our voice ywca eliminating racism empowering women

YWCA WESTMORELAND COUNTY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Fall 2015

YWCA Westmoreland County • 424 North Main Street • Greensburg, PA 15601

724.834.9390 • fax: 724.834.9391• www.ywcawestmoreland.org Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

contents

2 A Message from Kathy

3 2015 Fashion Show

4 Literacy Program

5 Childcare

6 Thrift Shop

7 2015 Celebration of Unity

8 Technology Center

9 TechGYRLS

10 Health & Wellness

11 Event Photo Gallery

12 Fashion Show Appreciation

Mission: We are dedicated to eliminating racism,

empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Vision: We live and work in a community that

embraces equity, acceptance and diversity; and in which women and girls have opportunities for en-richment and advancement.

2015 - 2016 YWCA Board Members Angela Apple

Christine Black

Linda Gioia Simon

Diane Hightower (Second Vice President)

Jackie Johns

Nicolina Kelly

Betsey Larese (Secretary)

Sharon Marks

Luanne Matta

Karen Struble Myers (Treasurer)

Stacey Nedrow-Ross

Carlotta Paige

Jessica Rafferty (First Vice President)

Kathy Raunikar (Executive Director)

Faye Rosatti

Danielle Shaffer

Norma Skillings (President)

Sharon Sparks

Carlene Williams

Tina Wodzinski

YWCA Executive Staff Kathy Raunikar, Executive Director

Diana Basick, Thrift Shop Director

Marae Johnston, Childcare Director

Gina McGrath, Technology Director

Nikesha Moore, Marketing/Wellness Prog. Coord.

Maggie O’Leary, Literacy Program Director

Cheryl Angus, Fiscal Manager

Betty Hammer, Fund Development Consultant

2

A Message from Kathy

STRATEGIC PLANNING

One year ago we embarked on an information-gathering

journey. Our destination was the development of a strate-

gic plan that would guide the direction of the organization

over the next five years. On this journey, we sought input

from Board members, staff, members at large and commu-

nity members. We enhanced our organizational vision and

developed three priority areas to support the achievement

of our mission and vision. Our priority areas are Program

Development and Delivery, Community Outreach, and Fi-

nancial Stability. We worked together to define long range

goals, strategies, and objectives. We have reached our des-

tination. We have a plan! Strategic thinking will be a key

element as we travel forward. I like Henry Mintzberg’s

analogy (1994) in which he described strategic planning to

“finding the dots” and strategic thinking to “connecting the

dots.” With a solid strategic plan in hand, our new ongoing

journey of implementing and evaluating or “connecting the

dots” begins!

Here are some highlights from the 2016-2021 Strategic

Plan:

Program Development and Delivery

We will continue to deliver quality programming that sup-

ports our mission and serves the needs of the community.

Strategies include supporting parents in meeting their needs

by providing safe, affordable, nurturing and enriching

childcare programming; giving adults and families the op-

portunity to acquire the literacy skills needed in order to be

effective in their roles as members of their families, com-

munities and workplaces; serving as a facilitator and lead-

ership organization for issues related to racial justice;

providing education and advocacy to promote diversity and

cultural competence; ensuring that all people, especially

women and girls, have access to computer technology that

is often necessary for success at work, school and home;

increasing the purchasing power and promoting the eco-

nomic empowerment of women and families by providing

affordable choices for clothing and household goods;

providing recreational and enrichment activities for person-

al fulfillment; and collaborating with other organizations

and nonprofits when appropriate to enhance or expand pro-

gram offerings.

Community Outreach

We will strive to promote awareness throughout West-

moreland County of our mission-driven programs and ser-

vices. Strategies include leveraging Board, staff, volunteers

and participants who are able to share stories of how the

Kathy L. Raunikar

Executive Director

YWCA positively impacts their lives and their communi-

ty; leveraging YWCA’s increasing national presence;

hosting events and sponsor programs and trainings

throughout the county; seeking collaboration opportunities

with other county organizations and nonprofits; optimiz-

ing use of electronic marketing through social media plat-

forms, email and the website; redesigning brochures and

printed media to consistently convey mission impact; opti-

mizing marketing opportunities through a variety of media

outlets (newspapers, radio, TV, billboards).

Financial Stability

We will advance our long term financial health and sus-

tainability. Strategies include identifying the scope of our

Fund Development Plan; summarizing recent perfor-

mance; reviewing and strengthening our fundraising

“Case for Support”; evaluating and enhancing our Fund-

raising events; strengthening our major gifts program;

setting a fundraising goal; improving our Planned Giving/

Endowment Program; developing a fundraising calendar;

planning for corporate and foundation program grants.

The entire strategic plan can be found on our website

at www. ywcawestmoreland.org.

3

2015 Fashion Show

2015 GIRLS IN PEARLS FASHION SHOW

Everyone loves a bargain and a great time. So, what was not to love about the 2015 YWCA Westmoreland County

Girls in Pearls Fashion Show Fundraiser featuring clothing from our Thrift Shop? Over 300 people gathered on

Monday, August 17, 2015 at Rizzo’s Malabar Inn, in Crabtree for an evening of fun, food, frills and fashion in cele-

bration of this year’s theme, “Lovely in Lace.” This year’s show recorded the highest attendance in the history of

the event. The “Lovely in Lace,” fashion show had 21 models, including three special guests:

Sister Lois Sculco, Seton Hill University, VP for Institutional Identity and Mission

Dr. Sharon Smith, University of Pittsburgh in Greensburg, PA, President

Dr. Tuesday Stanley, Westmoreland County Community College, President

Pittsburgh designer Kiya Tomlin delighted the crowd again this year as the celebrity emcee. We would like to thank

everyone who has helped make this year’s event a huge success. We are deeply grateful to all of our guests, volun-

teers, donors, sponsors, models, YWCA Board Members and the YWCA staff.

THANK YOU 2015 FASHION SHOW SPONSORS!

ALENCON LACE SPONSORS: Dollar Bank Treasury Management

Rosine Dull, Never Enough! Boutique

Tidwell Realty

PRINCESSE LACE SPONSORS: Contempo Artistries Salon

Barbara VanKirk, IQ Inc.

4

FROM THE DESK OF MAGGIE O’LEARY, LITERACY PROGRAM DIRECTOR FALL EDITION 2015

Literacy Program

To every volunteer who helped make this year’s used book sale

a success, we say...

TUTORS NEEDED

The Adult Literacy Program and English as a Second Language Program are looking for tutors and conversation

partners.

There will be a mandatory Orientation on Thursday, October 29, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for anyone inter-

ested in becoming a tutor.

The Training Workshop for tutoring is going to be held on the following days:

Thursday, November 5, 2015: Workshop Session I

Thursday, November 12, 2015: Workshop Session II

Thursday, November 19, 2015: Workshop Session III

To register for Orientation and the Training Workshop for tutoring, please call Maggie O’Leary at the YWCA

Westmoreland County office at 724.834.9390 X106.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Why wait for next semester’s classes to start? Join us now as we are excited to improve and develop your skills.

Please call the YWCA Westmoreland County office to register at 724.834.9390 X106.

OUR CLASSES ARE CURRENTLY IN SESSION

LEVEL DAYS TIME

Beginner Student Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Intermediate Student Mondays & Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

“CHILDREN ARE MADE READERS ON THE LAPS OF THEIR PARENTS.” ~EMILIE BUCHWALD.

5

Childcare

KIDZ ZONE NEWS: MT. VIEW & BAGGALEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

The YWCA Westmoreland County is committed to supporting parents in meeting their children’s needs. The Kidz

Zone before and after school program provides affordable care in a supervised, safe, secure, and nurturing environ-

ment. The Kidz Zone Program is licensed by the PA Department of Welfare to operate a Child Care Center serving

children enrolled in grades K-6. We have a few openings in the after school programs at both schools. The program

begins at dismissal and runs until 6:00 p.m. For more information or to register, please call 724.834.9390 X117.

PRESCHOOL NEWS!

The YWCA 2015-2016 Preschool year is already in full swing. We welcomed both some new and familiar faces this

year into the 3 and 4 year old preschool programs.

September’s lessons enhanced the opportunity for children to get to know each other, to learn about families, and to

even find out more about themselves. We went camping, picked some apples, and began learning our ABC’s and

123’s as the foundation for future development.

October’s lessons focus on the change in the seasons and diversity in the classroom, at home, and in the community.

The children were visited by our own Maintenance Director and Volunteer Firefighter, Matthew Kolbosky, who dis-

cussed the importance of Fire Safety.

November’s Preschool Open House is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2015, immediately after class for the 3

year old children. The 4 year olds will have their open house on Friday, November 13, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30

a.m. for the morning session and from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for the afternoon session.

Do you know of a child who was not ready to start preschool in September, but is ready now? Would they like to

join the fun and gain kindergarten readiness skills? If so, please contact Marae Johnston, Childcare Director, at

724.834.9390 X117 for a tour and enrollment packet. You may enroll your child in our program anytime, space per-

mitting.

PRESCHOOL CLASS INFORMATION

4 Year Old Preschool Class 3 Year Old Preschool Class

Must be 4 years old by September 1st Must be 3 years old by September 1st

Monday, Wednesday & Friday Tuesday & Thursday

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 9:30 a .m. - 12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. N/A

Monthly Tuition is $95.00 Monthly Tuition is $70.00

6

THE AREAS OLDEST

RESALE & CONSIGNMENT SHOP Follow us on Facebook for specials & announcements

www.ywcathriftshop.org

Are you ready for winter? The YWCA Thrift Shop is

ready! We have plenty of winter coats, jackets and sweat-

ers. Shop early for the best selection.

We are currently looking for volunteers to help with con-

signment. If you would like to learn more about volun-

teering at the Thrift Shop, please call Diana Basick,

Thrift Shop Director at 724.834.4339. Volunteer applica-

tions are also available at www.ywcawestmoreland.org.

YWCA THRIFT SHOP 2015 FALL SCHEDULE

CONSIGNMENT

Winter consignment will be from Monday, October 5,

2015 - Monday, January 4, 2016. Donations made

through consignment are accepted at the YWCA Thrift

Shop. Consignors agree upon a selling price for each

item. Consignors receive 50% if the item is sold. Cloth-

ing must be cleaned and pressed. The number of items

accepted per intake is 12. There is a required processing

fee of $1 for the 12 items. The consignment agreements

are valid for 30 days. Once 30 days have passed, it is the

responsibility of the consigner to collect their items or

their items become the property of the Thrift Shop.

Please call in advance to confirm consignment is open.

PA WORKWEAR

PA WORKWEAR, provided by the YWCA West-

moreland County is an opportunity for women to receive

interview and work clothing. Clients include women who

are:

Changing careers

Re-entering the work force from unemployment

Re-entering the work force from job training

Women are encouraged to call 724.834.4339 to schedule

an appointment with a personal clothing consultant.

Would you like to contribute to PA WORKWEAR by

donating? If so, we accept the following donations:

Trail or full size toiletries of shampoo

Conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and brushes

Deodorant, disposable shavers, and make-up

An assortment of these items as well as a calendar are

given to PA WORKWEAR clients. The PA WORK-

WEAR program is always looking for more maternity

wear, such as pants, jeans, tops, and sweaters.

Thrift Shop

YWCA THRIFT SHOP LOCATION

ADDRESS 221 South Maple Street

CITY & ZIP CODE Greensburg, PA 15601

PHONE 724.834.4339

YWCA THRIFT SHOP DAYS & HOURS

DAYS HOURS

MONDAY-SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

THURSDAY 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Winter Consignment Starts

Monday, December 21, 2015 - Saturday, January 2, 2016

Closed

Monday, January 4, 2016

YWCA Thrift Shop Re-opens

7

2015 Celebration of Unity

19th ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF UNITY

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Westmoreland County Courthouse Square

5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

“Respect - Equality - Dignity”

The Central Westmoreland County Unity Coalition in partnership with the YWCA Westmoreland County is holding

its 19th Annual Celebration of Unity on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, in the Courthouse Square from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30

p.m.

This year’s theme is “Respect-Equality-Dignity” and attendees are encouraged to wear R.E.D. The event will feature

a community style “street fair” which will allow attendees to view and learn more about the true diversity of our com-

munity. Community groups will be managing tables that attendees can visit for information, a learning activity, a

product, or a free sample of food. Theme-related art work created by our area children will also be displayed through-

out the square. Local entertainers will be performing and refreshments will be available. Your participation will help

us celebrate the diversity of our county and thus strengthen our community. The celebration will conclude with at-

tendees joining together to recite the Unity Pledge.

The Central Westmoreland Unity Coalition was started as a pro-active response to the Ku Klux Klan. The Unity Coa-

lition believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, the equality of all people, and the right of each

person to live free of discrimination and harassment. As such we pledge to work for the establishment of a communi-

ty in which harmony and justice thrive.

Pictures from the 18th Annual Celebration of Unity

8

Technology Center

TECHNOLOGY CENTER NEWS

Windows 10, the latest operating system for PC’s has

been released. We will be upgrading the computer lab in

December 2015 with new Windows 10 computers and

Microsoft Office 2016 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Pub-

lisher, Access and Outlook). We will continue to offer

technology classes on all electronic devices including

smartphones, tablets, and iPads.

We are conducting training at various libraries

throughout Westmoreland County. Check your local

library for more information.

We have been conducting customized trainings for

companies to provide the opportunity for their employees

to become more proficient in using the software needed

for their jobs. This eliminates many hours of frustration

and unproductive time. The employees are eager to learn

and grateful for this opportunity. We schedule trainings at

times and days that are convenient for you either on your

site or in our computer lab.

Join us monthly for answers to your technology prob-

lems. We meet the second Thursday every month from

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Registration is required. You are

more than welcome to bring your own device (BYOD) to

this session.

Technology Class Schedule is online at www.ywcawestmoreland.org We offer classes for all ages ~ Men and Women ~ Beginners to Advanced.

Only eight students per class and we teach at a slow pace. Private Tutoring for Individuals and Customized Business Training Available.

A great gift for the holidays or any occasion is a Gift Certificate for a Technology Class at the YWCA Westmoreland County. The gift certificate can be used towards any iPad, tablet, smartphone, computer class, or private tutoring. We offer private tutoring for any electron-ic device including smartphones, tablets, PC’s, and e-readers. Call 724.834.9390 X107 and ask for Gina McGrath, the Technology Director for more information.

GINA’S TECH TIPS

What is the main difference in electronic devices such as

smartphones, tablets and e-readers?

The main difference is the operating system. Think of

the operating system as the “Boss” on the device: Goog-

le’s operating system for an Android device, Microsoft

Windows operating system for a Microsoft device, iOS

operating system for an Apple device. These devices are

manufactured by many different companies such as Sam-

sung, Toshiba, Motorola, LG, HTC and Asus (to name a

few).

The other main difference is where you download the

apps for the device. On a device running the Google An-

droid operating system you use the Play Store. On a de-

vice running the Microsoft Windows operating system

you use the Windows Store. On a device running the iOS

operating system, you use the App Store.

Here’s a chart for a better explanation:

Operating System Where You Get the Apps

Google Android Play Store

Microsoft Windows Windows Store

Apple iOS App Store

9

TechGYRLS

TechGYRLS News

Our YWCA Yough Middle School TechGYRLS are preparing for the FLL® Robotics Challenge. The theme this

year is TRASH TREKSM, they will explore the fascinating world of trash. From collection, to sorting, to smart

production and reuse, there is more to your trash than meets the eye. More than 233,000 children ages 9 to 16

from over 80 countries will explore the fascinating world of trash. Mrs. Gail Burkett is coaching our

TechGYRLS. They will participate in two scrimmages and in the competition in January 2016. Good luck to our

team!

Our TechGYRLS Program continues to grow and thrive. TechGYRLS in Derry Area, Greensburg Salem and

Ligonier Valley Middle Schools will be participating in a Robolab I or Robolab II session this semester. We are

currently in the process of establishing this program in two other school districts in Westmoreland County.

Please contact Gina McGrath, Technology Director for more information at 724.834.9390 X107.

10

Technology Center

AM YOGA WITH NANCY MICHAELS This series is designed to focus on specific areas of the

body to strengthen and stretch muscles. This class will

help participants build strength, balance the body’s sys-

tem, increase body awareness, and increase energy

while learning specific postures.

Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Nancy Michaels, YOGA Instructor

Six week course fee per session for members: $45

Six week course fee per session for non-members: $55

Session I:

October 1, 2015 - November 5, 2015

Session II:

November 12, 2015 - December 17, 2015

T’AI CHI ~ FALL 2015

Linda Vucelich, Wellness/T’ai Chi/Qigong Instructor

Cost for members: $44

Cost for non-members: $54

KIDS POWER KARATE Girls & Boys ages seven to twelve

Thursdays 5:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Six week introductory course is $45.00

Winter Classes:

Thursday, January 21, 2016 - Thursday, February 25, 2016

Spring Classes:

Thursday, April 14, 2016 - Thursday, May 19, 2016

LITTLE NINJAS Girls & Boys ages four to six

Thursdays 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Six week introductory course is $40.00

Winter Classes:

Thursday, January 21, 2016 - Thursday, February 25, 2016

Spring Classes:

Thursday, April 14, 2016 - Thursday, May 19, 2016

INSTRUCTOR & CLASS LOCATION:

Lori Brantley, Director of the Kids Power Karate Program

PKSA KARATE

209 West Drive

Greensburg, PA 15601

REGISTER FOR KID’S POWER KARATE OR LITTLE NINJAS:

724.834.9390

COOKING TIME WITH SERGIO AT THE YWCA

All classes are held on Monday nights from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Please call 412.953.6424 to speak with Sergio Maragni, Italian Cooking Instructor for more information

2015 SCHEDULE

Monday, October 26, 2015 Shrimp Scampi

Monday, November 2, 2015 Limoncello

Monday, November 9, 2015 Veg Lasagna Alla Besciamella

Monday, November 16, 2015 Lamb Lollipops

Monday, November 30, 2015 Chicken Cordon Bleu

COMBINED T’AI CHI SCHEDULE

DAY DATE TIME

Tuesday November 3, 2015 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday November 10, 2015 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday December 1, 2015 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday December 15, 2015 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Heath & Wellness

11

Event Photo Gallery

Event Photo Gallery Event Photo Gallery

YWCA Westmoreland County Book Sale

Monday - Thursday: September 24 - 27, 2015

YWCA Westmoreland County Annual Girls in Pearls Fashion Show “Lovely in Lace”

Monday, August 17, 2015

12

424 North Main Street

Greensburg, PA 15601

www.ywcawestmoreland.org

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Greensburg, PA

Permit No. 385

return service requested

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Alencon Lace Sponsors:

Dollar Bank Treasury Management

Rosine Dull, Never Enough! Boutique

Tidwell Realty

Princesse Lace Sponsors: Contempo Artistries Salon

Barbara VanKirk, IQ Inc.

Save The Date!

2016 Girls in Pearls Fashion Show

Monday, August 15, 2016

YWCA Westmoreland County Annual Girls in Pearls Fashion Show

“Lovely in Lace”