Events

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All Events
Babysitting Course
Board Leadership Training Program

Menstrual Access Drive

Help us support women and girls in our community through our menstrual access drive! 

We have been addressing period poverty in our region for years through advocacy, education, and distribution of products. Last year, we ensured over 800 women and girls had access to the hygiene products they needed to go to school and work with dignity and stay healthy. We need your help to continue the work!

We currently have adequate supplies of tampons, but we’re in need of menstrual pads and new underwear (with tags or in new packages). 

Drop offs are accepted May 14 – June 30 Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm at ywca southeastern massachusetts, 20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA.

If you have questions, need more info, or if you need products, please contact Brittany Coker, Advocacy Coordinator, at BCoker@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255

New Support Group: Recovery, All About Us

All About Us: Recovery Meeting

Every Tuesday starting May 26, 2026
11 am – 12 pm 

YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA

If you’re on a recovery journey, come join us every Tuesday starting May 26th for recovery-focused meetings, that will be a supportive space for healing, self-care, and personal growth.

Hosted by Debbie Keiko Kenny, an experienced wellness professional with over 30 years of work in massage therapy, holistic healing, and space services. Debbie has been in recovery for over 37 years and has spent decades supporting the substance use recovery community through peer support, mentorship, and healing services. She is passionate about helping others find healing, balance, and hope.

 

Contact Lindsey Hartley at LHartley@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255 for more information.

 

Seeking Feedback from Young Women!

We are seeking young women’s opinions for programming!

Young Women’s Programming Focus Group

Tuesday June 2, 2026
7pm – 8pm 

YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA

Your voice shapes what comes next!

Light refreshments will be served.
Attendees will recieve a goodie bag and be entered to win an Ulta Gift Card!

RSVP at bit.ly/18-30FOCUS

If you’re unable to attend the focus groups, but would like to share your opinion, please take our survey at bit.ly/YWCA18-30

We’re raising dough June 4th at Panera

Fundraiser at Panera

Thursday, June 4th, 2026
4pm – 8pm
Panera in Dartmouth (84 N Dartmouth Mall Dr, N. Dartmouth, MA) 

25% of all eligible orders placed from 4pm – 8pm will benefit our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program.

To be eligible orders must be: 

  • placed at the N. Dartmouth Panera on June 4th between 4pm and 8pm, online orders will count all day if made directly through Panera.
  • Use the code Fund4U at check put at panerabread.com, in the Panera app, or at the kiosk in-cafe.
  • If ordering in person, you must show the flyer (either printed out or digitally).
  • Orders placed through third-party apps will not count.

Help us spread the word and raise some dough!

Understanding Anxiety Lunch & Learn

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

12:00 – 1:00 PM

YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 

FREE EVENT – RSVP

a free workshop to discover practical tools to demystify the mechanics of anxiety and reclaim your sense of calm.

Bring your own lunch!

Presented by YWCA Mental Health Clinician Phoebe Marshall, M.Ed.

Seeking Young Women’s Opinions!

We are seeking young women’s opinions for programming!

Your voice shapes what comes next, choose a session or take the survey. 

Young Women’s Programming Focus Group

Tuesday April 7, 7PM – 8PM
Sunday April 12, 1PM – 2PM

Both sessions will occur at YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA
Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP at bit.ly/18-30FOCUS

If you’re unable to attend the focus groups, but would like to share your opinion, please take our survey at bit.ly/YWCA18-30

Healthy Boundaries Lunch & Learn

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

12:00 – 1:00 PM

YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 

FREE EVENT – RSVP

A free workshop about building and maintaining health boundaries, facilitated by YWCA Mental Health Clinician Phoebe Marshall, M.Ed.

Bring your own lunch!

Presented by YWCA Mental Health Clinician Phoebe Marshall, M.Ed.

Caregiver Support Info Session

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

5:30 – 6:30 PM

YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 02740

FREE EVENT – RSVP

Join us to learn more about Coastline’s Caregiver Support Program. Get the answers and resources you need to thrive in your caregiving role.

Presented by Jessica Kopecky-Lanausse, LCHW, CCRS-A/D, Caregiver Program Director at Coastline Elderly Services

Who is a caregiver?
Anyone 18 and older who cares for a family member, friend, or neighbor who is age 60 or older, or anyone who provides care to an individual of any age with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or a related diagnosis.
A grandparent who is 55 years of age or older and is the legal, primary caregiver for a grandchild 18 years of age or younger, or an adult child with disabilities.

How does Coastline help caregivers?
Through their free Caregiver Support Program, caregivers can receive or be linked to the following services:

  • One-on-one counseling
  • In-home services
  • Transportation services
  • Caregiver training
  • Respite (a break for caregivers)
  • Nutrition services
  • Support groups
  • Financial counseling
  • Legal referral

Funding for this program is provided by Title III of the Older Americans Act through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. No elder will be denied services if he or she chooses not to voluntarily donate.

About Coastline Elderly Services
Coastline is a nonprofit organization that has been serving communities in the Greater New Bedford region for more than 40 years. Our goal is to help older adults and individuals with disabilities access programs that allow them to live at home, independently. We achieve this by providing the public with a variety of resources and services that support community well-being.

Questions? Contact info@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255

March Board Leadership Training Program Now Accepting Applications!

Saturday, March 21, 2026

9AM – 3PM

YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 02740

$50, limited scholarships available

A one day workshop open to all who have never served on a board and are interested to learn more! Enrollment is open to all but is focused on diverse communities: BIPOC, LGBTQ+, under 30, cultural backgrounds, and levels of ability who have not yet served on a Board of Directors.

The workshop will also include a panel of nonprofit, public and private sector experts in the field that will give real life experiences about serving on a board. 

Learn More and Apply

Questions? Contact info@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255

Mayors Youth Council Leadership Academy

New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council 11th Annual Leadership Academy 

February 17 – 19
9am – 3pm

YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts

FREE

Register here

The New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council is back with its 11th Annual Leadership Academy, and it’s the perfect way for 5th–8th graders to level up their skills over the February break.

Lunch and snack included

Youth will gain:

  • Confidence Boost: Master public speaking and communication.
  • Problem Solving: Learn how to make big decisions and tackle challenges.
  • Teamwork: Build lasting friendships through team-building exercises.
  • The Amazing Race: Put your skills to the test in the MYC’s legendary challenge!

Questions? Contact Pam Pollock, MYC Advisor at 508-965-6927.