We offer the following programs:

The YWCA Week Without Violence

Imagine
7 days
168 hours
10,080 minutes
604,080 seconds without Violence

The YWCA campaign challenges people to imagine a nation of peace, then, for one week, to participate in activities that promote alternatives to violence. Respect, fairness, civil rights, justice, safety, dignity, and ending racism are all alternatives to violence that can be brought to life in thousands of communities across the country through broad based, YWCA and community led coalitions. For more information contact (315) 424-0040, ywcaadmin@cnymail.com

The Annual Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism and Promote Diversity

When the Civil Rights movement blossomed in the US, the YWCA of the U.S.A. was at the forefront, establishing its National Office of Racial Justice in 1965. The YWCA's One Imperative to "Eliminate Racism Wherever it Exist and By Any Means Necessary" was adopted in 1970.

The YWCA of Syracuse & Onondaga County invites community leaders, business people and the general public to participate in this event which educates the community on the racism that exist in our community. The highlight of the event is the induction of the new members of the Academy of Diversity, check the Racial Justice page for an application.

The Women's Network Luncheon Series

The Women's Transitional Residence

The Mission of the YWCA Transitional Residence Program is to provide a safe place where women may nourish their spirits as well as their bodies. To provide women with protection, support and the security needed to overcome the many and diverse obstacles they face in their lives.

Serving women age 16 years old and older and their children. This program is designed to meet the needs of women who are in a transition period and need safe, structured, and affordable housing with 24-hour staffing.

Case managers offer supportive counseling, comprehensive service planning, advocacy and system assistance, linking residents with community resources.

An initial interview helps the prospective resident and caseworker determine which of the 3 levels of transition is appropriate for the perspective resident and her family.

All clients enter at the Pioneer level. They work with YWCA staff and learn to manage finances, make better relationship choices, and resolve conflicts in a positive and non-violent manner. The communal environment fosters social skill building and mentoring for new residents.

Having demonstrated their ability to maintain budgets, make sound emotional and physical choices and provide for their basic needs, pioneers are given new options and more freedom at the Gateway level. They may transition into a semi-private apartment and are invited to attend all social, cultural and educational functions.

Homestead participants have demonstrated a level of functioning that allows them to make choices contributing to a healthy, happy, and productive lifestyle. Homesteaders maintain minimal contact receiving supportive counseling and systems linkage on an “as needed” basis.

The YWCA Women’s Transitional Residence long-term goal is to assist clients to attain permanent independent living. Clients who exit our program are monitored for 6 months.

Women to Work

In 1998, women in the YWCA’s Transitional Residence Program organized, trained, and opened their own small business. The newsstand business located in the lobby of 120 East Washington Street in Syracuse serves as a vehicle to help women in the Transitional Residence Program develop the knowledge and skills they need to become confident, competent, productive members of today’s working society.

Their mission is to help women learn to help themselves. Along with business skills including customer service and up-dating resumes, they also learn professional attitudes and how to start building professional wardrobes through My Sister’s Closet.

My Sister’s Closet

Located at 300 Burt Street in Syracuse, My Sister’s Closet helps women in the Transitional Residence Program to develop appropriate professional wardrobes as they work toward finding and obtaining employment.

Donations of gently used women’s working clothing and accessories are gratefully accepted. Professional self-help books and resources are always appreciated.

Child Care Programs

• Mario Tomasetti Early Childcare Center located in the Johnson Vocational Center
  • The nations first childcare center was founded in Philadelphia by the YWCA in 1864.
  • This center is a joint effort of the YWCA and Syracuse City School District located in the Sidney Johnson Vocational Center. This Childcare program is open year-round for children whose parents are attending the Jobs Plus educational and vocational training programs, CCBI, EOC, OCC, etc. The program is also open to working parents and is convenient to downtown locations.
• YWCA Childcare at Fairmount Centre
  • This is a year-round childcare center that offers care for children from six weeks to 12 years of age. YWCA at Fairmount Centre is available to school-age children during school closings, many holidays, and snowdays.
• YWCA School Age Child Care Programs
  • The YWCA school age programs provide a safe and fun environment for children before and after school at seven Elementary schools throughout Onondaga County. Activities include: gym, outdoor play, arts-n-crafts, brain teasers, games, reading, and field trips. Nutritious snacks are served daily. YWCA kids make new friends, while learning important social skills.

Women’s Political Empowerment

• Institute for Public Leadership – Campaign Skills Workshop

I Vote – and I use my vote wisely.
Make a Difference, Take a Stand, Vote your Beliefs!
The YWCA offers voting registration materials at all of their program sites. If you have moved since the last voter registration or have never used your voting power we can help. I Vote is the first program in the YWCA Institute for Public Leadership, Women’s Political Empowerment Program

I SPEAK OUT – and my voice is heard.
The power of organized advocacy is one of the great strengths of a democratic system. Training women to campaign successfully on issues is the second level of political involvement. YWCA advocacy workshops teach the skills effectively.

I LEAD – and we move one step closer to peace, justice, freedom, dignity for all people.
We will move closer to the achievement of the mission of the YWCA of the USA when women themselves sit in the halls of power and participate directly in the decisions that will shape our future. YWCA political skills workshops work to increase the number of women in leadership positions in government.

Call the Office (315) 424-0040 or email ywcaadmin@cnymail.com for more information.