Young Womens Christian Assoication of St. Paul Minnesota
Background and Purpose
Young Womens Christian Association of St. Paul, Minnesota (YWCA) is a 101-year-old nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life of people in its community. YWCA provides opportunities for developing physical and emotional well-being, building self-determination and leadership skills, supporting volunteers in fulfilling community needs, and advocating for social change by addressing racism, sexism, and economic inequities.
Last year, over 6,800 people participated in YWCA programming including health and wellness services, housing and supportive services, childcare, girls empowerment and youth development, employment and training, volunteer services, outreach and community programming. Over 88% of their social service program participants are people of color; 91% are from low-income households.
Current Request
The YWCA is requesting second-year funding to continue to increase its capacity to deliver academic enrichment programs for its youth and young adults. Academic enrichment programs include:
- the Y's Kids Club, a service-enriched K-6 childcare program for children from working poor families;
- the Youth Achievers Program that serves youth 7-14 from high-risk families by providing support, skill building and academic programming;
- the Girls LEAD Program, which serves girls 7-14 with a focus on character building and academic support; and
- the IMPACT Program that works with youth 15-22 who have had a history of problem behaviors and poor school performance by helping them develop employment and academic skills that lead to GED and long-term employment.
The YWCA is specifically requesting funding for two positions it added last year: 1) the Academic Services Coordinator who oversees the YWCA programs that have academic content; 2) the Literacy Specialist who delivers the upgraded and expanded academic services and assures that the YWCA can continue to receive funding from Supplemental Educational Services.