onegreater los angeles

Working together for peace, justice, freedom, equality and dignity.

pg 2 2014 Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon

WHAT’S INSIDE

pg 2 Faye Washington Addresses Senior Executives at Xerox

February/March 2014

Michael’s StoryWelcome to ONE VOICE,

ONE MOVEMENT, ONE VISION.

If you would like to receive One Voice via email, please email monica.galindo@ywcagla.org.

pg 3 Women Behind the YWCA Greater Los Angeles

Michael’s Story continued on page 5.

More than three years ago, Amelia Vallejo was expecting her sixth child. During this time of usual joy and excitement, her doctors unveiled some shocking news.

“While I was pregnant, my doctors told me that my baby boy had Down’s syndrome or that he could even be stillborn,” shared Amelia. “When Michael was born, the newborn screening tests determined that he has a rare syndrome which has yet to be identified. He is deaf/mute and they said he would never walk or talk.”

Now navigating this new road of having a special needs child, Amelia turned to the place where she had entrusted her other children, the YWCA Greater Los Angeles Union Pacific Empowerment Center.

“Michael was two months old when he began attending Child Development at YWCA Greater Los Angeles Union Pacific Empowerment Center. We’ve been at the center since it opened in 2003. The staff is like family. I knew I could turn to them for direction, guidance, and help for Michael,” continued Amelia. “His teachers immediately connected with Michael and showed dedication to his development. Jessica Gonzalez, one of Michael’s teachers, has been with him from the beginning. She is extraordinary. She is my angel.”

Michael responded well to the extra care and attention he received from his teachers. At the age of two, Michael shocked everyone by doing something doctors believed impossible – he walked.

“Beyond walking, he is also learning to communicate through sign language. He has moved up to the toddler room and can follow a daily routine. He can even do a six piece puzzle. We are so pleased with his progress,” shared Adriana Alvarado, YWCA Greater Los Angeles Union Pacific Site Director, Child Development Services. “A couple of my teachers even chose on their own to take sign language courses to better communicate with him. We are all proud of Michael’s accomplishments and we pour into him as well as all of the children who attend our program.”

Special needs child flourishes in YWCA Greater Los Angeles Union Pacific Empowerment Center Child Development Program.

pg 6 Society of Benefactrix

“Listen to your heart. Finding out who you are is not simple. It takes time for the chatter to quiet down. In the silence of

“not doing” we begin to know what we feel. If we listen and hear what is

being offered, then anything in life can be our guide. LISTEN.....”

Faye Washington, YWCA Greater Los Angeles President and CEO on LA Talk Radio,

Thursday, January 30, 2014 discussingliving a talent/purpose-driven life, current projects

and the future of YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

We create a safe space to live, learn and grow.

PAGE 2

Join us Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel for the 2014 Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon. Often words

fail us when we attempt to express honor, appreciation, and thanks. The YWCA Greater Los Angeles Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon provides you with the

2014Phenomenal

Woman Awards

YWCA GREATER LOS ANGELES PRESENTS

SAVE THE DATE!M A Y 1 4 , 2 0 1 4 @ 1 1 A M

MARIANNE

WILLIAMSONInternaionally Acclaimed Spiritual Author and Lecturer

2014 Phenomenal Woman of the Year

opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation to women who have made a great impact in your life.

The Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon focuses on celebrating the great impact of individual women. The awardees are recognized for various reasons including career accomplishments and significant achievements, serving as a great role model, outstanding character, and dedication to community service.

During the two-hour ceremony, which includes a fabulous lunch, the honored women will receive:

• Recognition at the podium• Recognition in the event journal• YWCA Greater Los Angeles

Certificate of Recognition• Recognition on the Jumbotron• Special hallmark to be worn by

awardees at event Go beyond saying “thank you”. Join us in

showing honor and gratitude to the women who have impacted you most! For tickets, tables, and sponsorships visit ywcagla.org or contact Greg Richardson at (310) 659-5517.

#iamphenomenal

SMART PHONES

PAT

PRESCOTTHost of the 94.7

The Wave Morning Show2014 Phenomenal Woman Awards

Mistress of Ceremony

OMNI LOS ANGELES HOTEL $185 REGISTRATION PLUS FREE COPY OF MARIANNE’S LATEST BOOK, “A YEAR OF MIRACLES”

WWW.YWCAGLA.ORG

Thank you to our dedicated supporters!

Women Behind the YWCA Greater Los Angeles

PAGE 3

Women Behind the YWCA Greater Los Angeles continued on page 4.

community is great. The YWCA Greater Los Angeles provides stellar services through our five core initiatives – Child Development, Sexual Assault Services, Youth Services and Senior Services – that address some of our community’s greatest needs. Affordable childcare means that parents can work and provide for their family. The YWCA Greater Los Angeles offers a state-of-the-art program for families who could never afford that service otherwise. They are learning so much and growing as a family and are being giving the chance at a strong future. This allows working parents to really focus and thrive at work because they know their kids are safe and growing. Women who have been victimized and have endured sexual assault, they need the help we provide through counseling and supportive services. The seniors in East Los Angeles involved in our Union Pacific Empowerment Center need that safe place provided by YWCA Greater Los Angeles to engage with others. The positive energy that is going on there is contagious. These seniors are learning new things, participating in new activities and are out there thriving and really living. These are just a few examples of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles programs that help keep the community thriving.

“Nugget Moment”: what has been a special event or experience you have had while working at YWCA Greater Los Angeles? I remember one of my first events at the YWCA Greater Los Angeles was the Phenomenal Woman Luncheon where Maya Angelou was featured as the keynote speaker. I was star struck. Being in the same room with such an amazing and powerful woman was incredible. I also loved getting to meet Dolores Huerta. She is such an empowered woman and has done so much to fight for human rights.

What is something interesting about you that others might not know? I love the outdoors and enjoy camping with my family. We have gone to Tahoe as well as Big Bear and we plan to go to Yosemite this year. Being away from the city is so peaceful. I love working in the city, but I’m a country girl from Louisiana at heart.

Darnetta Dartest, Director of Human ResourcesMaria Elena Chavez, Center Director, Supervisor Gloria Molina Empowerment Center

Meet Darnetta Dartest, Director of Human Resources. When Darnetta joined the YWCA Greater Los Angeles almost 14 years ago, she began as the Human Resources Coordinator and moved up to Human Resources Manager seven years ago. Due to her creative and professional talents, she is the Director of her department. Previous to working at the YWCA Greater Los Angeles,

Darnetta worked for Washington Mutual in the Human Resources Department.

What is your vision for the Human Resources Department at the YWCA Greater Los Angeles? We strive to empower staff and provide high quality services. I very much enjoy watching the growth of our employees and the YWCA Greater Los Angeles team. The Human Resources department is dedicated to the continued training and success of our employees. To promote teamwork and a collaborative spirit, I have an open-door policy, which is key. Our business can often be challenging. Social services is helping to facilitate change and that can be tough work and sometimes discouraging. I love talking with our employees who are so committed to their work and the community. My job and vision is to provide them with tools so they can provide for the community. It is also vitally important that our managers have the training and tools to help their employees. A great manager makes a big difference for any department. We work to provide excellent benefits - this is empowering to our employees.

Why does the mission of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles resonate with you personally? This bold mission of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles is important because it encourages and reminds me that I’m important and that I can make a difference as a woman and in the lives of so many. It speaks to me. This pursuit is something for us to hold on to – to believe in. There are a lot of women who make a difference in this world. I love being part of a organization which supports women and honors them.

Why are you committed to your work at YWCA Greater Los Angeles? Why is it important from the community’s perspective? The need to enhance the Greater Los Angeles

O N E V O I C E

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O N E V O I C E

Women Behind the YWCA Greater Los Angeles

Meet Maria Elena Chavez, recently promoted to Center Director, Supervisor Gloria Molina Empowerment Center. Before being Center Director, Maria Elena was Project Manager for the Healthy Eating Active Living initiative. When Maria Elena joined the YWCA Greater Los Angeles almost four years ago, she was hired as a Program

Specialist with the youth program at the Union Pacific Empowerment Center. Maria Elena Chavez’ work has been greatly influenced by having been born and raised within the farmworker’s movement. She is the daughter of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers union and a niece to UFW Founder Cesar E. Chavez. Influenced by the important role of the visual and performing arts in the Chicano Movement, Chavez initially began her career in theater and film. As Center Director, what is your vision for the Supervisor Gloria Molina Empowerment Center? What is your vision for the programs you help administer to the community?I envision a center that is vibrant and overflowing with creativity and inspiration. It should be a place where all members of the community feel a sense of belonging. This will require a continued commitment to facilitating forums for two way communication between program staff and participants. The ultimate goal will be to effectively listen and respond to the needs of the community while simultaneously adhering to the YWCA Greater Los Angeles’ mission and vision.

This is a community that is very active and dedicated to improving their livelihood. I will do my best to offer programming which provides them the necessary tools to do so. I hope to offer diverse opportunities for educational attainment, recreational activities, cultural awareness and social engagement with a focus on Health and Wellness. I hope to increase the dissemination of information and access to resources through strengthening existing community collaborations and by forging new relationships. Why does the mission of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles resonate with you personally? I was born and raised in the United Farm Workers and was brought up in a family and community that was always engaged in the civil rights movement advocating on behalf of the underrepresented segments of society whether it be the working poor, people of color, women, or the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. I feel blessed that I can continue this work with

a resilient organization such as the YWCA Greater Los Angeles which has a long history of successes on behalf of the communities they represent. I say that with deep gratitude for all of the women in past generations who laid this solid foundation that we stand on today and who did so with a lot of personal sacrifice. Why are you committed to your work at YWCA Greater Los Angeles? Why is it important from the community’s perspective? Just as businesses and corporations are represented by the associations to which they belong, community members need associations that will advocate on behalf of their interests. In this day and age when resources are scarce due to budget cuts and a blatant disregard for the needs of the most vulnerable segments of our society by many in power, organizations such as the YWCA Greater Los Angeles serve as a necessary safety net. In addition to providing direct services, we connect the dots by bringing information to the community about the resources available throughout the community at large. We also encourage community engagement and leadership development and there is nothing more exciting than seeing community members become empowered by supporting legislative efforts that directly impact them. “Nugget Moment”: what has been a special event or experience you have had while working at YWCA Greater Los Angeles? While working as a Program Specialist at the Union Pacific Empowerment Center, I assisted one of our youth program participants, then middle school student Sandy Aguilar, in applying for the Richard Lindquist Academic Scholarship totaling $500 made available through her school. She was hesitant to apply and she was sure she would not be chosen. However, with a lot of persistence and steady encouragement, I was able to get her to apply and sat alongside her until the application process was complete. While I had no doubt that she was a top contender for not only this opportunity, as I could easily see her running for mayor or president someday, she wasn’t aware of her own power and strength. The icing on the cake was that she was indeed chosen and it was so exciting to see her transformation to a confident girl for whom attending Harvard University was no longer wishful thinking but a real possibility. What is something interesting about you that others might not know? On November 13, 2001, I became a living organ liver donor to my sister Juana Chavez who was in need of a liver transplant. We were among the earliest candidates for this innovative type of surgery that was being performed at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. I donated 70 percent of my liver in a twelve hour long surgery. Both of our livers fully regenerated afterward and I fully recuperated in a few months. Contrary to what one might imagine, it was a really beautiful experience and one that I am grateful to have been a part of. My sister and I are very close and she continues to be healthy and strong to this day.

O N E V O I C EO N E V O I C E

PAGE 5

At the beginning of 2014, Michael received admittance into an Los Angeles Unified School District Special Needs school. He continues attending the YWCA Greater Los Angeles program part-time.

“We are not a special needs program; however, Michael’s story goes to show the quality of teachers and program we uphold at the YWCA Greater Los Angeles. All of the milestones that Michael has reached and exceeded would not have happened without the support of passionate staff and the unrelenting love of his mother,” shared Norma Gonzalez, Union Pacific Empowerment Center Director.

“I feel very blessed and thankful that Michael gets to attend the YWCA Greater Los Angeles Union Pacific Empowerment Center Child Development program,” continued Amelia. “I see the love they have for him and how well they care for him. It has not been easy having a special needs child but we are grateful for wonderful people like Norma Gonzalez who have come around my family and help us identify resources.”

Michael’s Story continued.

“All of the milestones that Michael has reached and exceeded

would not have happened without the support of passionate staff and the

unrelenting love of his mother.”

Michael enjoys making a piece of art.

Michael loves to play in the water table.

Large muscle activities, like balancing on a board, further develop Michael’s mobility.

Dexterity and determination are growing as Michael practices his building skills.

YWCA Greater Los Angeles Service Locations:

To support the work of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles visit: www.ywcagla.org

O N E V O I C E

Sexual Assault Outreach Specialist, Olivia Alvarez closed out the activities of “Week Without Violence” with a Community Self-Defense Class at Union Pacific.

Supervisor Gloria Molina Community Empowerment CenterOpening Spring 2014! 7515 Pacific Blvd. Walnut Park, CA 90255Programs:Child Development, Sexual Assault Crisis Services

YWCA GLA at Osborne12059 Osborne Street Sylmar, CA 91331 Programs: Seniors, Transitional Housing

Angeles Mesa Empowerment Center 2501 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008Programs:Child Development, Sexual Assault Crisis Services

North Valley Child Development Center 11133 Omelveny AveSan Fernando, CA 91340Programs: Child Development

Faye Washington Youth Empowerment Center1020 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90015Programs: Job Corps, Workforce Training

Studio Club Empowerment Center1215 Lodi Place Los Angeles, CA 90038Programs: Transitional Housing

South Bay Sexual Assault Crisis Center920 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, CA 90813Programs: Sexual Assault Crisis Services

Felicia Mahood Senior Center11338 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028Program: Seniors

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Union Pacific Empowerment Center 4315 Union Pacific Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90023Programs: Childcare, Seniors, Youth

North Valley Empowerment Center1200 North Maclay Avenue San Fernando, CA 91340Programs: Child Development

Compton Empowerment Center 1600 E. Compton Blvd. Compton, CA 90221Programs: Child Development, Sexual Assault Crisis Services

greater los angeles

CREATING MOMENTUM FOR THE FUTURE

O N E V O I C EO N E V O I C E

PAGE 6

You are Our Partners, too!YWCA Greater Los Angeles works to align our

mission with our partners’ - whether corporate, foundation or individual - philosophies and carefully nurture these partnerships to Cultivate healthy communities.

We need your help! To become a corporate partner or to make an individual donation toward a program/service or specific Empowerment site, please visit our website at www.ywcagla.org/donations.

Thank you for joining together with us!

Society of BenefactrixBe a catalyst for change in Greater Los Angeles

Join the Society of Benefactrix in the month of March at the $500 level or higher and receive a $100 shopping voucher for Tiffany as our special thank you.

“We have a dynamic year planned for the Society of Benefactrix and to celebrate this we are encouraging all of those who have yet to join to sign up this month,” shares Rachel Kaloian, Vice President of Fund Development for YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

The Society of Benefactrix is an elite philanthropic group of women who epitomize the values of YWCA Greater Los Angeles and who fundraise for those issues facing women and girls in our community. The group generously supports YWCA Greater Los Angeles community programs and acknowledges the achievements of individuals who uphold YWCA Greater Los Angeles core values of empowering women and eliminating racism.

Thank you Benefactrix! Your support allows us to uphold the YWCA Greater Los Angeles core values of empowering women and eliminating racism.

For more information about the Society of Benefactrix, contact Laureen O’Hara, Donor Relations and Events Coordinator at (213) 251-1329 or laureen.o’hara@ywcagla.org.

greater los angeles

The YWCA Greater Los Angeles is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Become a member today and ADD YOUR voice to help change YOUR community and empower lives! Scan the QR code or visit ywcagla.org/membership for more information.

The YWCA Greater Los Angeles:Safe space to live, learn and grow.

Officers:Eleanor Beasley Board Chairwoman

Lisa D. Cagnolatti Board Vice Chair

Alva P. Adams-Mason Secretary

Patricia Keane Treasurer

Elected Members:Margaret Leong Checca

Dr. Annalisa EnrileGerald M. FordMaria L. Garcia

Vivian D. Howell Amanda J. Lee

Patricia Reed-Cunningham

Faye Washington President and CEO

YWCA Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors

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StayConnected.

1020 S. Olive Street, 7th FloorLos Angeles 90015

On January 11, 2014, Faye Washington, YWCA Greater Los Angeles President and CEO joined the Swearing In Ceremony for State Senator Holly Mitchell which was performed by Attorney General Kamala Harris. Ms. Washington congratulates State Senator Holly Mitchell for this great accomplishment.

YWCA Greater Los Angeles Congratulates State Senator Holly Mitchell!

Thank you to our Partners!