We received the NAACP New Bedford 2026 Community Impact Award!

We are incredibly proud to announce that YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts has been awarded the 2026 Community Impact Award by the NAACP New Bedford! The honor was officially presented during the NAACP Freedom Fund Breakfast on June 6, 2026.

A dedicated delegation from the YWCA attended to accept the award, including Executive Director Gail Fortes, Board President Shai Spinola-Ramos, Vice-President Corday Silva, Clerk Isabel DaSilva, Ashley Clark, and Esmeralda Barea Velez. We were also happy to have the support of former Board President Lindsay Carter-Monteiro and former Executive Director Yvonne Drayton in attendance.

Our organization shares a profound alignment with the NAACP’s mission. Together, we believe in collective responsibility and transformational change. We strive to eliminate racism, empower women, and secure equal rights across every facet of society, ensuring health, well-being, peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

In presenting the award, the NAACP stated “Rooted in listening, trust, and partnership, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts has expanded its impact in recent years by addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges.” They noted our work in mental health care access, leading community-drive health equity initiatives, language justice, housing insecurity, and youth development.

We are deeply humbled to have our efforts affirmed by such an esteemed organization and to be recognized as a trusted partner in advancing equity and strengthening our neighborhoods.

An honor like this belongs to our entire network. This work is only possible because of our incredible community; our dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and advocates. Thank you for standing with us, and our deepest gratitude to NAACP New Bedford for your trust, faith, and partnership.