onegreater los angeles

Working together for peace, justice, freedom, equality and dignity.

pg 2 Holidays at the YWCA Greater Los Angeles

WHAT’S INSIDE March 2016

Welcome to ONE VOICE,

ONE MOVEMENT,

ONE VISION.

pg 4 The 14th Annual Rhapsody Gala

The YWCA Greater Los Angeles is proud to support the No More campaign during this upcoming Sexual Assault Awareness Month and all year long. The issues of sexual assault and domestic violence have a long-lasting impact on not only survivors but their loved ones and our communities at large.

“Imagine a person who experiences an incident of sexual assault/domestic violence the morning before going to work. How does that person cope and function as they go through their work day? Where does this person go for help? How does this person manage and heal from the emotional, mental, and physical symptoms associated with this experience?” expresses Sheetal Chib, Director, YWCA GLA Sexual Assault Crisis Services.

recognizing the need for public awareness and education of bystanders, the No More campaign was founded in 2013 to amplify the power of the domestic violence and sexual assault movement while driving awareness and breaking down the barriers of stigma, silence, and shame that keep people from talking about these issues and taking action to prevent them. The powerful commercials (one of which aired during the 2016 Super Bowl), Social Media campaigns, and informational/educational tools all use the signature blue symbol to increase visibility for domestic violence and sexual assault. “It is vastly important to address the issues of sexual assault and domestic violence

and promote awareness. A victim of sexual assault or domestic violence could be

pg 5 Many Voices, One Message

pg 8 Save the Date: 2016 Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon

No more sexual assault continued on page two.

NO MORE SEXUAL ASSAULTYWCA Actively Involved in National Sexual Assault Awareness and Publicity Campaign

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Dear Friends of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles:

As the first part of the year quickly passes,

we find ourselves as busy as ever fighting to empower and uplift those individuals who cannot always do so on their own. Whether advocating for the rights of women and families alongside legislative partners, meeting daily needs of program participants, or joining efforts with other local organizations, our staff, members and volunteers work tirelessly to remove barriers to success for our community.

In this newsletter, we share a glimpse of our activity over the past few months. We tell of our partnership with the NO MORE campaign – bringing awareness to sexual assault and domestic violence. We share of the holiday festivities across our various program sites which fostered a sense of family and togetherness amongst participants. We reflect on our gala, our esteemed honorees and partners. We share part of our heritage and future as a membership organization.

I encourage you to take a moment to read these stories and articles. Please join with us in partnership to create a better tomorrow for our community.

Sincerely,

Faye WashingtonPresident and CEO YWCA Greater Los Angeles

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We create a safe spac

someone you work with. A neighbor, a friend, a family member. It is important to facilitate awareness and engage in dialogue in order to remove the shame and stigma surrounding the issues. By removing the stigma and talking about it, we provide safe spaces for survivors to gain the support they need and we change our culture to be one that denounces violence in all forms. It is essential to bring awareness campaigns such as No More to the public so we can create a society and a world without violence,” continues Chib.

No More was created as a platform for those working to end domestic violence/sexual assault, in the belief that greater dialogue will fuel enhanced funding for direct service, advocacy and prevention. At the YWCA Greater Los Angeles, Sexual Assault Crisis Services staff and volunteers work tirelessly to educate and bring awareness to local school, churches, and community agencies. The No More campaign is an effective tool to assist with these efforts.

Throughout the month of December and into the beginning of the New Year, YWCA Greater Los Angeles program sites celebrated the holiday season with diversity and festivity.

Whether through youth working together to design and decorate their center for the holidays, friends exchanging gifts, individuals creating winter-themed crafts to give away to others, or youth playing traditional Latin holiday games such as Lotería, these activities promoted a sense of family and togetherness for the centers.

Holiday programs at various Child Development Centers were met with great joy as children showcased their hard work to family members and staff. Many partners and friends of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles donated toys and items for participants – friends such as Fire Station 34, Spark of Love and Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. YWCA Greater Los Angeles provided a holiday meal for many families from Child Development and Youth programs. Seniors enjoyed making festive crafts to keep and to give away – a seemingly simple activity that provided dignity and independence for participants.

Compton Child Development Center participants enjoyed arts and crafts with the ladies of JumpStart. The participants designed and decorated their own Christmas trees and Ginger-bread men and also made snowmen out of water bottles and cotton balls; it was very exciting for all the children.

YWCA Greater Los Angeles Board member Gerald Ford visits Angeles Mesa Empowerment Center.

Union Pacific Child Development Center

No more sexual assault continued.

Holidays at the YWCA Greater Los AngelesCelebrating Diversity through Festivity

Walnut Park Senior Empowerment Participant

Walnut Park Turkey GiveawayAngeles Mesa Child Development CenterYWCA Greater Los Angeles Board Member Marianne Ellis visits the North Valley Empowerment Center.

Walnut Park Child Development Center

Youth Empowerment Program participants the Union Pacific Empowerment Center received gift cards for the holidays.

O N E V O I C EO N E V O I C E

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O N E V O I C EO N E V O I C E

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At the 14th Annual rhapsody Gala on Friday, November 13, 2015, the YWCA Greater Los Angeles recognized three extraordinary honorees - Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Ceo of BeT Networks with the Media Visionary Award, Tracy Underwood, National Manager of Toyota’s pioneering social impact division with the Corporate Champion Award and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark ridley-Thomas with the Man of the Year Award.

The evening’s co-chairs included YWCA GLA’s Ambassador, Kathy Ireland, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who was recently named YWCA GLA’s Advisory Commissioner and Fabian Wesson, Chair, California Science Center and exposition Park.

Jan Perry, General Manager of the economic and Workforce Development Department, City of Los Angeles, served as Tracy Underwood’s award presenter; Dr. elaine Batchlor, Ceo of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, presented Supervisor ridley-Thomas with his award; and Grammy-award winning singer, actress and philanthropist, Kelly rowland served as the award presenter to Debra Lee. entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner served as the event’s mistress of ceremonies.

We offer our deepest thanks to sponsors of the evening and our programs! event Presenting Sponsors included - Southern California edison, JP Morgan Chase, Toyota and Union Bank; Sapphire Sponsors – BeT Networks and US Bank; Platinum Sponsors – IS Comp Systems, Los County Board of Supervisors, Community Family Care, Green Hasson Janks; Gold Sponsors – AeG, Xerox, The Serving Spoon restaurant, Southern California Gas Company and Arthur J. Gallagher; Silver Sponsors – AT&T, Kaiser Permanente, PCL Construction, Quigley-Simpson, TheZenith, United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Leon Checca Family.

The 14th Annual Rhapsody Gala MANY VOICES, ONE MESSAGEMembers Join Together for Powerful Impact

Since its founding in 1895, the YWCA Greater Los Angeles has operated as a membership organization where a focused

mission to empower the lives of women and families poured out from the strength of many voices. rooted in advocacy and emboldened to impact change, the membership of the YWCA has radically impacted legislation both locally and nationally over these many years.

“over the course of history, the membership of the YWCA has been a symbol of hope pursuing the rights of women and families, fighting on the frontlines of some of our nation’s greatest issues like Civil rights and fair wages,” shares Laureen o’Hara, Development Manager. “Today, our collective voice works together to continue fighting for legislation which impacts those we serve. Issues related to sexual assault and financial empowerment and many more are met head on by staff and volunteers who represent solidarity from our membership – a gathering of diverse individuals who all choose to add their voice to the fight for empowerment.”

Become a member today. There are many options for individuals who want to join the YWCA Greater Los Angeles membership. There are various levels of support, all equally important to the organization

and mission. Additionally, members receive invitations to YWCA Greater Los Angeles events, meetings, and mixers providing opportunities for members to meet each other.

“If you wonder if your voice matters, it does. What begins as a stream, a mere trickle, can explode into a tidal wave, a deafening force to be reckoned with. This is what you get in return when you become a member of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles – the satisfaction of becoming part of history and shaping the future. one voice alone may not be as powerful but history has proven that when we join together, movement happens. As a member, you are an advocate, a supporter, a friend,” continues o’Hara.

Become a member and take the membership pledge today!

“When you join as a Member or renew at the next level, you become an Advocate, a Supporter, a Friend.You directly contribute to the development of our community and enrich the lives of those around us.History has proven that when we join together, powerful movement happens. Let’s be Powerful together!

greater los angeles

“I became a member because YWCA

Greater Los Angeles is doing phenomenal

work for young women and men.”

Joshlyn BlackSr. AccountS MAnAger

IScoMp SySteMS yWcA gLA MeMber See page 6 for more details.

To support the work of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles visit: www.ywcagla.org

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YWCA Greater Los Angeles Empowerment Centers & Satellite Offices

Faye Washington Youth Empowerment Center1020 South olive Street Los Angeles, cA 90015contact: (213) 365-2991

Supervisor Gloria Molina Community Empowerment Center7515 Pacific Blvd. Walnut park, cA 90255contact: (213) 516-3575

Union Pacific Empowerment Center 4315 Union Pacific Avenue Los Angeles, cA 90023contact: (323) 415-6057

Digital Learning Academy Studio Club Empowerment Center 1215 Lodi Place Los Angeles, cA 90038contact: (213) 516-3557

Angeles Mesa Empowerment Center 2501 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, cA 90008contact: (323) 295-4288

Compton Empowerment Center 1600 E. Compton Blvd. compton, cA 90221 contact: (310) 763-9117

South Bay Sexual Assault Crisis Services920 Atlantic Avenue Long beach, cA 90813contact: (562) 590-6400

California State University Long Beach YWCA GLA Satellite OfficeWomen’s & Gender Equity Center (WGEC), room LA1-102university police Department Substation (UPD), Room USU-2391250 Bellflower Blvd.Long beach, cA 90840-1201contact: (562) 985-2668

Felicia Mahood Senior Center11338 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, cA 90028contact: (323) 295-4288

North Valley Infant Learning Center 11133 omelveny AveSan Fernando, CA 91340contact: (818) 365-7344

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YWCA Greater Los Angeles at Osborne12059 osborne Street Sylmar, cA 91331 contact: (818) 896-3322

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Society Membership Information:Member Status: q New q Renew

q Miss q Ms. q Mrs. q Mr. q Dr. q Hon. q Rev.

First Name____________________________________________ MIddle Initial___________Last Name___________________________________________________

Preferred Mailing Address: q Home q Business q Email Address _______________________________________________________________

Home Address __________________________________________City _______________________State ________ Zip _________ Phone (_____)________________

BusinessAddress ________________________________________City _______________________State ________ Zip _________ Phone (_____)________________

Sex: q Female q Male Birthdate: Mo/______Day/_______Yr/_______

Age Range: q 12-14 q 15-17 q 18-34 q 35-59 q 50-65 q 65+

Enclosed is my contribution of:

q My employer has a matching gift program for which the YWCA qualifies. Paperwork enclosed.

q Tribute honoring ___________________________________________

q Please send me information on Planned Giving and/or naming the YWCA in my will.

Payment Options:q Check for full payment enclosed. (Please make check payable to the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles.)

q Pledge: * Total pledge amount $_________ Initial Payment $________ (minimum $25)

q Credit Card: q Mastercard q Visa

Card No. _________________________________________________________________________________

Exp. Date _____________Signature ___________________________________________________________

Your gift supports YWCA Greater Los Angeles’ programs that empower our community, develop youth and strengthen families. *Minimum pledge amount: $50. Minimum amount billed quarterly. $25

Your Voice Counts...Become a

YWCA Greater Los Angeles Society Member Today!

q $50: Advocate Advocacy Tool-Kit*, Discounted tickets to events

q $100: Innovator Choice of Synthia Saint James Coffee Mug or No-tecards, Young Profession-als and/or Affinity Group (local quarterly event invitation)

q $250: Ambassador Choice of Tiffany Perfume or $25 gift card or a Synthia Saint James Umbrella, Name Recognition benefits on YWCA GLA Collaterals

q $500: Champion Tiffany Charm Bracelet with YWCA logo and choice of YWCA program charm every following year or a Syn-thia Saint James signed print; Name Recognition benefits on YWCA GLA Collaterals

q $1,000: Groundbreaker Choice of two Tiffany Gift Cards or two YWCA program charms or a Syn-thia Saint James signed Remarque; Name Recognition benefits on YWCA GLA Collaterals

q $2,500: Trailblazer Choice of Tiffany Watch or three YWCA program charms or a framed Synthia Saint James signed print, Name Recognition benefits on YWCA GLA Collaterals

q $5,000: Game Changer Tiffany Full Charm Bracelet or a framed Synthia Saint James signed Remarque, Name Recognition benefits on YWCA GLA Collaterals

greater los angeles

* Membership card, Bumper sticker / magnet, Letters to congressperson/ president, etc. on current legislation, Flash Drive with branded advocacy tools

Welcome to the yWcA gLA’s “New” Society Membership. It has a new look and updated benefits. We are consolidating two systems under one powerful and active advocacy umbrella, while reinvigorating all levels with more meaningful membership benefits.

greater los angeles

YWCA Greater Los Angeles is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Become a member today and ADD YOUR voice to help change YOUR community and empower lives! Visit ywcagla.org/membership for more information.

YWCA Greater Los Angeles: Safe Space to Live, Learn and Grow.

Officers:Lisa D. Cagnolatti Board Chairwoman

Alva P. Adams-Mason

Board Vice Chair

Patricia Reed-CunninghamBoard Secretary

Gerald M. Ford Board Treasurer

Elected Members:Eleanor Beasley

Margaret Leong CheccaMarianne Ellis

Dr. Annalisa EnrileMichelle Isenberg

Amanda J. LeeTrisha MuseNicole Osby

Diedra Porche’

Faye Washington President and CEO

YWCA Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors

If you would like to receive One Voice via email, please email laureen.o’hara@ywcagla.org.

1020 S. Olive Street, 7th FloorLos Angeles 90015

T h a n k y o u T o o u r Pa r T n e r s !

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StayConnected.

Save the Date Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Reception: 11:30 am Lunch: noonomni Los Angeles Hotel

Southern California’s top executives salute the accomplishments of women leaders

in the Los Angeles business community.

For sponsorship information contact Laureen O’Hara at (213) 251-1329 or

email laureen.o’hara@ywcagla.org

greater los angeles

Phenomenal

Be

Be Powerful. Be Inspired. Be Brilliant.Be visionary. Be Bold.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA donated a brand new Sienna to the YWCA Greater Los Angeles. A very special thank you to Alva Adams-Mason, Tracy Underwood and everyone at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, for your continuous partnership.ywcagla