Press Release:
June 28, 2012
For more information contact:
Dana Y. Wilson
Director of Development and Public Affairs
908-756-3500, ext 128
732-277-8184 (cell)
dwilson@ywcacnj.org
Dear Supporter:
This is the 105th Anniversary of the YWCA of Central NJ. The period between 2008 to 2010 was a trying time not only for our country, but also for our agency. With the 2011 reorganization of our board, CEO and key managers the YWCA of Central NJ started regaining ground. We restored our fitness and child care programs and tripled the total number of people we serve. Our child care enrollment increased by more than 50 percent since January 2011. With the help of capital grants from several foundations, we were able to purchase fitness equipment at the end of 2011. Our fitness membership roster grew from 0 to 406 since January 2012. This summer also marks the Grand Opening of the YWCA’s Terrace Room Cafe.
In addition to revitalizing old programs, we our expanding our Career Options Center. This spring we started our TWIN Academy, where our Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) honorees mentor entry-level women. This summer we will start English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. With the help of capital grants and TWIN funding, we recently setup a new computer lab. We also recently received a United Way of Northern NJ grant to expand services in Somerset County. The grant will support our upcoming conference, which will prepare young ladies for college and the workforce.
We were able to make tremendous progress in the past 18 months with the help of program fees, individual donors, government grants, United Way, foundation grants, and our Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) corporate sponsors. Foundation grant funding paid for new fitness equipment and several key repairs to our historical building (including our pool and sauna). (Click here to review our list of contributors: Development ).
The YWCA’s mission is eliminating racism and empowering women. We provide services to residents in Union, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. We are asking our supporters to donate $105 dollars (or more) in honor of our 105th anniversary. We are extremely grateful for those who have already contributed. Donors of $35 or more will be acknowledged on our website (unless the donor requests otherwise) and will be included in our 2012 Annual Report. All donations to our non-profit are tax deductible.
For more information on how to donate, click here Development or contact Dana Wilson (Her contact info is at the top of the press release). We also invite you to schedule an appointment for a tour of our facility. Thank you in advance for your support.
Yours truly,
Dr. Gary Kirkwood, Sr.
CEO
ywcacentralnj 