YWCA Columbus is proud to announce that they are the recipient of a $1M transformational grant from the American Electric Power Foundation’s Delivering on the Dream: Social and Racial Justice grant program. The multi-year partnership between the AEP Foundation and YWCA Columbus will support the expansion of YWCA Columbus’ leadership and social justice programs focused on racial equity.

“YWCA Columbus is humbled by the investment of the AEP Foundation to confront uncomfortable truths and work to dismantle systemic oppression and to empower the next generation of leaders. This transformational investment will assist us as we continue our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities,” said Christie Angel, President & CEO of YWCA Columbus.

“Dismantling racist systems requires an informed and galvanized community. Expanding YWCA’s racial equity programming will lead to a more racially literate and empathetic community who understands systemic issues, engages in critical conversations, and adopts equitable policies,” said Jillian Olinger, Chief Mission Officer for YWCA Columbus.

YWCA Columbus approaches social change through education, engagement, and empowerment. The organization seeks to produce a larger cultural shift by increasing racial literacy, engaging community members around anti-racism, and empowering leaders to become social change agents.

The AEP Foundation grant will allow YWCA Columbus to expand its existing diversity, equity, and inclusion training services for community organizations and individuals as well as develop new programs focused on civic engagement, community dialogue, advocacy, leadership empowerment, and harm repair and prevention.

“The importance of diversity and inclusion extends beyond our workforce to include the customers and communities we serve. We’re proud to support the impact of YWCA Columbus in our community,”  said Janelle Coleman, President of the AEP Foundation.

YWCA Columbus rejects the status quo that puts women and people of color on uneven footing, and acts to promote empowerment and inclusion both immediately and systemically.

“Producing social change requires us to change hearts, minds, and the systems that uphold white supremacy,” said Olinger. “We’re grateful the AEP Foundation supports this work and the value it has in our Columbus community.”

YWCA Columbus is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen our community. YWCA Columbus is part of an international movement serving over 2 million in the United States and 25 million worldwide. For comprehensive information about this important work, go to ywcacolumbus.org.