annual report 2013

The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

2 | ywca-gcr 2013 annual report

Dear Friends,

It is an honor to write this thank you letter to our new and lifelong supporters. We are so proud to present you with our meaningful 2013 service outcomes. Without your support, we would not have been able to do the hard and challenging, but rewarding and life changing work.

In 2013, we experienced some unforeseen changes, which leads me to my acknowledgment of an impeccable woman and leader. I would like to pay homage to our former Executive Director, Sherry Rounds. I thank Sherry for her effective leadership, natural kindness and motivating heart and spirit, creative program and fund development models/strategies, and her continued focus on moving the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. in a positive direction—all while staying true to our mission! Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do.

I would like to wish our former Director of Fund Development, Victoria Baecker, the best in her new endeavor. Victoria did incredible work during her tenure at the YWCA-GCR! Now, please welcome aboard Malissa Pilette-McClenon as our new Director of Fund Development, who brings us a burst of energy and experience. There are also a few new staff that I would like to welcome aboard, Gabrielle Polak and Carolyn King, Housing Coordinators, Joan Nimer, Front Desk Receptionist, Deirdre Berkley, Employment Training Coordinator, and Elizabeth Haller, Finance Assistant. Joan and Deirdre are Ready For Work graduates- Woo-hoo! They are all doing tremendous work at the YWCA-GCR.

I applaud all the staff at the YWCA-GCR, and our 2013 data is a true testament to their dedication to our mission and the women and children we serve on a daily basis. And let’s not forget how many men we support by providing them with homeless prevention services, three-day food packages and community meals.

Reflecting back on my predecessor’s description of the YWCA-GCR, including the 2012 theme, “I got you; we got you”, and understanding the real life stories and the journey that led the remarkable, resilient women to the YWCA-GCR, it is clear what makes the YWCA-GCR so special. Visualizing our mission in action has been refreshing. We’re doing what we say we are doing and can prove it! During my past almost four months as the Executive Director, I have come to know, that the YWCA-GCR is not just a non-profit organization, it is home. Did you know that many women have called the YWCA-GCR home for over 25 years—with nearly 40 years being the longest length of time a resident has lived at the YWCA-GCR? And we’re still counting, because the YWCA-GCR is home. There’s no place like the YWCA-GCR—the YWCA-GCR is truly home.

The 2013 Annual Report will testify to my message and I know our service outcomes will place a smile on your face and deeply encourage your continued lifelong support. We’ve proven, yet again, our services are needed, supportive, life changing and truly a lifelong experience that provides 360 degrees of support.

We will continue our legacy—HER-Story and remind those we serve that in the moment of doubt, struggle or wanting to give up, to remember this quote, “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me!” ~Ayn Rand, Novelist and Philosopher

Thank you. Truly,

Daquetta P. JonesExecutive Director ~Human Services is an essential part of life; a part of change!

Daquetta JonesExecutive Director

a letter from the executive director

Daquetta P. JonesExecutive Director

ywca-gcr.org | 3

CHRISTINE JOHNSTON President NYS Association of Health Care Providers

LISA LAGON Vice President Jaeger & Flynn Associates, Inc.

ywca-gcr board of directors

MARRI AVIZA Rumors Salon and Spa

DAVIA COLLINGTON Rensselaer County Mental Health

MEGHAN KEENHOLTS E. Stewart Jones, PLLC

MONICA KURZEJESKI City of Troy

LISA LEWIS The Troy Record

THERESA MOROUKIAN Mosaic Associates Architects

RHE POTENZA Truly Rhe

LORI V. QUIGLEY, PhD. The Sage Colleges

ELIZABETH SULLIVAN Jaeger & Flynn

BENITA ZAHN WNYT News Channel 13

RATNA RANDIVE Treasurer The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc.

HONORABLE ELIZABETH WALSH Secretary Rensselaer County Family Court Judge

ywca-gcr staffDAQUETTA JONES

Executive Director

BONNIE BENSON Director of Housing & Supportive Programs

VIRGINIA MARINELLO Director of Finance

JENNIFER NELSON Director of Employment & Educational Services

MALISSA PILETTE-MCCLENON Director of Fund Development

ELLEN RANDOLPH Director of Operations

STARLETTA SMITH Director of Transitional Housing & Family Services

GAIL BATCHELDER Front Desk Receptionist

SHARA BENDER Homeless Prevention Coordinator

DEIRDRE BERKLEY Employment Training Coordinator

RANDY BURNS Maintenance

ROBERTA FARRELL Front Desk Receptionist

EJAH GAY Front Desk Receptionist

ELIZABETH HALLER Finance Assistant

LISA HOTTE Women In Transition Peer Advocate

ANITA KEENER Front Desk Receptionist

CAROLYN KING Housing Coordinator

BESSIE MABEE Front Desk Receptionist

PRISCILLA MILLIGAN Housekeeper

MARY MILONE Housekeeper

DEBRA MYERS Housekeeping Supervisor

JOAN NIMER Front Desk Receptionist

GABRIELLE POLAK Housing Coordinator

CHARISMA SANTOS Women In Transition Peer Advocate

FAY SPARGO Adult Education Instructor

SUE STIERER Apartment Program Coordinator

JESSICA TREMPER Front Desk Receptionist

JACKIE WEAVER OMH Case Manager

2013 Supportive Services

MY SISTER’S CLOSET provides free next to new professional clothing for job interviews, new jobs and professional appointments as well as casual clothing for our residents and women from the community. A total of 87 clothing packages were distributed in 2013.

FITNESS CENTER provides exercise equipment, as well as assistance to women seeking to reach fitness goals. Women have found stress relief, improved cardiovascular performance, weight loss and increased self-esteem as a result of using the center. It was utilized approximately 456 times in 2013. We also had 51 new members of the community sign up and begin utilizing our fitness center this year.

COMMUNITY MEAL is a free weekly meal, open to the public, where staff assist residents with menu planning, shopping, and cooking, allowing them to enhance budgeting and basic life skills. Community members, staff, and college students also participate in meal preparation, serving, and clean-up. Meals often include speakers and outreach coordinators from outside agencies on topics such as education, wellness, health insurance, preventative services, and more. A total of 2,798 meals were served during 2013.

FOOD PANTRY provides a three day (nine meal) emergency food package for both YWCA-GCR and Rensselaer County residents. The food pantry is open Mondays (2:00 - 4:00 p.m.) and Tuesdays - Thursdays (1:00 - 4:00 p.m.) During 2013, 19,359 meals were provided.

SALLY CATLIN RESOURCE CENTER (SCRC) provides four computers with internet access for recreational use, such as Facebook, a lounge area for visiting with friends and family, and local resource information and materials. The SCRC was utilized 4,537 times during 2013.

SOLUTIONS TO END HOMELESSNESS PROGRAM (STEHP) is a homeless prevention program that provides case management and financial assistance to community members who are facing eviction. Participants learn new: budgeting strategies, employment enhancement skills, resume/cover letter writing, and home organization techniques. STEHP encourages community resource connections regarding: subsidized housing, appropriate benefit and entitlement procurement, medical care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and health insurance. In 2013 the YWCA-GCR prevented 26 families and 31 children from becoming homeless.

COMMUNITY PHONE provides free phone access for residents and guests making professional phone calls pertaining to housing, financial situations, employment/education, transportation, legal issues or healthcare.

READY FOR WORK TECHNOLOGY CENTER provides nine computers with internet access for Ready for Work classes. They are available by appointment to residents enrolled in on-line college courses, conducting research, performing job searches, looking for housing or practicing computer skills. A total of 72 women utilized the Technology Center approximately 1,502 times in 2013.

The population of the YWCA-GCR varies from year to year. Many women choose to reside here while “getting back on their feet” while others choose to make the YWCA-GCR their permanent home. In 2013, 170 women and 60 children lived in YWCA-GCR housing. The following are the demographics and characteristics of the women we served.

RACEAsian 1%African-American 45%White 35%Hispanic 14%Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 1%Multi-racial 5%Native American 1%

AGE18-20 6%21-30 35%31-40 14%41-50 20%51-60 18%61-70 6%71-up 2%

CONDITIONSubstance Abuse 35%Domestic Violence 30%Mentally Ill & Chemically Addicted 21%Mental Health Diagnosis 55%Physical Disability 12%2 or more of the above conditions 44%Developmental Disabilities 7%

HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATIONDid not complete high school 33%Did not complete junior high school 5%Completed GED 15%Graduated high school 38%No schooling completed 1%Secondary school 8%

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2013 Finances

2013 Funding Sources

City of Troy Emergency Solutions Grant

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program

US Department of Housing & Urban Development

New York State Office of Mental Health

New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance

United Way of the Greater Capital Region, Inc.

For the year ending December 31, 2013

REVENUEGovernment Funding & Grants $609,442Program Revenue 389,869Donations & Contributions 39,332Daycare Rental 68,181Memberships 2,165Fundraising 58,561Investment & Interest Income 20,220Other 18,426TOTAL $1,206,196

EXPENSESProgram Services $1,275,578Management & General 83,644Fundraising 11,805TOTAL $1,275,578

Increase (decrease) in net assets $ (164,834)

Net assets at January 1 $4,983,458

Net assets at December 31 $4,818,627

* This report is based on non-audited information** Expenses include $165,573 for Depreciation which is a non-monetary expense and gets added back into total assets at the end of the year

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ywca-gcr supportive housing women in transition (wit)

The WIT Program provides 14 rooms for homeless single women and children, and is designed to assist with multiple barriers to permanent housing: lack of employment, education, and life skills, mental illness, prior incarcerations, substance abuse, and domestic violence. The goal is to provide the skills and resources these residents need in order to transition into permanent housing. Participants are required to set goals, complete household chores, work with at least two community service providers, and attend weekly meetings.

During 2013, 63 women and 51 children resided in the YWCA-GCR’s WIT Program.

coty“My story is complicated. I don’t know how to explain it. I was all over the place,” says Coty, in her usual soft-spoken way. She had been suffering from bad post-partum and began abusing alcohol and drugs, which resulted in a CPS [child protective services] case. At the time, she was homeless and her sister was living at the YWCA-GCR. Her sister would put in for over-night passes so Coty could sleep on her floor. At her sister’s urging, she put her name on the waiting list and was able to move into the YWCA-GCR too. She went to rehab in September and the following January she was able to get her daughters, Dion and Emmi back.

The majority of the housing at the YWCA-GCR is permanent (SRO – Single Residency Occupancy), there are additional rooms for our WIT (Women in Transition) program. Women living in the WIT program are required to set goals, complete household chores, and attend a weekly educational meeting, and meet with their community service provider. Individuals also have a curfew and are required to sign in every night. Peer counselors are available to assist and advocate for WIT residents, as well as meeting individually on a weekly basis to monitor individual growth, progress, and compliance with WIT policies.

For Coty, this kind of structure and accountability has been very helpful. “It keeps me motivated to get my own place. It’s been an adjustment getting use to being on my own, but interacting with all of the other girls in the program has been really great. Plus the staff keeps me on track. When I feel the urge to use, I know I have someone to talk to and help me stay clean.” Before Coty moved into the YWCA-GCR, she felt like she was the only one going through these issues and it made her feel helpless and alone. “Knowing that there is always someone to talk to and support you, whether it is the staff or the other women has been the biggest help. I know I am not alone.”

Coty is looking forward to the future. She wants to go back to school and is focused on finding full-time employment. She can’t wait until she is able to get her own place that she and her children can call home and looks forward to working again. “Of course I worry about the future. I worry about keeping an apartment once I find one and not being able to find a job that pays enough to make that possible. The YWCA-GCR has given me confidence in myself that I never had before. That makes me feel hopeful and know I can do it.”

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ywca-gcr supportive

housing single room

ocupancy (sro)

Our 76 safe and affordable rooms for homeless women meet the diverse needs of the residents

at the YWCA-GCR. Community living provides shared bathrooms,

kitchens, and lounges. YWCA-GCR support staff are available to

all residents around the clock for assistance at various levels.

During 2013, 105 women resided in the YWCA-GCR SRO

Program. Length of stay for 2013:1-6 month stay 18%7-12 month stay 10%1-2 year stay 30% 2-5 year stay 22%5-10 year stay 12%10 years and up 8%Avg. Length of Stay 3.5 years

joan“My life is an open book; I don’t have anything to hide,” says Joan, and upon meeting her, you understand why. While she may have made some poor judgements, she has learned from them and rebuilt her life to focus on the future. Joan, a recovering alcoholic, was living at the YWCA-GCR in 2010, when she relapsed and found herself incarcerated again. When she was released, she contacted her advocate, Starletta, and says she was welcomed back with open arms. “Starr just opened the door right up for me. Everything has been uphill since then. I owe so much to her.”

Joan joined the Ready for Work program at Starletta’s urging. She was interested in joining because she thought it would help give her focus and get her life back on track – and she was right. “Up until Ready for Work, I didn’t really have any job experience. I was drinking all the time and had no purpose or drive. The program really helped me grow up. Ready for Work is the best thing going. There are so many opportunities out there, but you don’t even know about them. Ready for Work let me know about everything.”

Joan says she loves the YWCA-GCR because everything is right at hand. They help keep her accountable for her actions, which has been a big turning-point for her. Joan was doing so well in the WIT program, that she was able to transition into one of the YWCA-GCR’s Single Room Occupancy apartments. But, she says even though she is not in WIT anymore, she still checks in with Starr on a regular basis. “I can’t thank the staff at the YWCA-GCR enough for all of their support. Starr has been a big part of my change. She’s been there through thick and thin. There were a lot of late night phone calls, but she was always there and always willing to listen.”

After graduating from the Ready for Work program in November 2013, Joan was hired as one of the YWCA-GCR’s overnight receptionists. “Being 48 and trying to find a job is not easy, but the YWCA-GCR believed in me enough to give me a chance.” Joan thought she would be fearful of the future, but after hitting the milestone of a year of sobriety, she is surprised to find she is not. “After finally being sober for a full year, it’s not scary like I thought it would be. The YWCA-GCR has shown me that there is nothing to be afraid of, and I know if I fall down, they will be there to pick me up. The best thing about the YWCA-GCR helping me get my life back together is that I am now able to see my grandkids on a regular basis. Knowing that I will be around as they grow up is the greatest gift of all.”

ywca-gcr.org | 7

$10,000 or moreThe McCarthy CharitiesSEFCUSESCO, INC.

$9,999 - $2,500Bouchey Financial Group, Ltd.Groff Networks, LLCKaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc.The Robison Family Foundation

$2,499 - $1,000AYCO Charitable FoundationBBL Charitable FoundationCDPHPCollar City Clay GuildDwight Plumbing and Heating, Inc.E. Stewart Jones Law FirmGreater Capital Assoc. of RealtorsHilton Garden Inn Jaeger & Flynn Associates, Inc. Key BankPan Gregorian Charitable

Foundation of Upper NYPhoenix Life InsuranceSaratoga Casino & RacewaySt. John's Episcopal ChurchStewart's Shops

$999 - $500Esteves School of EducationMr. & Mrs. Paul & Alane HohenbergMs. Christy JohnstonMr. & Mrs. Norman & Micki Massry Massry Charitable FoundationPioneer BankPrice Chopper's Golub FoundationTri City RentalsTroy Savings Bank Charitable

FoundationTroy Web ConsultingHonorable Elizabeth Walsh

2013 ywca-gcr donors$499 - $250Mr. & Mrs. Wallace & Jane AltesMr. & Mrs. Abraham & Jean BolgatzChrist Church United MethodistDr. Cherie ClarkCorey Jamison ConsultingMr. & Ms. Don & Joan CsapossEmma Willard SchoolMs. Jan GallasMr. & Mrs. Barry & Karen GreeneMs. Corey JamisonMr. William Jamison &

Ms. Nancy BrownMs. Lisa LagonLori Schindler RealtyMs. Lois N. MaxwellMs. Theresa MoroukianNicoll & MacChesney Ms. Rhe PotenzaRensselaer County Regional

Chamber of CommerceRepeat Business SystemsMs. Eileen Riley RPIMr. & Mrs. Frank & Crissy SarratoriMs. Beth SullivanSupporters of Rensselaer Country

FTC – Elizabeth RileyTeal, Becker & Chiaramonte,

CPAs, P.C.The Sage CollegesTroy Area United MinistriesTruly RheUngerman ElectricMr. & Mrs. Donald &

Mary Ann WillettsWojeski & Co.

$249 - $100Ms. Mary AbbottMs. Dawn AbbuhlMs. Kathleen Johnson &

Mr. Ray Acres

acrhitecture +Ms. Deborah BriggsMs. Jacqueline CareyMr. & Mrs. Ron & Maria CarosellaMs. Joyce Quaranta ChupkaMs. Suzanne ClarksonMs. Phyllis ConroyMs. Lynn DanosMs Kathleen DonnellyMr. John DonVitoMs. Stacy DraperMr. & Mrs. John & Bonnie EricksonFaith Lutheran ChurchMr. & Mrs. John &

Mary Patricia GoogasMs. Mary Anne GronauMs. Sandy GullHalliday FinancialDr. Kathryn HenningsonMs. Alyson HessneyHonorable Kathleen JiminoMr. Charles JohnsonMs. Kathleen M. JohnsonMs. Kathryn A. KirschMs. Lynn KopkaMs. Monica KurzejeskiLaw Office of Geri PomerantzMs. Lisa LewisMs. Kathleen LissonDistrict Attorney Richard McNally, &

Karen Carlson, Esq.MicroKnowledgeMosaic Associates Architects NBT BankNew York Independent System

OperatorMs. Martha NewcombOur Lady of VictoryPfeil Hardware Ms. Susan PhillipsMs. Caryn PoskanzerMs. Elissa Prout

8 | ywca-gcr 2013 annual report

Dr. Lori QuigleyMs. Ratna RandiveMr. Bob ReidMeghan Reilly Keenholts, Esq.Rose & Kiernan, Inc.Ms. Sherry RoundsMr. Norman RoweRumors Salon & SpaMr. & Mrs. Stewart Jones &

Kimberly Sanger JonesMs. Anita SavoyMs. Wendy Joan ShotskySpiral DesignThe Susan O'Dell Taylor SchoolThe College of Saint RoseCongressman Paul D. TonkoTroy Savings Bank Music HallTulin R TureWakenda EnterprisesMr. James WalshWashington Park Association

$99 or lessMs. Diane AcostaAlbany Colonie Regional Chamber All Spirits Kindred, Inc.Ms. Katherine Alonge-CoonsMs. Gita BagulMs. Lauren BanksMs. Laura BauerMs. Kate Bernier AarnioMs. Kathy BloomMs. Gabby CalabreseMs. Sierra CarlenMs. Patricia CarleyMs. Leslie CheuMs. Sue ClarkMs. Susan CloningerMs. Davia CollingtonCongregation Berith SholomMs. Rita CousinoMs. Virginia CrottyMs. Courtnee CutlerMs. Laura DehmerHonorable Robert Doherty

Ms. Elizabeth Donahue-DoviakMs. K. Michelle Doyle, CNMDuncan & Cahill, Inc.Ms. Diana EhrlichMr. Jon ElbaumMs. Joe Anne EnzienEspiritMs. Roberta FarrellMr. & Mrs. Terry & Maryse FolmsbeeThe Forgiveness CenterMs. Ilene FrankMs. Angie GavinMs. Christine GianakosMs. Nicole Gianakos TreenMs. Karen GoodGreane Tree Technology GroupMs. Frances GrilloMs. Marilyn GuynupMs. Rebecca HaizmannMs. Lori HallenbeckMs. Alisa HendersonMr. Robert HiltsMs. Lynn Homes VanceMs. Linda JaffarianMr. Ryan JendrasiakMr. & Mrs. Kenneth &

Sybillyn JenningsMs. Pauline Kamen MillerMs. Anita KennerMs. Alicia KlingmanMs. Ellen LairdMs. Jo Ann Le Sage NelsonMs. Katharine LondonMs. Maureen MaddenMs. Kelly MagoolaghanMs. M. Lynne MahoneyMs. Charly MalletMs. Sheila MarcilMr. & Mrs. Gerard McGarveyMr. & Ms. Michael &

Caroline MelkonianMs. Dorothy MohlMs. Ovsanna MooradianMs. Terri-Ann MontanyeMs. Sabrina MosseauMs. Nina Nicols

Mr. Michael NofalMs. Maureen O'Brien ThorntonMs. Melissa O'ConnorMs. Patricia O'ConnorMs. Donna OlchowMs. Kate OllierMs. Coleen ParatoreMs. Nancy PatrickMs. Nina PattisonMs. Lauren PayneMs. Karen PetersonMs. Kim PhelanMr. & Mrs. Robert & Kat PingelskiPinnacle Human Resources, LLCRed Carpet InnMs. Pamela RegerMr. Alexander RobertsMs. Peg RosamiliaMayor Lou RosamiliaMr. & Mrs. Ken & Dorcas RoseMs. Lynn RossMs. Sibyl RossMs. Sara RyanMs. Angela Scesny Ms. Lorraine SchindlerDr. Susan ScrimshawMs. Diane SimpsonMs. Megan SpanoMs. Margaret StackmanMs. Celeste SteinkeMs. Stephanie StewartMs. Susanna StiererMs. Margaret StoryT. McElligott, Inc.Ms. Janice TricaricoMs. Micheileen TreedwellMs. Joella ViscusiMs. Michelle WagnerMs. Martha WalshMr. Michael WhitemanMs. Barbara Wood

In-KindMs. Diane AcostaMs. Nancy Adams

ywca-gcr.org | 9

Albany College of PharmacyAlchar Printing CompanyAmbient Enviornmental, Inc.American Red CrossAngela D'Amico PhotographyArk Community Charter SchoolMs. Beth ArmstrongMr. Mark BethelBeverwyckMs. Karen BlassMs. Nicole BleichertMr. Steve BoucheyMr. Christopher BrownBrunswick Presbyterian ChurchMs. Constance BuchMs. Columbus BuishMs. Sharon BurnsMr. Randolph BurnsMs. Sharon BurnsCapital District Community GardensCarol's PlaceCDPHPMr. Vic Christopher Ms. Joan CliffordMr. & Ms. Don & Joan CsapossMs. Mary Allison D'AmicoThe Darrow SchoolMs. Nicole DeSorbeMs. Subrina DhammiMs. Diane DonlonMs. Lori DuBoisEast Side QuiltersMs. Sarah EmpieEmpire State Youth Orchestra's in

Proctors Mr. & Mrs. John & Bonnie EricksonMs. Karen FeurerGlobal Clinical DevelopmentMs. Cynthia GlynnMs. Alison M. GrantGroff NetWorksMs. Rebecca HaizmannHawthorne RidgeMs. Linda HillmanHilton Garden Inn

Hoosick Valley ElementaryHorizon BradcoMs. Wendy HotteMr. David HummelMs. Arlene HunzikerIndigo Hair Salon Jaeger & FlynnMs. Corey JamisonCounty Executive Kathy JiminoJoseph's House and ShelterJunior League of TroyKaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc.Ms. Charlene KaneMs. Olivia Karis-NixMs. Siobhan KentMs. Amanda KimballMs. Kelly KlopferMr. and Mrs. Walter &

Monica KurzejeskiMs. Pam LacyMs. Daniella LansMs. Heather LaVineMs. Lisa LewisMs. Opal MarcianoMr. and Mrs. Brian MatthewsThe McCarthy CharitiesMs. Kristin McClenaghanDistrict Attorney Rich McNally &

Karen Carlson, Esq.Metro MattressMorgan LinensMs. Theresa MoroukianMosaic Associates ArchitectsMother's & More Ms. Janice NashOffice of the State ComptrollerMs. Danielle OhrinThe Old Daley InnMs. Christine OlszowyOur Lady of VictoryMs. Coleen ParatorePat's Barn in Tech ParkPhotocard DayPictures of YouPioneer BankMs. Tiffany Powell-Lambright

Price Chopper's Golub FoundationDr. Lori V. QuigleyMr. & Mrs. Charles RancourtMs. Cheryl ReevesRensselaer County Chamber

of CommerceRensselaer County Department

for YouthMs. Linda RinellaMayor Lou RosamiliaRumors Salon & SpaThe Sage CollegesMs. Kristin SalviMs. Martha SchultzMs. Susan ScrimshawSEFCUSigma Delta Sorority, Inc./RPISome Girls BoutiqueSpa Broadway at the White SandsSt. Sophia Greek Orthodox ChurchStewart's ShopsMs. Margaret StorySusan O’Dell Taylor SchoolTamarac Elementary SchoolTimes UnionTraveling VineyardTroy Savings Bank Music HallTo Love a ChildMs. Jessica TrowbridgeTroy High Schooltw telecomMs. Stephanie VanAvery-AlbertMs. Miranda Vanden BrielVault Consignment & ThriftMs. Sheila VieraHonorable Elizabeth WalshMs. Waldon R. WheelerMs. Joyce WillsonCouncilman Rodney Wiltshire &

Mrs. Jolene WiltshireMs. Tammie Yanke

We have made every effort to recognize each contribution and donor. If we

have made a error, please accept our apology and notify us at 518.274.7100 or

malissap@ywca-gcr.org

10 | ywca-gcr 2013 annual report

ywca-gcr supportive

housing family

apartment program

The YWCA-GCR provides 4 on-site apartments for

homeless women with children. The women who enter this program have a disability and are referred

from the YWCA-GCR Women in Transition program.

The apartments include a bedroom, small living/

dining area, kitchenette and bathroom. Residents benefit

from comprehensive case management and other

supportive services provided by the YWCA-GCR.

During 2013, 8 women and 8 children resided in the

YWCA-GCR Family Apartment Program.

theresaMoving is one of those activities that is universally dreaded by all, so just imagine doing it with a three-day-old baby. Those are the exact circumstances that Theresa faced on the first day she walked through the doors of the YWCA-GCR. Three days after giving birth to her beautiful daughter, Chantaneek, she and her then seven-year-old daughter, Emarri, moved from St. Paul’s Center into the WIT program. After about a year of living at the YWCA-GCR, Theresa had earned the nickname of “Mother of the WIT floor,” because she was the one that her fellow floormates were constantly turning to for help watching their children while they attended school, Ready for Work, or were at their jobs.

Theresa had been doing such a good job hitting all of her goals in the WIT program, that she was moved into one of the YWCA-GCR’s on-site family apartments. Each apartment has a bedroom, a sitting room with an eating area, and a bathroom. “The added space and privacy were great. It allowed me to spend even more quality-time with my children, reading books, playing games, and eating together,” says Theresa. Theresa was then referred by her advocate, Starletta, to enroll in the Ready for Work program.

Theresa says she was interested in joining Ready for Work because “I wanted to learn about new things, especially job interview skills. I’m so glad I joined because I really did learn a lot.” Theresa began working for the Department of Social Service’s Project Hire program, and was placed at the YWCA-GCR because she already lived here. She has worked in housekeeping, at the front desk, in the food pantry, the Sally Catlin Resource Center, and My Sister’s Closet, which was her favorite. “It was really fun organizing and decorating My Sister’s Closet. I was able to lay things out to make it look like a store, which I really liked.”

When asked about the future, Theresa is optimistic. “One of the things that the staff at the YWCA-GCR taught me is that I don’t need to be afraid of the future, because it’s coming whether I’m ready or not. Since being here, I have changed so much for the better. My attitude has improved, and communal living had made me much more of a people person, since I am surrounded by people all the time now. The YWCA-GCR has helped me realize I don’t have to fear moving forward, and now I truly believe I can.”

Theresa’s future goals include finding an apartment in the community and continuing to better herself and her children. She hopes that her children will finish school and go onto college. She pushes them to do their best, and would love if they would choose a really good profession, like a doctor or a lawyer, she said with a smile and a laugh. “The YWCA-GCR is a great place to live. They have helped me out with so many things. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

ywca-gcr.org | 11

ywca-gcr ready for work program

The 12-week Ready for Work program provides life and employment skills and is held 3 times per year. Each session, 8-12 participants complete 20 weekly training hours, including 4-6 hours per week of on-site work experience at the YWCA-GCR Front Desk, Food Pantry, My Sister’s Closet and the Sally Catlin Resource Center.

Participants also engage in workshops and trainings provided by YWCA-GCR partners and staff, and attending one-on-one case management sessions and group meetings.

In 2013, 27 women graduated from the Ready for Work program. Of the 27 graduates, 70% went on to find gainful employment, enrolled in college classes, or GED/TASC prep classes.

deirdre“I’m going to need tissues if I’m going to talk about this,” says Deirdre as she begins to describe her experience with the Ready for Work program. Her passion about the program is evident in the smile on her face and the excitement in her voice. She first became aware of the program when a good friend invited Deirdre to her Ready for Work graduation ceremony. At the time, Deirdre was going through a lot in her life. She felt mentally and physically lost. She had just ended a 16 year relationship due to domestic violence, and her children were grown and out of the house. She felt that she had skills but no direction in her life. In one afternoon, this all changed. “I was blown away by the graduation ceremony. It took my breath away. I applied for Ready for Work on the spot and was enrolled in the next available class. That’s when everything began to change.”

Ready for Work was a real turning point in Deirdre’s life. “I participated and wanted to be in everything. I also helped out a lot to get everyone else through.” Ready for Work gave Deirdre the direction she had been looking for, and it was like a light bulb went off, “Ready for Work was God’s calling for me. He put me where I needed to be.” Deirdre enjoyed the program so much she decided that she wanted to work for the YWCA-GCR. When she graduated there were no open positions in Troy, so she took a job running the front desk and processing domestic violence intakes at the YWCA NorthEastern NY in Schenectady.

Deirdre kept in touch with her instructor, Jennifer, and would call her periodically to check-in or to get advice. Deirdre began coming in to talk to current Ready for Work participatnts about her experiences and to urge them to believe in themselves and give it their all. Then to her delight, Jennifer called to let her know a part-time position had opened up. “I was thrilled. There was a full-time housing position open at the same time, which paid more, and obviously would have allowed me to only have to work one job, but I didn’t want it. I wanted to help with Ready for Work. I am convinced that this is my calling and that eventually the money will come.” When asked if she ever regrets the decision, she laughs and waves her hand as if to dismissive, “What do you think? Never. I love it and I have never doubted this decision for a second.”

“Ready for Work gave me so much, especially the direction I needed. It made me determined, strong, and powerful.” For Deirdre, she says the sky is the limit for her future. Her only fears are not being able to have enough hours and time to put everything she has into Ready for Work. “Like I always tell every new person thinking about joining, if you are looking for direction and want to change your life, but don’t know how or where to start, we can help. That’s what it did for me.” Deirdre’s greatest hope would be for her position to become full-time. She just hopes that there is always enough funding so she can do the best and give it her all.

12 | ywca-gcr 2013 annual report

ywca -gcr supportive

housing community apartment

program

The YWCA-GCR provides 10 community apartments

for homeless women with a disability and their children. Many of these women face

multiple barriers to maintaining permanent housing. Often

these women have not been connected to the services

they require. Through case management and supportive

services these women are empowered to gain the skills

they need to maintain their housing.

During 2013, 10 women and 25 children resided in the

YWCA-GCR Community Apartment Program.

wilheminaBehind Wilhemina’s winning smile and sunny disposition lies one of the saddest stories that you might have ever heard. Yet, she exemplifies the true meaning of self-determination and triumphing over adversity. Wilhemina’s journey to the YWCA-GCR began in 2008. It was this year that she experienced the most profound loss of her life – the tragic and unexpected death of her child.

Feeling alone and at the lowest point in her life, she turned to Unity House for help. With their support she learned that accepting what she could not change and looking ahead to the future were what would allow her to move on and get her life back together. Acceptance and looking ahead allowed her to heal not only herself, but her family as well.

This was a big turning point for Wilhemina, and she wanted to continue working on improving herself and providing a better life for her children. Unity House sent her to the YWCA-GCR, where she met the staff of the Ready for Work program. The program was filled at the time, but she continued to show up every day to prove how serious she was to get her life back on track. The staff could see this, and she was admitted into the next session.

“I needed to do something for myself. I had fallen down, but I was ready to get back up. This is why was I determined to join the Ready for Work Program. The support from Bonnie, Sue, Jenn, and the rest of the staff taught me that not everyone means you harm in this world – something I had never really experienced before. Instead I learned there are actually people out there that are pulling for you, and really want you to succeed,” says Wilhemina.

While participating in the Ready for Work, Wilhemina experienced another setback when she lost her housing. However, once again, she was happy to find out that the YWCA-GCR was there to help. About six months ago, Wilhemina and her family became part of the YWCA-GCR’s off-site apartment program, and she couldn’t be happier. “I want other women to know that the YWCA-GCR and the Ready for Work program can be a beginning point to change your life. There are women here to help support and guide you, but you must be ready, and you must be motivated enough to accept the help.”

Today Wilhemina runs a weekly support group for the women in Ready for Work to help them build self-esteem and to stay motivated and on the right path. She would like to find employment at the YWCA-GCR or another similar agency where she can help other women transition to a new life. She hopes her children see her as a role model and don’t follow down her early paths. She wants them to value themselves and succeed. Wilhemina says her greatest wish would be to see them all graduate high school and college. “I want them to get to a high level in life where they have a good job and are successful. I know that if they stay motivated and focused, they will succeed.”

ywca-gcr.org | 13

ywca-gcr resourceful women’s luncheonthursday, november 7, 2013

sponsorsThe Kaleel Jamison

Consulting Group, Inc.Groff NetworksCapital Region Women at

WorkAYCO Charitable

FoundationStewart’s ShopsThe Hilton Garden InKeyBankBouchey Financial Group, LTD.Jaeger & FlynnE. Stewart Jones Law FirmPioneer BankDwight Plumbing & HeatingTroy Web ConsultingLori Schindler RealtyCDPHPArchitecture +Rose & Kiernan, Inc.Emma Willard SchoolHalliday FinancialSpiral Design StudioWojeski & Company, CPA’sNicoll & MacChesney

Insurance

This year’s Resourceful Women’s Luncheon was the biggest and best ever, with nearly 350 people in attendance and raising a record-breaking $28,000. WNYT News Channel 13’s Benita Zahn served as emcee for the event to honor 22 amazing women in the community. Each of the honorees was recognized for being resourceful in their professional and personal lives. In attendance were County Executive Kathy Jimino, Honorable Elizabeth Walsh, Honorable Chris Maier, Honorable Lynn Kopka, and District Attorney Richard McNally. Mayor Lou Rosamilia presented the Woman of the Year with a certificate from the City of Troy to recognize all of her work and dedication to the YWCA-GCR.

The luncheon honored COREY JAMISON of Corey Jamison Consulting, Inc. as the Woman of the Year. Corey was chosen for her commitment and passion for the YWCA-GCR. CHARISMA SANTOS was honored as the Woman of Inspiration. The Resourceful Women Awards were established in 2000 to recognize and honor those whose community and professional pursuits advance the empowerment of women, a core value of the YWCA-GCR mission. The luncheon strives to honor everyday heroes, not just well-known women in highly visible positions. These accomplished, energetic, and committed women represent the spirit of determination of the YWCA-GCR.

Twenty additional, amazing women were honored at the event. Each of the women were chosen because they embody the mission of the YWCA-GCR, and are successful, resourceful, strong women. The honorees were:

DAWN ABBUHL | Repeat Business SystemsVICTORIA BAECKER | Bouchey Financial GroupJENNIFER CHATT | New York Independent System OperatorKIRSTEiN DONVITO | Rensselaer County Department of Mental HealthVIRGINIA EUBANKS | SUNY AlbanyANDREA GOOGAS | Leukemia and Lymphoma SocietyELIZABETH HALDEMAN | Rensselaer County District Attorney's OfficeEMMA HART WILLARD | Emma Willard SchoolAMY KLEIN | Capital District Community GardensFRANCESCA LOPORTO | Kaleel Jamison Consulting GroupCAROLINE D. MELKONIAN | Governor’s Office of Employee RelationsKATE OLLIER | Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of CommerceTIFFANY POWELL-LAMBRIGHT | Sage Colleges, Esteves School of EducationWENDY PROUT | West Sand Lake SchoolROBERTA SANDLER | Grassroot GiversCHRISTINE SARRATORI | Abs In, Inc.WENDY JOAN SHOTSKY | New York State Department of HealthCLAUDETTE THORNTON | Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of CommerceSUSAN UNGERMAN | Ungerman ElectricELIZABETH YOUNG | Downtown Troy BID

Thank you to eveyone who attended the event and helped make it such a success. We would also like to thank The White Sands Massage, PhotoCard Day, Fleur de Lis, Rumors Salon and Spa, and Angela D’Amico Photography who all donated services and goods for the event.

14 | ywca-gcr 2013 annual report

honorary committee

Dawn AbbuhlJane and Wallace AltesMr. and Mrs. Abraham and

Jean BolgatzCarol A. BrinkmanJoyce Quaranta ChupkaCherie ClarkPhillis Conroy – Honoring

Dorothy SchwabDon and Joan CsapossJan GallasSandy GullKathryn A. Henningson, Ph.D.Alane HohenbergCorey JamisonHon. Kathleen M. JiminoChristy JohnstonE. Stewart and Kimberly

Sanger JonesKathy Kirsch, Mosaic

ArchitectsHonorable Lynn M. KopkaMonica KurzejeskiLisa LagonNorman and Micki MassryHon. Richard J. McNally

and Ms. Karen CarlsonTheresa MoroukianCaryn J. PoskanzerElissa Robison ProutLori V. Quigley, Ph.D.Meghan Rielly Keenholts, Esq.Sherry RoundsBeth SullivanCongressman Paul D.

TonkoHon. Elizabeth M. WalshMary Ann Willetts

ywca-gcr.org | 15

YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc.21 First Street

Troy, NY 12180

T: 518.274.7100F: 518.274.2572

ywca-gcr.org

ywca of the greater capital region inc.’s 360 degrees of support

Our 360 degrees of support allows women to define their goals, and with support, work together to achieve them. Individualized case management in conjunction with the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. programs, support from community grants, volunteers, and collaborative partnerships provide 360 degrees of support for the women the YWCA-GCR serve. The women who come to the YWCA-GCR face different challenges, but with 360 degrees of support they can achieve financial independence, sustain permanent housing, maintain consistent employment, recover from addiction, family reunification, dignity, and wellness.

By providing 360 degrees of support, the women of the YWCA-GCR are empowered to assist other women and thus become accomplished citizens of the community. 360 degrees of support enables the YWCA-GCR to provide every resident with the services she needs to become successful at whatever she decides to do.