As part of the strategic planning process, a staff survey was shared by Liz on Friday, May 3. The responses are completely anonymous and must be submitted by May 17.

As a reminder, you may also fill out this form if you are interested in participating in the focus groups. While the first survey is mandatory, the focus groups are an optional way for staff to engage with the strategic planning process. Another way: The next StratSnap, a 15-minute update about the process, on Friday, May 17 at 10 a.m. (via Zoom). Please reach out to Liz or Christine Cockley with questions!

Please RSVP for YWCA Columbus’ Pride parade contingent, hosted with the Human Services Chamber of Franklin County, by May 10.

We will meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 outside the Griswold building (in the parking lot off 4th St.). Coffee and snacks will be provided; we will head over to join the parade at 9 a.m.

Do you know any high school girls who want to be leaders in the community? YWCA Columbus is hosting a week-long summer Bright Futures cohort July 15-19, 2024. Bright Futures is a community-based program that empowers girls to understand and disrupt systemic oppression, develop agency, and take up the roles of leadership needed to advocate for changing the systems that perpetuate inequity. Learn more and register here.

The education department is collecting brand-new crocs, flip flops, and water shoes through May 29. The shoes will be distributed to families at the YWCA Family Center. Please drop your donation(s) into the boxes at each YWCA Kids Place site or in the basement at Griswold!

Construction of the playground is still on target for completion by the end of June 2024. Other items under construction include the resident bathrooms and the roof, which should both be completed in the next few weeks. We appreciate everyone’s efforts – internal and external – to make this space welcoming and safe for our residents!

We are looking for more program assistants for YWCA Kids Place, a custodial maintenance technician, a kitchen production assistant at the Family Center, and a few roles in the advancement department, including a marketing and communications strategist.

As a reminder, employees who refer candidates for vacant roles are eligible for a $500 bonus (if the candidate is hired and upon completion of their probationary period). For additional information about these positions, please refer to ywcacolumbus.org/join-our-team or Indeed.

AAPI Heritage Month is recognized each year during the month of May to celebrate the significant contributions and influences Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans have had on the history and culture of the United States. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, much of which was laid by Chinese immigrants.

Consider attending Columbus’ Asian Festival (May 25-26) to celebrate and honor these unique cultures, and click here to learn more about AAPI Heritage Month.

Join YWCA Columbus on Thursday, May 9 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. to discuss prompts related to Racial Justice Challenge topics with local partners and others who accepted the Racial Justice Challenge.

The education department is providing a FREE CPR/first aid course on May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the ballroom at Griswold. You must register here – first come, first serve. Reach out to Loren Becket (lbeckett@ywcacolumbus.org) if you have any questions!

The YWCA Junior Writers Club presents Authors and Appetizers! Join the YWCA Kids Place staff and families from 7-9 p.m. to meet many of the local authors who participated in the Junior Writers Club initiative this spring. There will also be a live band, food, and other resources in the ballroom at Griswold.

Columbus Coalition for the Homeless is providing a pancake breakfast at the Family Center on Saturday, May 11, to celebrate Mother’s Day! All mothers who attend will receive a special gift.

The next open office hour with president and CEO Elizabeth Brown is happening on May 17 at 2 p.m. at Griswold. Anyone interested can pop in during that time slot or email Christine Cockley to schedule a time.

Come celebrate several YWCA staff members and residents who have completed their Child Development Associate training and will be receiving their certificate!

Employees

• Camille Moultrie

• Lanai Cason-Hines

• Mariah Cox

• Stephanie Parrish-Wilkes

Residents

• Kyra Drakulich

• Rose Anderson

YWCA Columbus will be marching in this year’s Pride parade on Saturday, June 15, with the Human Services Chamber of Franklin County. Please RSVP here by May 10 if you plan on joining!

Bright Futures is a community-based program that empowers girls to understand and disrupt systemic oppression, develop agency, and take up the roles of leadership needed to advocate for changing the systems that perpetuate inequity. Contact Navya Nalla or visit ywcacolumbus.org/brightfutures to learn more!

Save the date for this year’s Activists and Agitators event! More information to come.