News / Blog
Nominate a Woman of Distinction Today!
The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards inspire others to achieve by recognizing the leadership of women in a variety of arenas. YWCA Women of Distinction have brought key issues facing women, girls and people of color to the forefront. The awards recognize outstanding women in Southeastern Massachusetts whose lives and accomplishments reflect the YWCA’s Mission…
Read More“The journey to equity is hard. Start by looking within.” Essay Published by Gail Fortes, Executive Director
Essay: The journey to equity is hard. Start by looking within. Efforts must be authentic, intentional and purposeful By Gail Fortes July 22, 2021 When you walk into a room, what is the first thing you notice? Some might look for someone they know. Others may look at the décor or for a place to…
Read MoreGail Fortes Featured on New Bedford Cable Access “In Conversation With…” hosted by Jim Marshall
March, 2021 — In this episode of “A Conversation With…” host Jim Marshall speaks with Gail Fortes, the ExecutiveDirector of the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts regarding the issues the organization is dealing with at the present time. Gail spoke about the changes the YWCA has faced since the beginning of the pandemic, how we’ve adapted,…
Read MoreGirls Exclusive Summer 2021 Now Accepting Applications!
Girls Exclusive is a high-quality afterschool & summer program for girls ages 10-14 in Southeastern Massachusetts. The goal of the program is to empower girls by cultivating academic, social, and emotional learning skills such as teamwork, empathy, responsibility, initiative, and problem solving. Activities include: self-esteem building, computer skills, health and wellness, social justice, financial literacy,…
Read MoreYWCA SEMA Launches Vaccine Education & Outreach Project!
Thanks to funding from the Health Resources in Action Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Grants, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts will begin a seven-month pilot project, YWCA COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Project, to increase vaccinations. This project will include education for individuals who are hesitant about getting vaccinated, assist those who lack access to transportation, and serve residents who…
Read MoreTogether, We Can Dismantle Racism
One Year Later: How Far Have We Actually Come? On April 20, 2021, Derek Chauvin was convicted of third-degree murder, second-degree unintentional murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Among activists, the feeling was of relief, but not closure. Although it was the right decision, it was just one decision. Hundreds of families affected by police violence never…
Read MoreAdopt a Brick this Mother’s Day!
Looking for a meaningful way to honor a loved one this mother’s day? For $100, you can Adopt a Brick, engraved with your loved one’s name, on the YWCA’s Under One Roof Legacy Walkway. All brick sales go towards ensuring that the children in our summer youth programs have the fun, engaging, and enriching summer…
Read MoreYWCA SEMA Launches Economic Empowerment Series: Practical Digital Skills and Digital Literacy during COVID-19
Economic Empowerment Series: Practical Digital Skills and Digital Literacy during COVID-19 Alternating Wednesdays on Zoom @ 6:00 pm Register at the links below! Questions? Contact Jordan Latham at jlatham@ywcasema.org / (508) 999-3255 All workshops are facilitated by Josh Botvin, Lecturer in the English Department and Assistant Director of the Multiliteracy and Communication Center at the…
Read MoreThree Ways That You Can Effect Change Today!
The YWCA remains at the forefront of addressing issues of racial and gender inequities. We are a member of a regional and national movement working together to strengthen our voice in the local, state and national governments. YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts strives daily to continue to provide opportunities to help women and their families reach their…
Read MoreYWCA SEMA partners with New Bedford Creative for “Collective Imagination for Spatial Justice”
Are you an artist, creative, culture bearer, cultural organizer, or community-based collaborator living or working in New Bedford? New Bedford Creative, in partnership with YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts, will embark on a series of community conversations about Spatial Justice. Funded by New England Foundation for the Arts, this project will begin the important work of imagining…
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