2023 - A Year in Review

Dear YWCA Family,

Looking back on this year, I feel a great sense of pride in all that we have achieved together, by supporting one another and our community. Everything we do centers our mission, but here are some things that make me especially proud:

The YWCA continues to support local work around Reparations. Through our work of Eliminating Racism, we have fostered strong partnerships and utilized our networks and platforms to garner support for Reparations. This year, we hosted two film screenings on Prison Industrial Complex Abolition, our Racial Justice Workshops have served over 350 people, and we have held seven customized workshops, as we support other organizations on their racial justice journeys. 

In partnership with Land of Sky and My Daddy Taught Me That, the YWCA just went live with the GO Places program, supporting justice-involved young adults as they prepare for employment. In July, we hired the first community health worker in an official role at the YW - ever - and it feels like a game-changer.

I am really proud of the work we have done to address gender inclusivity both in our programs and in our physical space. We added a gender-neutral locker room, and menstrual products are now available in all restrooms and our lobby. Empowering Women is a core part of our mission and it is imperative that we pursue justice and provide support for all marginalized people including trans and non-binary folks. 

We are also navigating the challenges of early childhood education in our community. We recently received a three-year grant that includes racial justice and trauma-informed educator training and support. We are working hard to take care of our teaching staff by including more time for professional development and self-care because we know that an important part of Nurturing Children is nurturing teachers.

At the YW, we know that Promoting Health means more than physical fitness - it means providing a safe, inclusive environment for the youngest infants in childcare to elders pursuing their health and longevity. I’m proud of how we’ve worked to keep our building in tip-top shape and to make it the affirming, welcoming, clean space that our community deserves. 

I’m honored by the dedication of our staff, community partners, and donors, who have stuck with us through thick and thin. It’s the people - everybody has a part to play in making the YW’s impact happen within our community, and so I end this year with so much gratitude!

In Gratitude,
Diana Sierra, CEO

YWCA of Asheville