Please note open enrollment for benefits will begin this month, and we strongly encourage all benefits-eligible employees to review the enrollment materials carefully, as well as CEO Elizabeth Brown’s email from Friday, June 5. We want every employee to feel informed, supported, and confident as they make decisions for the upcoming plan year.  

Please reach out to Carolyn Harrison (charrison@ywcacolumbus.org), our payroll and benefits manager, with specific questions. 

Please take a moment to fill out YWCA Columbus’ quick surveythat will help guide our programs, events, and communications in the coming months. We appreciate your thoughtful feedback! 

P.S. Please share this link with the clients, residents, and families we serve at your program sites, as well! We want to gather as much feedback as possible. Please let Molly Kowaleski know if you have any questions or want more information. 

In case you missed the most empowering event of the year – or you just want to relive the day! - check out the full recording here or a quick recap here – or click to view a photo gallery from the event and other details about the day.   

Support the students in your life—or the educators and youth leaders you know—by connecting with opportunities that build stronger, more informed communities. YWCA Columbus' Bright Futures Empowerment Program offers two engaging workshops—both open to participants of all genders—designed for youth in grades 7-12:  

• The Advocacy 101 Workshop builds practical advocacy and leadership skills to empower them as young people. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, students gain tools to explore their strengths and define their voice to create meaningful change. This session is completely free and facilitated by Aliyah Hiram and Navya Nalla. 

• The RE:101 Workshop is an introductory session exploring racial equity and anti-Black systemic racism in America. Adaptable for school or community settings, it is an engaging way to get students on the pathway to be effective change agents in their community. This workshop can be 1, 1.5, or 2 hours, is free of charge, and is facilitated by Aliyah Hiram and Navya Nalla.  

Please share this opportunity with folks you know who work with students and help expand our impact. Together, we can better equip the next generation of change-makers! Contact Aliyah Hiram or Navya Nalla to learn more and sign up! 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s YWCA Racial Justice Challenge and joined our culminating virtual panel. ICYMI, The League of Women Voters of Metro Ohio, Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO), and American Association of People with Disabilities joined YWCA Columbus to discuss what’s at stake and how you can take action – click the button below to watch the recording!  

As we recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States amid The Supreme Court’s recent VRA ruling and other state-led voter suppression tactics, protecting voting rights and access is critical. If you want to get involved in voter registration efforts in your community, click here to connect with our partner, Indivisible Central Ohio, to get started! 

Safe & Sound – Jenkins now offers FREE half-day preschool (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.) through YWCA Columbus’ partnership with Early Start Columbus! Extended care is available through private pay, PFCC or CCCP. 

Conveniently located near Downtown Columbus (in Merion Village), Safe & Sound – Jenkins provides safe and stimulating learning spaces, caring, experienced teachers, and social, emotional, and academic development. Click here to learn more or contact Emily Jacobs (ejacobs@ywcacolumbus.org) to enroll!