Gail Fortes Celebrates 20 years as Executive Director

Gail Fortes

This month, we proudly celebrate Gail Fortes and 20 years as Executive Director of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts!  For two decades, Gail has led with vision and an unwavering commitment to the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Her dedication has touched lives and strengthened our community in meaningful and lasting ways.  Gail has…

Read More

Adopt a Brick, Leave a Legacy

Every journey towards social change is built brick by brick. At YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts, that idea is both figurative and literal. Through the “Leave a Legacy” Adopt-a-Brick Campaign, community members, families, volunteers, and supporters have a unique opportunity to pave the path forward literally. By purchasing a personalized brick for the Under One Roof Legacy…

Read More

17th Annual Women of Distinction Awards

17th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Congratulations to our 17th Annual Women of Distinction Awardees! Peggy Dias Rosemary Gill Victoria Knox Chauneen Wood Genesis Galan, Spirit of Leadership Award Lindsay Carter-Monteiro, Yvonne M. Drayton Award Thursday, October 29, 2026 5:30 PM Rachel’s Lakeside 950 State Road, Dartmouth, MA $85 Tickets available here – members, be…

Read More

Babysitting Class

Babysitting Course Monday October 12, 2026 9:30am – 3:00pm  YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts 20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA This workshop will give youth (age 11-15) the knowledge and confidence to care for infants, toddlers and school age children and start their own babysitting business. Certificates and lunch provided. $30 per person Register here by…

Read More

Creating Your Vision Lunch & Learn

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 12:00 – 1:00 PM YWCA Southeastern MA 20 South Sixth St New Bedford, MA  FREE EVENT – RSVP a free workshop to create vision boards and collages. Use our materials or bring your own! Bring your own lunch! Presented by YWCA Pre-Licensed Mental Health Clinician Phoebe Marshall, M.Ed.

Read More

Help Shape Health Priorities in New Bedford

The New Bedford Health Equity Community of Practice wants your input on policies that could have the greatest impact on our community.  Community health isn’t just about doctor visits and clinics; it’s reflected in the quality of our housing, access to fresh local produce, safe outdoor spaces, and supportive care for growing families. True health…

Read More

How You Can Support YWCA On Your Next Grocery Run

Promotional image for the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program on a colorful gradient background with faint water droplet and plastic bottle imagery. Top text: "Less Plastic. More Purpose." Center: Image of a white, reusable Stop & Shop "Feed It Forward" grocery bag with illustrations of community members and a delivery truck. Body text: "One simple choice can do twice the good! Every $2.50 reusable Community Bag purchased at our selected Stop & Shop this September sends $1 to our organization while helping reduce plastic waste. It's an easy way to support a greener community, one bag at a time!" Participating Location: 438 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA. Logos featured: YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts ("eliminating racism, empowering women") and Stop & Shop Community Bag Program (stopandshop.2givelocal.com).

We are thrilled to announce that YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts has been selected as the official beneficiary of the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program for the entire month of September! Stop and Shop’s Community Bag Program is a fundraiser that supports non-profits by sending them $1 for every $2.50 reusable community bag purchased during the…

Read More

Join us for the Annual Membership Mixer!

Annual Members’ Mixer Monday, September 14, 2026 5:30 – 7 PM YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts 20 S 6th St, New Bedford FREE All ages welcome! Open to past, current, and future members. Refreshments, door prizes, & speakers Learn about the YWCA, our mission and programs, and what it means to be a member RSVP Here Have questions?…

Read More

October Board Leadership Training Program Now Accepting Applications!

Saturday, October 17, 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+,…

Read More