YWCA TRI-COUNTY AREA

YWCA Tri-County Area Education and Training Center empowers individuals to find freedom and dignity through education and employment. The ETC offers Adult Basic Education classes, high school equivalency preparation and training, English as a Second Language/Civics classes, and support for adults seeking to build employment skills: resume building, interviewing practice, job search strategies.

Dignified Advancement Workforce Navigation is an individualized approach to long-term, meaningful employment for adults. DAWN workforce navigators are AmeriCorps members who work one-on-one with adults and Opportunity Youth so that they may achieve their educational and employment goals. AmeriCorps DAWN members support participants as they gain job readiness skills and knowledge needed to obtain and maintain employment - skills assessment, goal setting, resume writing, digital literacy, job search and placement, interview practice, financial literacy, and more.

The Education and Training Center operates in Pottstown and Norristown.

YWCA Tri-County Area works to empower women and girls economically, occupationally, socially, and emotionally. Healthy Pathways Project helps girls develop resilience, adopt healthy habits, and build confidence and leadership skills. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, YWCA Tri-County Area hosts a variety of advocacy and educational events, including the Week Without Violence. Tribute To Exceptional Women, and Tribute to Exceptional Girls, honor local women and girls each year for their achievements in their professions, in their communities, and in their schools.

YWCA Tri-County Area advocates for racial, gender, and social justice. On a local level, YW leads community discussions on topics such as racism and diversity. On a national level, we participate in YWCA USA’s legislative advocacy agenda, and help move forward legislation which supports our mission.

YW takes a program-informed approach to its advocacy, drawing on the expertise and resources of the national organization and focusing on the practical solutions that meet the needs of women, girls and families in the marginalized communities we serve.

A core component of YWCA Tri-County Area’s work is a dedication to eliminating racism. This mission is infused into each of our programs, at every age level. We recognize racism as an adverse childhood experience. We participate in YWCA USA's annual Stand Against Racism each April.

Foster Grandparents Program, a program of the Senior Corps of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service, provides older adults with opportunities to give back to their community while improving educational outcomes for children. Foster Grandparents matches adults 55+ with children who need a little extra attention to progress in school. Foster Grandparents help children improve literacy and math skills and build communication and social skills. Older adults who are income-qualified receive a stipend for their service.

Dignity Kitchen is a commercial kitchen located in the Montgomery County Human Services Center in Norristown. Dignity Kitchen provides home-delivered meals for seniors and other homebound residents, prepares meals for residents displaced by natural disasters, and provides daily breakfast and lunch for workers in the Human Services Center. Dignity Kitchen also is a culinary arts training program, using the Catalyst Kitchen model for social enterprise in food service.