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

Patti Ovalles, Chief Program Officer What sparked your interest in social impact work? College was a big turning point. As a person of color like me on a predominantly white campus, I craved that feeling of belonging, a home away from home. That’s when I started a Latin sorority chapter, not just for myself but to build a community for others like me. I discovered a passion for helping others and fighting for justice, which became super important to me. After graduating, I knew I wanted to pay it forward and be the support system I never had had as … Continue reading New Staff Spotlight: Patti Ovalles, Chief Program Officer

      “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