YWCA St. Paul

YWCA St. Paul has been improving the quality of life of the people in its community for more than a century. While programs have changed to meet the evolving needs of its community, YWCA's dedication to its mission-—eliminating racism and empowering women—has remained steadfast. YWCA advocates for social change by combating racism, sexism and economic inequities; promoting self-determination; enhancing physical and emotional well-being; and supporting volunteers in fulfilling community needs. Our primary service area is Ramsey County. In 2016, our programs helped 604 people (198 families) overcome homelessness, 120 young people reach for their full potential, 839 people gain skills to overcome barriers to employment and self-sufficiency, 3,583 people grow strong in body and mind. Our strategic direction is:

- Provide safe, affordable housing & supportive services to homeless families
- Create a path to success for youth and young adults
- Assist youth & adults overcome barriers to employment, job retention and self-sufficiency
- Empower women, children and families to pursue healthy lives
- Eliminate racism in every encounter
- Partner with external organizations to enhance and expand quality services
- Build institutional resources to maintain and enhance services

Whether helping homeless families to make a new start, empowering young people to build bright futures, teaching skills to support self-sufficiency or putting better health within reach, YWCA helps people create change in their lives. YWCA programs in four service areas (Housing & Supportive Services, Youth Development, Employment & Economic Development, Health & Wellness) respond to urgent community needs and produce enduring benefits to the community. Our strong working relationships with other providers, schools, government agencies and businesses provide clients and families a full range of services without duplicating services.

YWCA services combat racism, sexism and economic inequities; promote self-determination and leadership skills; enhance physical and emotional well-being; and support volunteers in fulfilling community needs. YWCA St. Paul contributes to the strength and vitality of its community by providing opportunities, services and support that help people improve their quality of lives. Our services, which are concentrated in the high impact areas of employment, affordable housing, youth development and health, employ a holistic, family-centered approach. People build their skills, solidify their confidence and motivation, and prepare to live healthier, safer, more productive lives as engaged community. While our success is often measured by specific improvements that participants experience in their quality of life, YWCA's impact extends beyond individual achievements. By changing lives for the better, YWCA supports the strong, healthy families that are the prerequisite of a strong, healthy community.

Our organizational priorities reflect issues that are of acknowledged concern community-wide and are consistent with our mission and expertise. We work toward the common good by building partnerships with like-minded people and organizations as well as open communication with diverse people and entities. Collaborating agencies coupled with volunteer involvement create a network of information, contacts, resources and referral sources that support YWCA programs in virtually every aspect of operation. We advocate for systemic change by sharing lessons learned, using our sphere of influence to increase the visibility of our cause and leverage linkages and resources via memberships in community coalitions, policy making bodies and more.

extensive network of collaborating and partnering organizations:

Best Practices & Consistent Environments: Programs are rooted in research-based methods and adhere to best practice standards. Through collaborative relationships and participation in industry-related groups, staff stay abreast of industry changes, learn from other providers and help build the knowledge base that benefits people in crisis and transition. Safe, consistent environments and supportive emotional climates communicate clear expectations and reinforce positive social norms.

Participant-driven Programming: Input, feedback and peer support are important tools that empower participants and communicate our respect for them. A series of forums and methods, incorporated into each program's model keep participant voices in the forefront.

Building Positive Connections: Participants build a network of supports to help them combat barriers, strengthen competencies, and better function as a family and community members.

Personal Supports: Healthy families are at the heart of YWCA programs. Parents are supported as key decision-makers and their child's first, most important teacher; parenting workshops and family-driven activities encourage positive interaction between family members, build peer support, and promote a sense of community among YWCA families.

Institutional Supports: Participants are empowered by facilitating relationships between them and their community. Families are referred to other providers for services as needed and also learn how to access them should they need services post program departure.

Network of Collaborating Agencies: Our extensive network of partnering organizations ensures the exchange of information and materials, training opportunities, referrals of participants and services, and identification of partners known to provide quality services.

While YWCA programs have helped thousands of women, children and families live healthier, more productive lives through its many years of service to the community, record numbers of people still struggle with poverty and unemployment and associated problems. YWCA remains committed to delivering services that strengthens its community via services that equip people to effect changes in themselves and empower them to take responsibility for their lives. Addressing urgent issues in our community through service to people in need the hallmark of YWCA St. Paul will continue to drive our efforts. YWCA St. Paul will continue to work with our community to improve the life outcomes of under-served populations through collaborative program approaches that meet community needs, enhance community assets, and provide opportunities for people to build a better life for themselves and their children with priority on: (1) Advancing economic self-sufficiency by assisting un/under employed to overcome barriers to employment and job retention; and (2) Promoting independent living and self-sufficiency via safe, stable housing, housing retention and supportive services (e.g., access to quality education, health and human services) for homeless and nearly homeless families.