Category: Women’s Empowerment

Week Without Violence 2023

Posted on Updated on by Willow Stewart

About Week Without Violence

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. For more than 20 years, we have set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence – a week to raise awareness and engage action to end the broad spectrum of violence – as part of a global movement with World YWCA to end violence against women and girls— we will educate our community and raise awareness that centers around tech-facilitated gender-based violence, such as the use of social media in online harassment and stalking. 
VIEW WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE 2023 SLIDESHOW

Week of Action

•Supply Drive All Week

Bring in a cleaning, hygiene, or feminine product for Wise Women Gathering Place, and receive a free clothing item coupon for the Madison Street Boutique.

Monday, October 16

Imagine a World Without Violence

•Social Media Challenge – All Day

Join us for a social media blast envisioning a world without violence

Today and all through the week we ask you to take a Week Without Violence campaign selfie (or group photo) using one of our customizable signs, tag us on social and use #WWV23, and then tag five friends and challenge them to do the same!

At YWCA, we know that not all violence is acknowledged or responded to equally and that some victims go unrecognized altogether. That’s why we focus on ending gender-based violence, including domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and harassment.

•Leaders Are Readers – 9:30-10:00am

Robyn Gruner, AT&T

Local leaders read with our childcare students – listen along on Facebook Live

Reading to children at a young age enriches their understanding of the world around them, enhances cognitive development, and helps them gain the language they need to express themselves. By reading to our children, we prepare them for future success, while building a foundation of empathy for others. Each day during Week Without Violence a different community leader will spend time reading to our childcare students. Everyone is invited to attend each reading virtually via Facebook livestream – follow us on Facebook to read along.

Tuesday, October 17

Impact & Advocacy Day

•Capital Hill Day

Engage your Members of Congress by taking action online

This Capitol Hill Call-In Day, we invite you to engage your Members of Congress by taking action online; calling your legislators; and engaging with these discussions on social media, using #WWV23 and tweeting at your Member of Congress.

•Leaders Are Readers – 3:30-4:00pm

Aisha Morales, WBAY-TV

Local leaders read with our childcare students – listen along on Facebook Live

Reading to children at a young age enriches their understanding of the world around them, enhances cognitive development, and helps them gain the language they need to express themselves. By reading to our children, we prepare them for future success, while building a foundation of empathy for others. Each day during Week Without Violence a different community leader will spend time reading to our childcare students. Everyone is invited to attend each reading virtually via Facebook livestream – follow us on Facebook to read along.

•Moving Ahead... Financial Workshop 5:30pm

REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP HERE!

Hosted by Laura Sinclair, BankFirst, snacks and raffle prizes

   

Learn about resources, financial safety planning and starting over, with the help of Laura Sinclair from Bank First. Learn the skills that makes sense to your situation, and move forward into financial independence. This workshop has been designed to help women achieve financial independence and rebuild their lives. The workshop covers a variety of important financial topics including budgeting, managing debt and improving credit and has been proven to help women and survivors move from short-term safety to long-term security. There will be snacks and raffle prizes along with opportunities to connect with other YWCA services and support groups.

Wednesday, October 18

Day of Action

•Leaders Are Readers – 9:30-10:00am

Amy Schaeuble, Executive Director of YWCA Greater Green Bay

Local leaders read with our childcare students – listen along on Facebook Live

Reading to children at a young age enriches their understanding of the world around them, enhances cognitive development, and helps them gain the language they need to express themselves. By reading to our children, we prepare them for future success, while building a foundation of empathy for others. Each day during Week Without Violence a different community leader will spend time reading to our childcare students. Everyone is invited to attend each reading virtually via Facebook livestream – follow us on Facebook to listen along.

•Community Conversations – 4:00pm

Digital Safety with Wise Women Gathering – Virtual Event

Please be sure to tune in at 4pm today to hear Tessa Lybert from Wise Women Gathering Place discuss digital safety with Andrea in the YWCA Community Conversation Series!

Thursday, October 19

Building Resilient Communities

•Leaders Are Readers – 3:30-4:00pm

Kathy Larkin, The Doug & Kathy Show 98.5 FM

Local leaders read with our childcare students – listen along on Facebook Live

Reading to children at a young age enriches their understanding of the world around them, enhances cognitive development, and helps them gain the language they need to express themselves. By reading to our children, we prepare them for future success, while building a foundation of empathy for others. Each day during Week Without Violence a different community leader will spend time reading to our childcare students. Everyone is invited to attend each reading virtually via Facebook livestream – follow us on Facebook to read along.

•YWCA National Town Hall  

Join YWCA USA for a dynamic discussion

More details will be coming soon.

•Social Media Storm

Join us for an engaging social media storm from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET, hosted by our team at @YWCAUSA!

On Twitter we will be discussing tech-facilitated gender-based violence, the harm it causes offline, and how to promote and ensure online safety. Participate in the conversation on social media by tagging us at @YWCAUSA and using #WWV23 (plus #WeekWithoutViolence or #WeekWithoutViolence2023 if spacing permits).

•Self Defense Workshop – 5:30-6:30pm

REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP HERE!

Learn from experts at the Green Bay Police Department who will lead this workshop empowering women to be safe

This self defense workshop is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. This program is a comprehensive course for women and girls that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. It is not a Martial Arts program.

Safety and survival in today’s world requires a definite course of action. The Police Department facilitators provide effective options by teaching women and girls to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well being. Register by October 18.

Friday, October 20

Stronger Together

•Leaders Are Readers – 9:30-10:00am

Jamie Tramte Brassfield, Family Childcare Resources of NEW

Local leaders read with our childcare students – listen along on Facebook Live

Reading to children at a young age enriches their understanding of the world around them, enhances cognitive development, and helps them gain the language they need to express themselves. By reading to our children, we prepare them for future success, while building a foundation of empathy for others. Each day during Week Without Violence a different community leader will spend time reading to our childcare students. Everyone is invited to attend each reading virtually via Facebook livestream – follow us on Facebook to read along.

Saturday, October 21

#SelfCareSaturday

•Strength, Cycling, and Yoga – 9:00am-12:00pm

Specialty exercise classes for the community.

Taking the time to engage in healing and self-care as a provider, advocate, activist, or survivor is an integral part of your own mental and physical well-being and will help make you an even more powerful advocate for your causes, clients, friends, and family members.

30 min. Strength class led by Personal Trainer Caitlyn Shebesta 8:30-9:00am 

Join Caitlin for a 30-minute strength-based class. With the use of ones own bodyweight, this class is suitable for all stages of fitness and will give you an effective full-body workout feeling empowered, strong, and confident, no matter what your goal is.

30 min. Cycling class with Regan Dahnert 9:15-9:45am

Join Regan for a 30-minute endurance ride appropriate for all levels! The ride will have a “power of positive thinking” theme. Whether you are a novice or seasoned cyclist, this class is for you.

   

90 min. Yoga & Meditation with Jaime Lee from Crazy Heart Yoga 10:00-11:30am

Join Jaime for an empowering yoga class building self confidence as you flow through life in-person and online. Learn to trust and listen to your inner voice and set boundaries to keep your heart safe.

These classes will be followed by light refreshments, and conversation. If you are a provider, advocate, survivor, or activist please join us for this free event. Space is limited, please register by October 20.

REGISTER FOR FREE CLASSES HERE!

•Self-Care Shopping Day – 10:00am-12:30pm

Special shopping hours this Saturday only at The Madison Street Boutique – 2nd floor of YWCA

Fishbowl of deals! Kick off your holiday shopping, engage with others, and feel the support of local women. 

If you have items in your closet you would like to donate bring them in!

Thank You to Partners and Participants for a Successful Event!

WFRV – YWCA teaches girls STEM without fear of competition with the boys

Posted on Updated on by Willow Stewart
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GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – When it comes to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, girls just want to have fun!

That’s the goal of the YWCA “TechGyrls” classes at NWTC all summer. The program teaches young girls that they can succeed in a male-dominated field. They gain a lot of hands-on experience in everything from engineering to welding.

Organizers say the most important element is that they’re learning in a space that is comfortable and non-competitive. 

“It takes an element of stress away,” explained Erin Hansel, NWTC Environmental Engineering Tech Instructor. “You don’t have to compete with male students. You can be a little rowdier, you can get all of the attention, and we can drop that gender stereotype when we are working.”

Any girl 8 to 14 can participate. Registration is on YWCA’s website.

Women of Vision Luncheon 2023

Posted on Updated on by Willow Stewart

2023 WOMEN OF VISION PHOTO GALLERY

View Photos Here!

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Please join us as we celebrate our 30th annual Women of Vision Luncheon! In 1993, The YWCA Greater Green Bay Women of Vision Luncheon was established to gather women to celebrate their power and to develop women as philanthropists in our community. The objective was to broaden the base of support for the YWCA Greater Green Bay programs and help improve the future for women, girls and their families in Brown County.

Our signature fundraising event connects YWCA Greater Green Bay supporters with our mission to eliminate racism and empower women and girls, while creating meaningful engagement through dynamic speakers, inspiring stories, and a fun atmosphere. With your continued support, the YWCA Greater Green Bay will grow and make sustainable impact across generations. Together, we are powering POSITIVE change.

Let's Build a Bold, Bright 
Future Together

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Time: 11am – 1pm  |  Doors Open at 10:30am
Location: Thornberry Creek at Oneida
4470 N. Pine Tree Road, Hobart, WI 54155
Cost: $65 – Individual Tickets  |  $565 – Community Tables 

For Corporate Tables and Sponsorships, please contact Marla Sparks at 715.851.1412 or [email protected]

Please register by Monday, April 24th

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Here's What to Expect

This year’s event is sure to make an impact and celebration of our success and community together!

  • A showcase of YWCA’s outstanding programs and impact

  • Inspiring stories from YWCA program participants, volunteers,
    staff and supporters

  • Compelling local speakers featuring the past, present and future

  • Presentation of the Sharon Resch Scholarship Award
    and Volunteer Award

  • FUN!!!! Silent Auction, Wine Wall, 50/50 Raffle, 
    Bellin Health Photo Stop, Special Raffle and More!

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Laura Laitinen-Warren

Dr. Laura Laitinen-Warren is a proud member of the Oneida Nation with over 25 years of work experience in a variety of leadership positions. She currently serves as the Training & Development Director as well as a Trustee for the Board of Education for the Green Bay Area Public School District.

A strong advocate for the community she represents, she has served as President of the Oneida Nation Arts Board and as a trustee on the Board of Directors for the Multicultural Center of Green Bay. She has also advocated for the wellbeing of children throughout our community by her involvement with the GBAPS Title VI American Indian Parent Advisory Committee and the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee. She was identified as one of “Wisconsin’s 38 Most Influential Native Americans” in 2020.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in social welfare, a master’s degree in educational leadership and a certification as a Human Resources Professional, Laitinen-Warren recently completed her doctorate with research exploring how the racial identity and lived experiences of multiracial leaders influence their leadership.

Tara Yang

Tara Yang is the first Asian American City Commissioner for the City of Green Bay. She currently serves as the Chair for the Green Bay Equal Rights Commission. Yang was born and raised in Green Bay and received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin Madison. She is a tenured advocate for social justice and racial and health equity.

In 2022, Tara founded the first of its kind resource hub to serve the overall Asian American community in Northeast Wisconsin called the Asian American Resource Center (AARC). Yang is currently serving as the Executive Director Interim. As a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, Yang is bridging the gap between marginalized communities and key organizations in spaces such as health, education, housing, employment, food access, community policing, and economic development.

Yang’s family also owns an 18-year-old specialty Asian grocery store located in the heart of downtown Green Bay. She is a two-time award winner of the Young Professional of the Year Award from the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce and Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. In 2021, she was also recognized by Madison365 as part of Wisconsin’s Top 34 Most Influential Asian Americans.

Patty Payette

Honorary Chair-Founder of Women of Vision Luncheon and Women’s Career Closet

Patty Payette has been enjoying her retirement from the YWCA for the past many years. She continues to swim most days and has remained quite active within the community. Patty has been heavily involved with the UWGB Lifelong Learning Institute, serving on their Board of Directors and on the Curriculum Committee. Other community engagements include PEO, Green Bay Botanical Garden, Partners of HSHS St Vincent, St Mary’s, and the Brown County Community Women’s Club. She has an active family and church life and loves to travel. 2023 includes a trip to Spain and Portugal. But for real fun, Patty especially enjoys spending time with her friends and her naughty Cockapoo puppy, Lily. 

Aisha Morales

Host – WBAY Morning and Noon News Anchor

In 2016, Aisha had moved to Green Bay from Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she was a weekday reporter and weekend weather forecaster/storm chaser. She was a reporter and weekend anchor here in Green Bay for about five years before getting a major promotion, stepping in as an Action 2 News This morning Anchor and Noon Anchor after legendary Anchor Kevin Rompa retired.

She is also now WBAY’S first First Alert Fastcast Anchor, operating the First Alert Digital Desk where she adlibs top stories of the day, weather, traffic, all the while operating as her own sound operator and director.

As a big Green Bay Packers fan, Aisha could not refuse the chance to work in Green Bay. She loves the town and hopes to stay here for many years to come. She participates in several community committees on topics she is passionate about, including diversity/inclusion and environmental causes. She enjoys collecting records and going on walks. Exploring is her favorite thing to do!

Amy Schaeuble

YWCA Greater Green Bay Executive Director and CEO 

Amy has over 20 years of non-profit experience serving the Greater Green Bay area. Throughout her career, Amy has demonstrated a commitment to community service, a talent for mission-driven leadership, and a passion for meeting the diverse health and well-being needs of the Greater Green Bay community.  Amy enjoys being a partner in our shared mission to eliminate racism and empower women making a positive impact in our community.

2023 Awards

Sharon Resch Scholarship Award  

The Sharon Resch Women of Vision Scholarship Award was created and is funded by Sharon Resch, a true Woman of Vision. Women of Vision have a commitment to give back to other women in the Green Bay Area.  This scholarship award was created to encourage development in women and girls who are pursuing their goals of advancing their education. The scholarship award of $500 in total is given annually to a woman above the age of 18 who is seeking to continue her higher education and achieve learning success.  

Sharon Resch is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, fundraiser, dancer, teacher, humanist, cultural ambassador, and social worker.  She was the recipient of the International Trebbia Award 2016 presented by the Trebbia Foundation, Prague, Czech Republic, for her support of culture, music & art.

Supporting Life-Changing Programs

Women of Vision signature fundraiser is an inspirational opportunity to support life-changing programs that eliminate racism and empower women and girls in our community.

Every year, we deliver innovative programs and passionate advocacy in women’s empowerment, education, wellness, and social justice creating a positive impact on the lives of over 59,000 people in our community.

Powering Positive Change by Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women

That’s our mission.  Every single day, we get up and work hard to advance that reality. We’re proud of our impact in 2022 to help women, girls and families:

Women's Empowerment Services

  • YWCA Childcare Program – 100 families received affordable childcare with an anti-bias curriculum.
  • TechGYRLS® – 40 girls experienced hands on STEAM experiences at 12 different organizations in Green Bay.
  • YWCA Career Clothes Closet – Over 500 women who are seeking employment received free career-appropriate
    clothing and financial literacy classes and skills.

Health and Safety

  • YWCA Wellness Programs – served over 160 families per day through exercise and safety instruction classes.
  • Salud Para Todos – 7 exercise classes per week in Spanish language welcomed over 75 individuals on their health
    journey-including  healthy cooking/living classes and language tables.

Advocacy and Social Justice

  • YWCA Weekly Series – engagement of 6,000 views on social media channels, included topics: social determinates of
    health, workplace equity, and racial disparities and equip viewers to make a positive difference.

  • YWCA Intercultural DevelopmentTM – Training was provided for over 300 professionals in the Green Bay community.

Please join us as we reimagine the future for women, girls and their families. Join us so that we can strengthen our network’s infrastructure and unleash innovation, ensuring YWCA programs are agile & impactful. Because our work won’t be complete until women, girls and their families are equal, empowered and safe!

Sponsorship Opportunities

 

As a sponsor of Women of Vision Luncheon, you will demonstrate support for YWCA Greater Green Bay, serving women and families for 104 years. Event sponsorship connects your organization to YWCA’s powerful legacy and invests in the path ahead. We invite you to support our mission by becoming a sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact
Marla Sparks at 715.851.1412 or [email protected].             

2023 Sponsorship Packet

CLICK HERE

WBAY – YWCA Hosts Weeks Without Violence

Posted on Updated on by Willow Stewart
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GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – The YWCA is hosting its 28th annual Week Without Violence to raise awareness about domestic abuse and to support survivors.

Some events this week include a live Facebook broadcast of survivors’ stories, a self-defense class, a boutique pop-up shop taking donations for the Golden House shelter, and self-care on Saturday with yoga and meditation sessions. The YWCA staff says these events are free and open to the public as long as you register online.

“It helps educate those who may not feel confident about leaving an abusive situation or maybe helping one of their loved ones or coworkers, and just really giving them the tools and the confidence that they can leave a situation and still have a successful outcome,” YWCA Director of Communications and Development Marla Sparks said.

Action 2 News at 4:30 anchor Chris Roth was joined Tuesday by Amy Schaeuble, executive director and CEO of YWCA of Greater Green Bay, and Raquel Kaquatosh, the YWCA’s Women’s Empowerment Center coordinator.

They talked about how the needs in the community have changed since the first year of the program and this year’s focus on survivors. Watch the full interview above.

YWCA Supports Week Without Violence, October 17-22, 2022

Posted on Updated on by Willow Stewart

For nearly 30 years, YWCA has set aside one week in October as a week without violence—a week when YWCA joins as part of a global movement to end gender-based violence— and will be participating in local activities to raise awareness.

“YWCA Greater Green Bay’s focus on gender-based violence—which recognizes a spectrum of violence, including but not limited to, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and harassment, and which is too often compounded by experiences of racism and racial violence—allows us to address, educate, and take action around myriad issues that impact survivors and communities,” states Amy Schaeuble, YWCA Greater Green Bay’s Executive Director.

YWCA Greater Green Bay invites the community to participate in daily events:

  • Daily Facebook live Leaders are Readers
  • Facebook live Stand Against Racism event with Wise Women Gathering Place
  • Keynote Speaker-We Need to Talk…A Frank Discussion on the Spectrum of Abuse with New York Times Best Selling Author, Janine Latus on Wednesday, October 19 at 6pm
  • Self Defense Workshop with the Green Bay Police Department on Thursday, October 20, 5:30pm
  • Boutique Pop Up Shop benefiting Golden House 12-1pm (bring in an item from Golden House’s wish list and receive a free clothing item all day)

YWCA believes that everyone deserves to be safe and free from violence, abuse, and threats. However, compounding issues of gender-based violence and racism continue to impact the lives of countless women and their families across the United States. Women and girls of all ages, income levels, racial and ethnic communities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious affiliations experience violence in the form of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and trafficking, which is compounded by experiences of racism and racial violence. Please join us to raise awareness in the Green Bay community and beyond.

For information about participation or sponsorship for Week Without Violence, please contact Marla Sparks at 715-851-1412 or via email at [email protected] or register at bit.ly/3DEcLut

Green Bay Press Gazette – YWCA Greater Green Bay transforms Jackson Park into giant ‘equity’ board game as part of Stand Against Racism event

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GREEN BAY – The game piece you might choose at this Green Bay YWCA event depicts a 52-year-old Indigenous woman with no children who took time off from her career to pursue a PhD.

After returning to her profession as an executive in the finance and insurance industry, the character featured in this game earns 71 cents for every dollar earned by a white man.

Except, it isn’t really a game. Her salary was calculated using reports from the 2022 State of the Gender Pay Gap Report and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The “Game of Equity” is one activity in the four-day signature event called Stand Against Racism, organized by YWCA Greater Green Bay. The event at Jackson Park started Thursday and continues through Sunday.

Depending on the piece you play, the game invites you to imagine what life could be like as a 27-year-old white woman with a young child and a bachelor’s degree, a 36-year-old Hispanic woman without children and a master’s degree in business, the aforementioned Indigenous woman, or a 40-year-old Black woman with two children and a master’s degree.

Their circumstances change the outcome of their wages, explained Amy Schaeuble, executive director of YWCA Greater Green Bay, depending on whether they’re a mother, if they took time away from work, their age and their race or ethnicity.