Today marks the anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark law that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a hard won victory, born out of generations of protest, courage, and sacrifice. However, the very protections established by the Civil Rights Act are currently being gutted, challenged in courts, weakened by legislation, and ignored in practice. This anniversary is not just a moment to reflect; it is a call to action. We owe it to those who came before us, and to those coming after, to defend these rights and keep … Continue reading Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

As we celebrate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when news of emancipation finally reached the last enslaved Black Americans, we also face a harsh reality. Across the country, DEI departments are being dismantled. Words like diversity, equity, inclusion, culture, and heritage are being removed from the websites of academia, nonprofits, and public institutions. Books are being banned, monuments removed, and Black history erased. This reflects past efforts to suppress the truth, from post-Reconstruction historical revisionism to Jim Crow censorship. Today, that legacy lives on in quieter, more calculated forms. Juneteenth is more than a celebration of freedom. It is a … Continue reading Juneteenth 2025: Honoring Freedom, Resisting Erasure

Today, we recognize the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark decision that affirmed every child’s right to an equal education. While we have made progress, the pursuit of true equity in our schools continues. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to participate in Principal for the Day. It was a powerful experience to visit classrooms and see dedicated teachers engaging students in meaningful, inclusive learning. It reminded me how much potential exists in every school when we invest in our educators and students. In Worcester, we must remain committed to ensuring all students—regardless of race, zip … Continue reading Statement on the Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

Thank you all for joining Black leaders as we came together in support of our immigrant communities. Your presence and engagement were deeply appreciated and reflect the strength and unity of our shared values. We would like to take a moment to clarify YWCA Central Massachusetts’ position. While we are a proud advocacy organization dedicated to advancing racial and social justice, we are a non-partisan entity. We do not endorse or support any political candidates or parties. Additionally, we want to affirm that we do not support violence as a tool for change. Our mission is rooted in peace, equity, … Continue reading Post Conference Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2025 CONTACT: Kim N. Le, kim.le@mass.gov , 617-823-4874 Healey-Driscoll Administration Brings Universal Pre-K Access Road Show to Worcester WORCESTER — The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) continued its statewide Universal Pre-K Access Road Show today in Worcester, the third stop on the tour spotlighting the state’s various early childhood education partnerships and ongoing commitment to expanding access to high-quality preschool for all children through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI). The event brought together families, early educators, local officials, and community partners to discuss and shape the Commonwealth’s vision for universal access to high-quality … Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: Healey-Driscoll Administration Brings Universal Pre-K Access Road Show to Worcester

In one of our recent financial literacy workshops, Jessica* bravely shared the severity of the financial abuse she was enduring at the hands of her husband. Though he worked full-time and earned a substantial income, he refused to provide adequate funds for their household. He even went so far as to lock the refrigerator—stocked with fresh foods only he could access—leaving Jessica and their children to survive on packaged items that didn’t require refrigeration. Nutritious meals were out of reach. Despite the appearance of financial stability, Jessica was deprived of basic necessities. Because of their marital status and shared household … Continue reading HERstory: Surviving Financial Abuse

      We are thrilled to congratulate Mariame, a dedicated staff member of the YWCA Central Massachusetts, on her incredible achievement of being named a YWCA USA delegate at the 69th gathering of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)! Mariame has served as a Domestic Violence (DV) Family Shelter Advocate at the YWCA Central Massachusetts since 2017. Her passion for gender equity is rooted in her upbringing in Guinea, West Africa, where she witnessed systemic inequalities and their disproportionate impact on women and girls. “These experiences shaped who I am today and planted the seeds of my … Continue reading YWCA USA Delegate at the Commission on the Status of Women

YWCA Announces New Board President YWCA Central Massachusetts is pleased to announce the election of Monica Thomas-Bonnick to a two-year term as President of the agency’s Board of Directors. Monica is Vice President and Lending Officer at Webster Five and serves as the Executive Director/Treasurer of the Webster Five Foundation. She has served on the YWCA Board since 2019. Thomas-Bonnick will lead the 23-member board, which sets strategic direction and policy to guide the YWCA’s work in eliminating racism and empowering women. Monica brings a wealth of experience to her new role, with over 28 years in the banking sector … Continue reading YWCA Announces New Board President

The YWCA Central Massachusetts is grieving with the family and community of Sonya Massey, a Black 36-year-old mother of two from Illinois, who was fatally shot in her home by a former Sangamon County police deputy after calling for help from the police. Sonya’s death is yet again another instance of state-sanctioned violence and racialized trauma. As Americans, we should be able to call for help without fear of losing our lives, irrespective of our racial identity, socioeconomic background, or location. The tragic death of Sonya at the hands of a responding officer and the disturbing video footage of the … Continue reading YWCA Statement on the Death of Sonya Massey

Image: YWCA employees at protest to denounce the anti-LGBTQIA+ policies enacted by the Worcester Catholic Diocese. During a time when organizations are retracting support from the LGBTQIA+ community, it is our steadfast commitment to our mission that allows the YWCA to maintain unwavering dedication. The YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. One blog post alone cannot adequately commemorate this historic milestone of 55 years of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. The YWCA's commitment to inclusivity and fairness is reflected not just in words but in our daily … Continue reading YWCA Dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ Community

The United States Supreme Court The United States Supreme Court on Friday, June 21, 2024, in United States v. Rahimi, upholds federal law prohibiting individuals subject to final domestic violence protective orders from possessing, receiving, shipping, or transporting firearms or ammunition. This significant ruling is a victory for domestic violence victims, affirming the importance of protecting them from further harm. Guns are frequently used in domestic violence homicides, making this decision a crucial step toward safety. Research published in the American Journal of Public Health found that the presence of a gun in domestic violence situations significantly increases the risk … Continue reading Statement about Supreme Court upholding Domestic Violence Gun Restriction

      “I hope this program grows into a team of clinical social workers who really understand coercive control, interpersonal violence, and domestic violence. That any victim, survivor, and thriver of domestic violence have access to therapy; otherwise, this violence will persist in our culture and harm those with the least amount of power to speak out and receive life-saving support.” -Marienelly Vazquez, LICSW (she/her/hers), Director of Clinical Services and Community Outreach Program Spotlight: Domestic Violence Clinical Counseling Program With the Clinical Counseling Program, social workers offer free talk therapy to participants to bridge the gap to formal support. … Continue reading Program Spotlight: Domestic Violence Clinical Counseling Program

YWCA Central Massachusetts, the longest-serving agency by, for, and about women and girls in central Massachusetts elected new directors and officers at its 137th annual meeting in June.

Christienne “Christie” Bik Board President Christie Bik (Shrewsbury) was elected to serve as president of the YWCA’s board of directors. Christie has held various positions on the YWCA’s board of directors for 11 years with increasing roles of responsibility including vice president and president-elect. She also served as a member of the executive committee and chaired the YWCA’s Public Policy Committee. Most recently, Christie served as a tri-chair of the YWCA’s LIVE Capital Campaign, spearheading the fundraising campaign for the YWCA’s $24 million renovations of its Salem Square facility in downtown Worcester. Christie is director of government affairs and public … Continue reading Board President Profile: Christie Bik