October: A Month for Women and Hope

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
On October 25, 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed that October would be Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

• Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies worldwide will end in miscarriage.  
• Approximately 75% of all miscarriages occur in the first trimester.
• An estimated 19% of the adult population has experienced the death of a child (this includes miscarriages through adult-aged children).
  
  "When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them." - Ronald Reagan

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
This year, YWCA Week Without Violence is October 14-20, 2012.

• One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
•  85% of domestic violence victims are women.
• Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew.
• Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.
• 30% to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household.

 Breast Cancer Awareness Month

YWCA 2011 Winter/Christmas Wish List

This week we been over capacity averaging between 145-155 women and children residing at the YWCA North Central Indiana.  Today, we have a census of 78 women and 78 children for a total of 156.  This proves there is a great need for our services here in the Michiana area.  The YWCA serves women and children that are victim's of domestic violence, chemically dependant, and living in our Transitional and Permanent Housing programs.

Many of our clients are young single moms that enter the shelter with nothing but their kids and the clothes on their backs.  We never turn away a woman and her children in need of shelter due to domestic violence. 

What does this mean?  It means that we have some huge needs currently and I predict bigger needs as it gets colder.

Our Current Immediate Needs:

• Hats/Gloves/Scarves/Winter Coats for both women and children
• Twin sized winter blankets
• Pillows
• Snow boots for both women and children

YWCA Wish List

Due to Indiana Health Laws, we cannot accept used Stuffed Animals

Food Related: Canned & Boxed Foods of all kinds, Non-Perishable items, Food Storage Containers, metal teaspoons, plastic forks/knives, Plastic bowls/cups, Juice, Cereal

Personal Care Products: Deodorant, Conditioner, Lotions, Shower gels, Hand Sanitizer, Combs, Toothbrushes (adult and children), Toothpaste (small and large), Disposal razors, Kleenex, Feminine Care products, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper

Infant Care: Baby bottles, Disposable Diapers (all sizes), Baby Wipes, Baby Shampoo, Baby Lotion, Baby Powder, Baby Food and formula, Sippy Cups, Baby monitors, Strollers, Toddler and Preschool Car Seats

Over the Counter Medicines and First-Aid: Aspirin, Tylenol, Midol, Advil, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Non-Alcohol Cold medicines, First Aid tape

Household Items: Shower curtains, Wash Cloths, Towels, Crib sheets, Twin-Sized Blankets and Sheets, Bed Pillows, Elevated toilet seats, Space Bags for storage, Laundry Detergent, Small Alarm Clocks, Microwave Ovens, Small Kitchen Appliances.

Clothing: Plus Sized Women, Baby Clothes

Miscellaneous Items: Pre-paid Phone Cards, Bus Passes, Wheel Chairs, Office Supplies, Blank Journals, Reading Glasses, Luggage, Heavy Duty Snow Blower, Leaf Blower, Drill Dress, Gas Fryer, Heat Lamp for Kitchen, Commercial Washers and Dryers

Almost anything you use in your household is needed at the YWCA.
Items can be delivered to the front desk between 8-5 Monday through Thursday and 8-2 on Friday.

YWCA North Central Indiana
1102 S. Fellows
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone Number: 574-233-9491
Crisis Line: 574-232-9558

One Week Left! Please Help if You Can!

The Big Red Shoes Are Back

The YWCA Staff Team needs some help to reach our goal.  There is one more week left to reach our goal!  Go to www.ywcancin.org and click on the red shoe or click on the link.

Join us in my efforts to support YWCA - North Central Indiana

Thank you for supporting YWCA - North Central. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Team Fundraising Goal:	$1,000.00
Total Raised:	$400.00

Can you walk a mile in her shoes! Join men throughout Michiana in the effort to raise awareness & money for the YWCA's Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault programs.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

9 am check in begins

10 am walk begins

Coveleski Stadium

South Bend, IN

Can You Find a Way to Help!

I’m going to tell you the story of “Mary.” Mary could be a client at the YWCA. She is a young mother struggling to go to school, work, and take care of her kids. She wants more than anything to make a break the cycle of poverty that has gripped her family for generations. Since she doesn’t have her GED yet, she can not get a good paying job so she is living with her boyfriend, the father of her youngest daughter. She has three children (4, 3, and 1) and she just told her boyfriend that she thinks she is pregnant again. He gets angry and calls her a whore and says he can’t afford anymore kids. He says he already pays enough in child support and that he will leave her if she doesn’t have an Abortion. He pushes her towards the stairs, but luckily she grabs the stair railing to avoid falling down the stairs onto the floor below. Unsatisfied and still angry, he grabs her hair and pulls her into their room and smashes her head into the mirror. Her oldest daughter walks into the room to see what happened and the door is shut in her face. This young mother’s first instinct is to protect her children, so she tries to leave the room, but he won’t let her. She sits cowering in the corner of the room afraid to make a sound, so she doesn’t make him angry again. She sits there thinking to herself that she can’t afford to live on her own and she has nowhere else to turn, so she begs him for forgiveness. She is crying, scared, and bleeding, but what other choice does she have but to stay? In a few days, he will apologize and life will get back to “normal”…at least until she does something “wrong” again.


This women is made up, but this story plays out in different ways all over Michiana and I think it’s time we found an end domestic violence. How does that happen? It happens when we raise awareness that the issue exists in all households, in all demographics, in all races, and yes…it happens to men as well. The YWCA is in the business of helping women and their children escape and find a safe place to stay while they attend classes, find a better job, and get the counseling that they need. The YWCA is working to break the cycle of poverty by offering the clients life skills classes where they can learn things such as job interviewing skills, resume writing, parenting skills, CPR/First Aid, financial management, and so much more.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!  I think a great way to start the month is to make the YWCA's Walk a Mile in her Shoes a great event.

Join men throughout Michiana in the effort to raise awareness & money for the YWCA's Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault programs.
Go to www.ywcancin.org and donate to the cause or join the team of walkers.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
9 am check in begins
10 am walk begins
Coveleski Stadium

Support the YWCA at a Ladies Night Out at the Cove

Ladies’ Night Out!
Summer has finally arrived and its time to have fun and make a difference...all at the same time! The South Bend Silver Hawks are providing one night of fashion, entertainment and community outreach for all Michiana women on Wednesday, July 20th and we hope you’ll join us. 

• InspireMe boutique, the title sponsor of Ladies’ Night Out, presents a Summer Line Fashion Show during the game along with the latest fashion advice.
• Silver Hawks staff and interns will also be lending a hand by auctioning their services to the community with all proceeds benefitting the YWCA North Central Indiana’s programs for women and children.
• And if that isn’t enough to get you there… one lucky woman will be chosen to participate in the Silver Hawks Ambush Makeover. The winner will receive free services from Salon Rouge and a fashion consultation with Jeanne from InspireMe.

Don’t miss out!! Take a night off with your best girlfriends and join the boys of summer for some fun!

To order your tickets please CLICK HERE
(type “YWCA” as the Special Offer Code) so a portion of the ticket price goes to the YWCA or call (574) 235-9988 to purchase tix over the phone

Thanks for supporting the YWCA!

Join the YWCA & the South Bend Silver Hawks for Summer Fun at the Cove

Save the Date: YWCA run, jane, run 2011

YWCA Men's March Against Domestic Violence 2011

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  The YWCA North Central Indiana is kicking off the month with Walk a Mile in her shoes - Men's March Against Domestic Violence.  Steve is participating in this event again this year.  I'm announcing it early, so you can mark the date on your calendar.  Steve missed his goal last year by only $50.  I think he plans on raising his goal this year even higher than last year.  I have faith that he can make his goal this year.  It's on Saturday, October 1, 2011.  I will most post details as the date gets closer and of course I'll post a link to his pledge site.

This is for a great cause so I hope as many people that can will participate.  If you cannot participate yourself, please consider giving Steve a pledge when the time comes.

If anyone knows of any fun ways to build pledges, let me know and I'll pass the idea along to Steve.

Celebrate Women: Shop and Support the YWCA

YWCA North Central Indiana Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are critical to the mission of the YWCA.  Whether the project is small or large, long-term or short-term, many people or just one, volunteers make the YWCA the best it can be. THANK YOU!

Opportunities Available
* Special Group Projects- The YWCA serves over 1400 women and children each year. We are always in need of sprucing up.  Help the YWCA by organizing a clean up day! Cleaning, painting, minor maintenance, sewing, playroom and toy cleaning, restocking and reorganization.
* Supply Drive- Organize a drive for art supplies, baby blankets, children's school uniforms, diapers, toiletries, food etc with your family, friends, office, church group or other group.
* Neat & Tidy - The YWCA receives many donations and can always use help keeping them organized.  Help us sort and organize donated merchandise.
* Love Books? - Help the YWCA pull together a top notch library by volunteering to organize and clean the library/resource room or having a book drive.
* Enjoy the Kitchen - The YWCA serves over 50,000 meals each year. Help restock the cupboards, prepare, and even serve meals. The kitchen is always in need of help on holidays and special occasions.  Join our staff and help us make the holidays special.
* Bi-Lingual? - The YWCA serves women and children of diverse cultures. Your knowledge of other languages could be a wonderful resource in helping us to translate needed materials for our clients.
* Host a Party benefiting the YWCA - Invite you friends to attend an event and bring either monetary contributions or wish list items to donate to the YWCA. The could be done in lieu of birthday presents or could be a party specifically to raise awareness of YWCA program.

These are just a few opportunities available.  For other ways to help, to get more information or to sign up, contact Peggy King at 574-233-9491 X 307.  You can also donate with a monetary gift online at ywcancin.org.

YWCA Christmas Wish List 2010

Once again the YWCA has had a busy year with a large increase in the amount of women and children we are serving.  We have also recently merged with the YWCA of Elkhart County greatly increasing the number of families we will be serving.
When you are shopping for gifts for your family this year, consider picking up an extra present for a hurting child at the YWCA.
Below is a list of items that would be wonderful gifts for the many women and children that will call the YWCA home this Christmas season.
Note: It will be most appreciated if all gifts are non-violent in nature.
Teenagers:
CD players, MP3 players, watches for male and female, hand held videogames, music CDs, DVDs (G, PG, PG-13 only), young women's toiletry items, young men's toiletry items, hats and scarves, hair accessories, age appropriate art supplies, gift cards, books, footballs/basketballs/soccer balls, make-up
Children (age 4-12)
Legos and other building sets, dolls and accessories, books, trucks, cars, educational games, craft projects, hats, mittens, socks, transformers, zu-zu pets, hand held games, play sets (such as farms, schools, houses for preschool age), nerf balls
Infants and young toddlers
Baby action toys, educational toys, stuffed animals, books, hats, mittens, socks, teething toys, rattles/small hand held toys, baby wipes, baby lotion, baby powder, baby wash/shampoo, and baby monitors
* batteries for toys are always appreciated and needed
Adult Women
Robes, slippers, pajamas, throws, alarm clocks, MP3 players, portable CD players, CDs, cameras, watches, costume jewelry, calendars, organizers/day planners, book bags, perfume, bath/body lotions, hair accessories, hats/gloves and scarves
In order to ensure that all the YWCA have a wonderful Christmas, it would be helpful to have donated gifts by Monday, December 13th.
If you have any questions, plese call Peggy King at 574-233-9491 X 307.

Join a Special Group of Women!

I love this time of year. The leaves are changing into beautiful colors and there is such a spirit of giving everywhere.  People wake up every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas and seem to realize there are poor and hurting around us.  They will go out of their way and give and I love it.  I sometimes wonder though, if those people realize that the poor and hurting are with us in this community the other ten months of the year, as well.
I would like to suggest that this year be different.  Become a Women of Vision for the YWCA North Central Indiana.  Join a select group of women who are changing the world one family at a time. YWCA Women of Vision help provide the resources needed to care for women and children in need in our community.   You can give a one time lump sum donation or you can spread your pledge monthly throughout the year.  If you can't give much, that's ok because every little bit helps to provide a safe shelter and resources for the 1300 women and children we serve every year.

If you have any questions, please contact Peggy King at 574-231-9491 X307 or email her at pking@ywcancin.org.

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11

Recognizing Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

Domestic violence crosses all ethnic, racial, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religious, and socioeconomic lines. Domestic violence can happen to anybody. In fact, studies suggest that one-fifth to one-third of all women will be physically assaulted by a partner or ex-partner during their lifetime. In heterosexual relationships, 95 percent of all victims are female; and 95 percent of all perpetrators are male. In same-sex relationships, domestic violence happens with the same statistical frequency as in heterosexual relationships. Find out how to recognize domestic violence by clicking here.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) is always open.

Overcoming Domestic Violence: There is Hope!

Source for video

Amy Grant: Ask Me

I see her as a little girl
Hiding in her room
She takes another bath
And she sprays her mama's perfume

To try to wipe away
The scent he left behind
But it haunts her mind

You see, she's his little rag
Nothing more than just a waif
And he's mopping up his need
She is tired and afraid
Maybe she'll find a way
Through these awful years
To disappear

Ask me if I think there's a God up in the Heaven
Where did He go in the middle of her shame?
Ask me if I think there's a God up in the Heaven
I see no mercy, and no one down here's naming names
Nobody's naming names

Now, she's looking in the mirror
At a lovely woman face
No more frightened little girl
Like she's gone without a trace

Still she leaves the light
Burning in the hall
It's hard to sleep at all

'Til she crawls up in her bed
Acting quiet as a mouse
Deep inside, she's listening
For a creaking in the house
But no one's left to harm her
She's finally safe and sound
There's a peace she has found

Ask her how she knows there's a God up in the Heaven
Where did He go in the middle of her shame
Ask her how she knows there's a God up in the Heaven
She said His mercy is bringing her life again

She's coming to life again

The Cycle of Violence



The cycle can happen hundreds of times in an abusive relationship. Each stage lasts a different amount of time in a relationship. The total cycle can take anywhere from a few hours to a year or more to complete.

It is important to remember that not all domestic violence relationships fit the cycle. Often, as time goes on, the 'making-up' and 'calm' stages disappear.
For more information

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. If you are concerned about your relationship, please do not hesitate to call the YWCA's 24 Hour Hotline at 1-866-YES-YWCA.

October is a Month for Celebrating Woman's Issues!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
Did you know:

• Every 2 minutes, someone in the US is sexually assaulted.
• 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape.
• About 2/3 of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim.
• Domestic Violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States.
• Every 9 seconds in the US a women is beaten, usually by her male partner.
• Between 15 and 25% of pregnant women are battered.
• 50% of homeless women and children in the US are fleeing Domestic Violence.
• 80% of children from homes where partner abuse occurs will become an abuser or a victim as an adult.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Did you know:

• Breast Cancer is the number one cause of death in Hispanic women.
• The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows older. The risk is especially high for women age 60 and older. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than age 35, although it does occur.
• Breast Cancer accounts for 1 in 4 of cancer diagnosis in women.
• The risk of developing breast cancer increases for a woman whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives have had the disease. It is important to know how old they were at the time they were diagnosed.

Both of these issues are very important to women.

To find out more information on Domestic Violence go to: http://www.ywcancin.org/.
To find out more information on Breast Cancer go to: http://www.nbcam.org/.

2010 YWCA Walk a Mile

The YWCA Men's March Against Violence Against Women

I think the event was a success.  It's so great to see men standing up against violence.  There were some pretty great men there.  The top pledge raiser raised almost $3000.  Steve had a goal of $300 and as of today, he has raised $248 in pledges.

He even accessorized and dressed in red to match his shoes. It was a pretty cold morning, but I think the men had a good time anyway.

It's not too late to support him if you want.  Every little bit helps.  All the money goes to help women and children escaping domestic violence and sexual assault.  Last year the YWCA served almost 1400 women and children.  Many of the women are young, single mothers who have a high school diploma or some college education with little or no income.  These women come to YWCA with almost nothing and the YWCA helps them get back on their feet, so they can take care of their family in a safe environment.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

To support him follow the link.

Thank you so much to everyone that has supported him and YWCA so far.

YWCA Men's Walk Against Violence 2010: October 2, 2010

This year's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Event is October 2nd, 2010.  This is the second year for this event and last year it was a blast.
To Register and collect pledges of your own go to ywcancin.org.
If you can't walk yourself, then please make a pledge and support Steve.

Follow This Link to visit Steve's personal web page and help him in his efforts to support YWCA - north central Indiana.
Support Steve Here!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

YWCA Run Jane Run:

August 21, 22, 23

5kwalk/run, 10k run for women

Saturday, August 21

$25 online registration, $30 day of event

Bike for Women
Sunday, August 22
$25 online registration, $30 day of event

Golf for Women
Monday, August 23
$85 per golfer, $340/foursome

Register Online Now or call 574-233-9491 ext. 324
All proceeds from the events benefit the programs for women and children through the YWCA of St. Joseph County.

YWCA Tribute to Women: May 5th, 2010

Source

YWCA Tribute to Women

Please join us for the 31st annual YWCA Tribute to Women
This year's honorees are:

Nancy Hellyer

Maggie Kernan

Barbara Warner

&
YWCA Women to Watch
Amy Hill

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Gillespie Conference Center
Hilton Garden Inn
South Bend, IN

Purchase seat/table

Sponsorship opportunities

Go to YWCASJC.org for more details or call 574-233-9491.

2009 YWCA Christmas

YWCA Wish List

Thank You to Everyone who Donated to the YWCA this Year!

The need continues all year: Become a Women of Vision today!

If you have any questions please call Peggy King at 574-233-9491 or email her at pking@ywcasjc.org.