women and children fleeing from domestic violence safe, supportive transitional housing and resources.
Jacquelyn Hunt, Lisa Peyton-Caire, Dr. Jasmine Zapata, and Cassandra Smoot-Sonko.
Photo Courtesy of Hedi Rud
Personal testimonies were given by participants of each program, as well as by YWCA Madison CEO Rachel Krinsky, board member Jacquelyn Hunt, board chair Beth Norman, past board member Allison Evans, and Circle of Women committee co-chair Joyce Dieter
For more information on the YWCA and its programs, resources, and job opportunities, visit www.ywcamadison.org.