Events
Estate Planning Info Session
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
5:30 - 6:30 PM
FREE
YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 02740
Learn about creating wills, estate planning tools, & how to leverage philanthropy to achieve your financial goals from a financial planning professional
Questions? Contact mtarentino@ywcasema.org or call 508-999-3255
YWCA Board Leadership Training Program
Saturday, October 18, 2025
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.
Questions? Contact info@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255
Baby Sitting Course
Wednesday June 25, 2025
9:30AM - 3:00PM
$25 per person
YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 02740
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.
Questions? Contact mtarentino@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255
Headshots for a Cause
Saturday, April 26, 2025
11AM - 3PM
$45 Student Member
$75 Student with ID
$100 Member
$150 Non-Member
YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 02740
Refresh your professional image and support YWCA SEMA’s vital community services.
5-10 minute mini-session, 5 high-res images
10-15 minute makeup touch ups available by Pearl Moon Beauty
Resume and cover letter review from MassHire
Register Here
Walk-ins accepted pending availability, pre-registration encouraged
Questions? Contact mtarentino@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255
Board Networking
May 20, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA 02740
The YWCA Board Leadership Program graduates, panelists, and boards in need of members will be in attendance to network over refreshments.
In need of board members?
Please select "organization" and bring a 'job description' for potential candidates to the event!
email mtarentino@ywcasema.org with questions
Baby Sitting Course
Wednesday April 23, 2025
9:30AM - 3:00PM
$25 per person
YWCA Southeastern MA
20 South Sixth St
New Bedford, MA 02740
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.
Questions? Contact mtarentino@ywcasema.org or 508-999-3255
Advocacy Day
March 24, 2025
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Every two years, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and friends get together at the Statehouse to advocate for legislation that advances the rights of all women and girls in our state. This year, the new legislative session has plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. Join us for MCSW Advocacy Day 2025. YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts will be providing transportation to the Massachusetts State House, register to reserve your spot!
7:30 AM - Meet at YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts, 20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA
11 AM - 3 PM - Advocacy Day at Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA
4:30 PM - Return to YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
email info@ywcasema.org with questions or call 508-999-3255
Exposing Myths & Redefining Justice
Monday March 10, 2025
6PM - 7:30 PM
Free Event, Registration Required
Online & YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 S Sixth St, New Bedford MA
Empower yourself to take control of your news and the information you consume. Join us for a workshop and Q&A session on identifying and combatting misinformation and disinformation in the age of social media, AI, and 24-hour news cycles. Practical strategies for identifying AI, analyzing information, and fact-checking, and improving media literacy will be shared. Event will be in-person and on zoom.
Led By
Laura Gardner
National Board Certified Teacher in Library Media, Dartmouth Middle School & Climate Activist, Climate Reality Project. M.A. Library and Information Science
Mariah Tarentino
Development & Communications Coordinator, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts & Photographer. B.A. Art History, focus in media theory and contemporary sociopolitical art
Contact ywca southeastern massachusetts at 508-999-3255 or mtarentino@ywcasema.org with questions
YWCA Board Leadership Program
March - April 2025
Zoom & YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA 02740
The first four sessions will occur at 5:30pm on Zoom, followed by an in person session at the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts at 5:30 PM. Each session 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.
- March 18th 530-7pm- via zoom- Governance
- March 25th 530pm-7pm via zoom-Finance
- April 1st 530pm-7pm via zoom-Development
- April 8th 530pm-7pm via zoom-Board/Staff Relationships and Committees
- April 15th IN PERSON at YWCA, 530pm-7pm- Case Study
Only 20 spots available, first come, first serve!
$50. Limited scholarships available.
email info@ywcasema.org with questions or call 508-999-3255
22nd Annual Red Dress Fashion Show
Thursday, February 27, 2025
5:30 PM
Century House
107 S Main St, Acushnet, MA
Tickets on sale 1/24/25 at 10 AM
Heart Disease is the #1 killer of American women, but it does not have to be. The event will educate women about their risk of heart disease, provide them with information on how to speak with their health care provider and tell them how heart disease has affected the lives of women like them. The YWCA HEARTplus Program focuses on outreach, education, raising awareness and increasing understanding of the risks of cardiovascular disease, particularly among women of color, older women and low-income women. This program also assists women with obtaining health screenings necessary for them to identify their own personal risk.
The YWCA is an active participant in the National Heart Truth Red Dress Project. The Red Dress Project includes a collection of dresses from America’s most prestigious designers. The dresses symbolize the fact that heart disease is a women’s health issue, as well as a man’s. The YWCA Red Dress Fashion Show includes a collection of red dresses from a variety of local stores and designers. Models for this event are recruited from the community and are reflective of the population served by the YWCA.
Thank you to our sponsors:
BayCoast Bank, Organza Title Sponsor
Southcoast Health, Organza Title Sponsor
Allyson Molloy Hussey, Satin Sponsor
Bristol County Savings Bank, Satin Sponsor
LifeStream, Inc., Satin Sponsor
Bank5, Silk Sponsor
Bristol County Community College, Silk Sponsor
First Citizens Federal Credit Union, Silk Sponsor
Sevita, Silk Sponsor
Fernandes Masonry, Taffeta Sponsor
Martha Briggs Educational Club, Taffeta Sponsor
Special thank you to Monaghan's Printing Co. for their printing sponsorship and Whaling City Florist for their floral sponsorship
For help with purchasing tickets, view our how-to guide
Contact ywca southeastern massachusetts at 508-999-3255 or info@ywcasema.org with questions
YWCA Board Leadership Program
Saturday February 8, 2025
8:30am - 4:30pm
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA 02740
A one day workshop open to all who have never served on a board and are interested in learning more! Enrollment focused on diverse communities: BIPOC, LGBTQ+, under 30, disabled/neurodivergent, etc. who have not yet served on a Board of Directors.
Includes a panel of nonprofit, public and private sector experts in the field that will give real life experiences about serving on a board.
Only 20 spots available, first come, first serve!
$50. Limited scholarships available.
email info@ywcasema.org with questions or call 508-999-3255
YWCA SEMA Annual Meeting
December 5, 2024
6 PM
WayPoint Event Center
185 MacArthur Dr, New Bedford, MA 02740
Join us for our annual meeting and catch up on news and happenings from the last year. The evening will feature the heartfelt stories of YWCA program participants, the annual business meeting, and election of board members and officers.
Free Event. Cash Bar.
Pay What You Can Family Photo Day
Saturday November 9, 2024
11AM - 3PM
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Come get a holiday family portrait taken at the YWCA!
* Professional, high resolution digital family portrait
* Indoor studio session
* Print release & option to purchase prints and cards
* Suggested donation $40 but donations of all sizes are accepted and appreciated
* Registration recommended to guarantee session time bit.ly/YWCAPhotoDay
* Photography provided by Shutter Punk Photo
Photos will be delivered within two weeks and any prints and cards can be purchased directly from the client gallery, ensuring clients will receive them with enough time to send them to friends and family for the holidays.
Well behaved pets are allowed, but must remain leashed, crated, or otherwise contained at all times when photographs are not being taken. Owner assumes all responsibility for cleaning up after pet.
Payment for session is a donation to the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts. Donations can be made day-of via cash or check or at any time at ywcasema.org/donate-online. Please indicate "family photo day" in donation memo. If donating online ahead of time, please bring receipt of donation.
email mtarentino@ywcasema.org with questions or call 508-999-3255
Young Men's Leadership Conference
November 9, 2024
9AM - 3PM
Nativity Preparatory School
66 Spring St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Join us for our first ever Young Men’s Leadership Conference on November 9th, 2024 at Nativity Preparatory School in New Bedford! This exciting event is designed for boys ages 10-14, providing a unique opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with other young visionaries in the community.
Program includes: digital art workshop, financial literacy, keynote address by Demarr Langford, and much more
Tickets $15
Register here https://bit.ly/3ZTyVEa
Scholarships available
For more info contact dguadalupe@ywcasema.org
Young Women's Leadership Conference
Saturday November 2, 2024
9AM - 3PM
Our Sister's School
145 Brownell Ave, New Bedford, MA 02740
Join us for the second annual Young Womens leadership conference on November 2nd, 2024 at Our Sisters' School in New Bedford! This exciting event is designed for girls ages 10-14, providing a unique opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with other young visionaries in the community.
Program includes: digital art workshop, financial literacy, keynote address by Dianne Langford James, and much more
Tickets $15
Scholarships available
Register here https://bit.ly/3NkkjpO
For more info contact dguadalupe@ywcasema.org
Members Mixer
September 16, 2024
5:30 - 7pm
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA
Free Event! All ages welcome!
Open to current, former, and future members!
Drinks, raffle, speakers, refreshments, and more.
Learn about the YWCA, its mission and programs, and what it means to be a member.
RSVP bit.ly/MembersMix
Have questions? contact mtarentino@ywcasema.org
YWCA Board Leadership Program
Saturday October 26, 2024
8:30am - 4:30pm
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA
A FREE one day workshop open to all who have never served on a board and are interested to learn more!
Enrollment focused on diverse communities: BIPOC, LGBTQ+, under 30, disabled/neurodivergent, etc. who have not yet served on a Board of Directors.
Includes a panel of nonprofit, public and private sector experts in the field that will give real life experiences about serving on a board.
Only 25 spots available, first come, first serve!
Contact 508-999-3255 or info@ywcasema.org with questions
Babysitting Course
June 19, 2024
9:30am - 3:30pm
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA 02740
$25 per person
This workshop will give youth (11+) the knowledge and confidence to care for infants, toddlers, and school-age children and start their own babysitting business.
Certificates and lunch provided
Babysitting Course
April 19, 2024
9am - 3pm
YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
20 South Sixth St, New Bedford, MA 02740
$25 per person
This workshop will give youth (11+) the knowledge and confidence to care for infants, toddlers, and school-age children and start their own babysitting business.
Certificates and lunch provided
RSVP to Mariah Tarentino mtarentino@ywcasema.org
21st Annual Red Dress Fashion Show
Thursday February 29, 2024
5:30 PM at Century House
107 S Main St, Acushnet, MA 02743
Heart Disease is the #1 killer of American women, but it does not have to be. The event will educate women about their risk of heart disease, provide them with information on how to speak with their health care provider and tell them how heart disease has affected the lives of women like them. The YWCA HEARTplus Program focuses on outreach, education, raising awareness and increasing understanding of the risks of cardiovascular disease, particularly among women of color, older women and low-income women. This program also assists women with obtaining health screenings necessary for them to identify their own personal risk.
The YWCA is an active participant in the National Heart Truth Red Dress Project. The Red Dress Project includes a collection of dresses from America’s most prestigious designers. The dresses symbolize the fact that heart disease is a women’s health issue, as well as a man’s. The YWCA Red Dress Fashion Show includes a collection of red dresses from a variety of local stores. Models for this event are recruited from the community and are reflective of the population served by the YWCA.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Southcoast Health
Lifestream
Bristol County Savings Bank
Bank5
Sylvia Group
Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women's Advocacy Day
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
At the MA Statehouse
Rally for legislation that supports women and girls across the Commonwealth.
-Speak with legislators about issues that affect you, your family, and your community.
-Learn about our legislative progress and our legislative priorities including: paid family and medical leave, equality in disability insurance, childcare for candidates, and more.
-Hear from elected officials about the status of women’s access to equality and opportunities in Massachusetts. We encourage you to bring your colleagues, friends, and families!
Bus will leave the YWCA at 8am. We will be back around 4pm
Register HERE
Girls Leadership Conference
The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts is proud to announce the Girl’s Leadership Conference 2023.
Join us at Andrea McCoy Recreation Center on September 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day of empowerment, growth, and connection.
In partnership with organizations from across New Bedford, we’re excited to offer this event. This conference is designed for 12 to 14-year-old girls, aiming to cultivate leadership skills, foster social-emotional learning, and engage in exciting STEM challenges. Get ready for an uplifting experience that will leave you feeling confident, capable, and ready to embrace your potential. Register now and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment!
Brunch, mimosas, raffle, favor crafts, and bouquet making.
For moms and their loved ones of all ages and stages!
Get your tickets at givebutter.com/ywcamoms
The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts is holding its 20th Annual Red Dress Fashion Show on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at the Century House in Acushnet. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about heart disease in women and raise funds to support our HEARTplus Program. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts.
Purchase tickets and participate in the auction at bit.ly/ywred23!
Heart Disease is the #1 killer of American women, but it does not have to be. The event will educate women about their risk of heart disease, provide them with information on how to speak with their health care provider and tell them how heart disease has affected the lives of women like them. The YWCA HEARTplus Program focuses on outreach, education, raising awareness and increasing understanding of the risks of cardiovascular disease, particularly among women of color, older women and low-income women. This program also assists women with obtaining health screenings necessary for them to identify their own personal risk.
The YWCA is an active participant in the National Heart Truth Red Dress Project. The Red Dress Project includes a collection of dresses from America’s most prestigious designers. The dresses symbolize the fact that heart disease is a women’s health issue, as well as a man’s. The YWCA Red Dress Fashion Show includes a collection of red dresses from a variety of local stores. Models for this event are recruited from the community and are reflective of the population served by the YWCA.
As part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Month, YWCA Southeastern MA and All Hands In will host an informative conversation about the urgent issues of human trafficking happening right here in New Bedford and MA.
Thursday January 26 5:30-7:30 PM here at the YWCA 20 South Sixth Street in New Bedford.