YWCA 100 Years

eliminating racism empowering women

Continuing To Grow. Celebrating Our Roots.

xx — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Datexx

In your hands you hold the culmination of 100 years of empowerment, service and dedication to

community. In 1915, the YWCA was initiated with the goal of providing young

working women a sanctuary from the rigors of the day. This fel-

lowship blossomed into advocacy, support and encouragement, and

continues through the work of YWCA staff at 24 W. Corydon Street

in Bradford. As our mission informs us, we are stewards of

peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

What a gift to be a part of this

marvelous journey! As I get to know

the people of Bradford and surrounding

communities, I see the impact our staff

make every day in the lives of our most

vulnerable neighbors. We call upon our staff

to alleviate the blight of hunger; to provide a

roof to those without a home; to empower those

with no hope; to teach independence and self-suf-

ficiency. We do not choose a gentle path. Every day

we bear witness to some of the darkest days our par-

ticipants will ever face. By doing so, we give meaning to

these experiences, we communicate that this suffering is

not without purpose. We accept this fierce responsibility not because

it is easy, but because it is right. We recognize that in moments of despair, we also

witness the perseverance of the human spirit, the will to achieve something better,

to become something stronger, to live a life of grace. And we become empowered by

the humanity that exists in each of us. Put simply, we make lives better. An awesome

burden and a remarkable reward. There truly is no greater gift than to watch ordinary

people accomplish extraordinary things.

So as we charge into our next century of

service, we carry with us a rich history of experience

and compassion, a love of community and a sense of

duty. We walk arm in arm with our sister and broth-

ers who battle poverty, abuse, and mental illness, and

hopelessness. We will remain flexible to the changing

needs of our community. We will not become com-

placent. We will be innovative. We will create solu-

tions, and we will honor our duty of stewardship.

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate our roots

and continue to grow!

Vanessa Castano

100 years strong

YWCA Bradford executive directorVanessa Castano takes a phone call at her desk.

YWCA snack bar decades ago.

YWCA tea party held in 2015.

2 — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, YWCA Bradford 100 Years Strong, Thursday, October 15, 2015

xx — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Datexx The Bradford (Pa.) Era, YWCA Bradford 100 Years Strong, Thursday, October 15, 2015 — 3

THE YWCA’S VICTIMS’ RESOURCE CENTER

This program provides a number of services to victims

of domestic vi lence and/or sexual assault, including friends

and family of victims. Hotline Services: Our 24-hour hot-

line is accessible to victims 7 days a week, 365 days a year

by calling 888-822-6325.

Crisis Counseling: A crisis counselor is available 24

hours a day to provide support, options and assistance to

victims.Emergency Room Accompaniment: Trained advocates

are available to support a victim through all hospital proce-

dures necessary due to domestic violence injuries or sexual

assault.Legal Advocacy: Victims are assisted in understanding

their legal rights and options, and may request accompani-

ment to all court-related proceedings or trials.

Emergency Shelter: Thirty days of temporary, emergen-

cy shelter may be provided to victims of domestic violence

and their children.

Support Groups: Facilitated by trained advocates, sup-

port groups provide emotional support from peers who

have experienced domestic violence and/or sexual abuse.

Community Prevention Education/Primary Prevention:

Training is provided to community groups and school

groups which is designed to increase awareness, and facili-

tate prevention, of domestic violence and sexual assault

issues. Outreach Services: Victims may meet with an advocate

in her/his community. Travel to our office in Bradford is

not necessary. Services are free and confidential.

Amber Frontino, right, director of the YW's home-

less programs, talks things over with Melanie

Silvis and her boys, Dominic and Alex.

THE YWCA’S HOUSING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

This program provides a number of services to homeless

and near homeless individuals. We operate a 30-day emer-

gency shelter for women and children, providing a safe place

to stay while working to secure permanent housing. Services

include case management, life skills education, employment

readiness and financial literacy. These services are available

to residents and non-residents alike. Emergency shelter in a

different location may be available to those who do not meet

shelter criteria, or when the shelter is full.

What the

YWCA offers As an advocate for victims of domestic

violence, Donna Butler spends a lot of

her work time at the McKean County

Courthouse, Smethport. She provides

support and counseling for victims as

they proceed through the legal system.

When it’s time to take her breath away Congratulations

YWCA on a 100 years!

Keep up the good work!


Jessica Jarrett McKeirnan, right, director of the

YWCA Meals on Wheels program, helps out in the

kitchen with Pathstone volunteers Ann Smith and

Lillian Sawday.THE YWCA’S MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM

The YWCA Bradford Meals On Wheels program provides

hot meals to homebound seniors and other individuals meet-

ing program criteria. Meals On Wheels volunteer drivers

delivers hot meals five day a week. Frozen meals can be

ordered for the weekends. Our Meals On Wheels Program is

a member of the National Meals On Wheels America orga-

nization. Referrals and admission to this program are made

through referral from a health care provider, family members,

or individuals may call and refer themselves.


Dave Newman, left, volunteer with the YWCA food

bank, helps a client with a couple bags of grocer-

ies. Seated is Dan Green, manager of the food

bank, and head of maintenance at the Y.

THE YWCA’S FOOD PANTRY PROGRAM

The Food Pantry is a source of supplemental food to

individuals and families, from Bradford and Eldred, who

are on a limited income or have an acute need. The YWCA

Food Pantry is open each Wednesday afternoon from 1:30

-3:30 p.m.Individuals may fill out an application for services

during this time. Emergency food boxes are available by

coming to the YWCA during business hours. The type of

food received varies, but participants are generally provided

enough food for several meals. Typical staples include peanut

butter and pasta. There may be canned meat or tuna, canned

fruit and juice, canned vegetables, soup, boxed potatoes and

cereal, based on donations from community members.

What the YWCA offers

Bradford560 Chestnut St.

362-6999

Olean400 N. Union St.

716-376-8999

DEXTER’SSERVICE & COLLISION

814-362-3888156 W. WASHINGTON ST., BRADFORD, PA


Denise King, long-time director of

the YW's Mental Health, Intellectual

Disabilities program, looks over one

of the agency's scrapbooks.

What the YWCA offers

THE YWCA’S

MENTAL HEALTH,

INTELLECTUAL

DISABILITIES (MHID)

PROGRAM

The Mental Health,

Intellectual Disabilities

Program empowers individu-

als with serious mental health

and/or intellectual disabilities

to develop skills and coping

techniques to foster recovery

and achieve the maximum

level of independence at which

they can successfully function.

Medication Monitoring:

Individuals are supported

to acquire necessary skills

to manage medications and

control symptoms that would

otherwise put them at risk

for inpatient care or restric-

tive living arrangements. This

component is managed by our

Program Director, our Clinical

Supervisor (a Registered

Nurse) and a Consulting

Psychiatrist. Referrals and

admission to this program are

made through program staff

and approved by Community

Care Behavioral Health, a

managed care company. This

service is available 7:00 a.m.

– 11:00 p.m. every day of the

year for qualified individuals.

Supported Living Services:

These services are avail-

able for individuals with men-

tal health and/or intellectual

disabilities, and are designed

to meet service goals in con-

sultation with the Behavioral

Services Unit and support

coordinators/case workers.

Services include, but are not

limited to, budgeting and shop-

ping assistance, nutrition edu-

cation, and household mainte-

nance support, and life skills

assistance.

xx — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Datexx6 — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, YWCA Bradford 100 Years Strong, Thursday, October 15, 2015

History of the YWCABy SALLY COSTIK

Bradford Landmark SocoietyThe Bradford of 1915 was a city on

the move. The high school at the top of Mechanic Street was being expanded; the children’s wing of the hospital had just been completed; ground was broken for the new the Knights of Columbus build-ing on Chestnut Street; the Moose Lodge was drawing up plans for a new clubhouse on Pine Street, and the huge mausoleum at Oak Hill was dedicated. These are just a few of the exciting changes that were taking place in the city.

The women of Bradford were on the move, too.

By 1915, more and more women were work-ing outside the home, as office workers, store clerks, telephone operators, and businesswomen. In May 1915, a Presbyterian evangelist named William Biederwolf came to town, erected a huge wooden tabernacle in a large field adjacent to Jackson Avenue and Rosedale Avenue, and spoke to local businesses, factories, and organizations during

the day, holding revival meetings.Thousands attended each night.

Biederwolf preached on civic and social reform, especially, prohibition. He became famous during the first decades of the 20th century, as he and his group of evangelists vis-ited small towns (such as Bradford), spreading the gospel.

One of his assistants, Marie Brake (described as an enthusiastic lady evangelist)

concentrated on preaching to women, especial-ly professional women at various church lun-cheons, encouraging them to organize a “Christian League” dedicated to bible study, domestic science, music, art, and fellowship. In every town that the Biederwolf entourage visited, Brake did her part by encouraging the establishment of “Young Christian Women’s League” organizations which

would gather all interested women to live together with a common goal of “the mental, physical and spiritual welfare of girls and women, whose desire it is to help, unselfishly and intelligently, all girls and women in the community.”

The headquarters of the League, with offices and activity

areas were located on the second floor of the Pennzoil garage building, also on Boylston Street. The League rented a nearby two-story house at 36 Boylston Street, and converted it to a residence. The rent paid by the women who lived there funded the expenses of running the house and the salary of the new Director, Mrs. Lois G. Scott.

Classes on bible study, dressmaking, china painting, cook-ing, first aid, home nursing, and dramatics were taught. There were gym classes were taught at the high school, and a hiking class, and choral singing. In short, everything a young woman would need to become a well-rounded person were provided by the League.

The YWCA began on a local level, but just 9 years after on April 28, 1924, incorporated under the name of Young Women’s Christian Association of Bradford, “for purposes beneficial to its members, and particularly for the association and co-operation of the young women of the City of Bradford and its vicinity in educational development and united chari-table enterprise.”

Some of the first charter members were Grace Emery, Sarah Hamsher, Helen Schonblom, Ethel Andrus, Genevieve Curtis, Ida Sloan, Janet Brooks, Maude Moore, and several other prominent women in the Bradford area.

One of the early leaders of the YWCA, Grace Emery.


Some facts on the YWCABy 1938, 12,899 women had used the

YWCA building on Boylston Street for meetings, events, classes, and as a resi-dence.

Clubs started:Jolly Y Club, for girls that had gradu-

ated high school, founded in 1937.Young Matrons Club started September

23, 1938.Judy Club, 56 members, began 1938.

Girl Reserve Club, for girls in junior high and senior high school, began 1938.

Merry Mixers Club, 28 girls, for girls that are employed doing general house-work.

Y-W Wives, organized in October 1953Mothers Club began in May 1934.Marie Brake returns to the city for a

visit to see how the YWCL is progressing, Oct. 28, 1915.

286 High StreetBradford, PA

814-362-6873

1558 E. State Rd.Olean, NY

716-372-0765

5338 Rt 474Ashville, NY

716-782-2125

Congratulations On 100 years!

eliminating racismempowering women

ywca

75 Holley Ave.PO. Box 122

Bradford, PA362-9515

Congratulations on 100 years!

Heather Schultz-Piche, right, director

of the Victims Resource Center, and

Shelley Alcorn, left, sexual assault

counselor, meet with Alissa Mailen

Perrotto, monitor for the Pennsylvania

Coalition Against Rape, during a

September visit to the YW.


Year 'round celebration There's been men marching in high heels,

a lunch honoring past leaders, and a tea and historical fashion show – all to celebrate our 100th birthday in Bradford. And it's not over yet!

The YWCA Bradford's centennial events began in earnest this April when approximate-ly 125 men and boys walked up Main Street as part of "Walk a Mile in her Shoes," a men's march to fight rape, sexual assault and gender violence.

The centennial event was the second time the YWCA has hosted the event in Bradford. Held April 23, it raised money for the Victims Resource Center.

With a keynote address from Lee Doynow, a former Bradford executive director, we hon-ored women who have played a significant role in the agency and the community at the annual Leader Luncheon, held this year to mark our big birthday.

Held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on June 17, this year's event was the 18th to honor extraordinary community women who foster growth and development through service, leadership and dedication.

The highlight of the summer undoubt-edly was our YWCA Centennial Tea Party and Period Fashion Show held on a sweltering day in July.

More than 30 women modeled clothing from the past hundred years -- everything from women in military uniform, to teens wearing poodle skirts, to hippies, and beyond. Serving as co-chairmen were Lee Doynow and Karen Costello-Pecht.

The event also unveiled a specially created signature dessert in recognition of our history and mission. A string ensemble entertained guests as they supped on various cuisine at the conclusion of the fashion show.

On Aug. 12, YW board and staff manned a table filled with cupcakes and a centen-nial cake as part of "Lunch in the Square" in Veterans Square. Serving up goodies and awareness was also on tap Sept. 17 as the YW hosted an open house as part of the Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours.

The final event of the centennial will be a Boo! Day Celebration, a Halloween-themed party to be held from noon-4 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Y. Highlights include a costume contest for kids, and pie baking competition for the adults. The free event is open to the public.

xx — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Datexx The Bradford (Pa.) Era, YWCA Bradford 100 Years Strong, Thursday, October 15, 2015 —9


YWCA looks toward the future

By PAT FRANTZ CERCONE

For Vanessa Castano, executive director of the YWCA, the future of the organization is simple: Expand and enhance services to empower everyone, including men.

That may sound a little strange since part of the YW’s tagline is “empowering women,” but Castano says it makes perfect sense.

“When you empower men, you empower women. When you empower families, you empower women. When you empower boys and girls, you empower women.

“We’re all interconnected. Just empower-ing women means we’re doing a disservice.”

Therefore, the YW’s five-year strategic plan includes expanding and enhancing many of its programs to fill the growing needs in

the community, ultimately to empower everyone.

Homeless shelterSome residents may not real-

ize there are homeless people here because they’re not wandering around town pushing a shopping cart or sit-ting on a corner begging for change, Castano said. But the homeless are here.

“The face of homelessness in McKean County is different than in urban areas,” she said. Here, if people are homeless they’ll sleep in a tent in the woods during warm weather, or they’ll bounce from one friend’s house to another’s.

Though homelessness may not be obvious, it’s a significant problem, one Castano and the rest of the YW board know they need to

address by improving the services they offer. The Housing and Employment Services program, or HES, provides the only homeless shel-ter in McKean County, as well as case and resource management and options counsel-ing. One need not be a shelter resident to receive services through the HES program.

Currently, the homeless shelter, which

Vanessa Castano, executive director of

the YWCA, would like to see the YWCA's

services be expanded and enhanced to

empower everyone, including men.

(Continued, Page 11)

Congratulations on 100 years!Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for

our community!

Learn, Laugh, LoveChild Care Center

805 E. Main St.Bradford, PA

23 Fairbanks Ave.Bradford, PA

814-331-4880Open 24/7

xx — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Datexx The Bradford (Pa.) Era, YWCA Bradford 100 Years Strong, Thursday, October 15, 2015 —11

is located within the YW’s building on West Corydon Street, isn’t adequate. Physically, it’s not ADA compliant and also needs renovat-ing. Philosophically, Castano says, the YW needs to provide services in the best way pos-sible to make homeless men and women more independent so they can escape the grip of homelessness.

“Simply providing shelter isn’t the only answer. If they can’t maintain a home, we’re spinning our wheels.”

Therefore, the YW wants to help people become more independent by offering finan-cial literacy programming and career-building tools, including creating a program where people can donate gently used professional clothing that those in need can wear for job interviews.

The Victims’ Resource CenterDomestic violence is a huge problem,

not just in McKean County but everywhere, Castano said, that cuts across all races, gen-ders, ages and economic levels. What makes the problem even bigger is that abuse can take many forms – physical, emotional, financial,

psychological. The Victims’ Resource Center is McKean County’s only provider to vic-tims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include shelter, a 24-hour hotline, crisis and options counseling, legal and medi-cal advocacy and accompaniment, and other services as needed.

To continue to combat the problem, Castano said the strategic plans calls for a two-pronged approach: more effectively address victims’ needs, understanding victims can be both men and women.

“We need to take a step back and make sure we’re providing services that are needed,” she said.

For example, abuse victims may need affordable housing, employment readiness, financial literacy, legal advocacy or referrals to other relevant service providers.

Castano said the organization strives to provide a more holistic response to victims so that the service provided matches the needs of the victim, regardless of gender. For instance, men have always been able to seek services at the YW. However, Castano said, “We can’t approach the problem the same way. We need to adjust to meet the needs of each individual.”

The same holds true for young children

living in abusive homes whose early develop-ment can be adversely affected by the abuse.

“Seeing and experiencing abuse can be incredibly impactful on a child’s brain devel-opment,” she said.

Mental health programsCastano says there’s a significant need in

the county for mental health services because so many people have been diagnosed with some form of mental illness. Part of the chal-lenge, she explained, “is we can’t apply the same expectations to these people because they’re dealing with a mental illness.”

The YW currently provides two mental health-related programs, which Castano said the organization would like to expand because of a burgeoning need.

Through the medication management pro-gram, health care professionals visit people who are mentally ill or have an intellectual disability and educate them about the medica-tions they’re taking. The YW also offers these individuals help with daily-living skills so they can live more independently.

Both programs, Castano said, help to empower them.

(From, Page 10)

(Continued, Page 12)

Congratulations Thank you for all you have done

and continue to do in our community. Cheers to the next 100 years of service!

Th e B la is dell F ou n da t ion


Teaching them about their medicine – when to take it, how to take it, its side effects – is liberating and empowering, Castano said. Additionally, helping others with day-to-day skills – grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry – empowers them to live more independently, which ultimately helps everyone.

Food pantryMuch like homelessness, some area resi-

dents may not think hunger is a problem in Bradford. However, the amount of food the YW’s food pantry distributes proves other-wise.

“There are so many hungry people,” Castano said. “The pounds of food we give away are staggering.”

During the first six months of 2015, the YW distributed nearly 14,000 pounds of food.

Those in need can get a food box at the YW once a month that will contain meat, when it’s available, boxed items, cereals, fresh vegetables, and canned fruit and veg-etables, enough so people can make a couple of meals.

While many people are benefitting from the program, Castano thinks it could be even

better. One way to enhance it is by collabo-rating with the other local organizations that provide food to conduct coordinated food drives that would result in more donations and the ability to help more hungry people.

“A lot of people want to give,” she said. Meals on Wheels

The YW has been delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels program since the American Red Cross discontinued the service. Currently, about 34 people receive meals, but there are many others on a waiting list.

“I want to see us providing more meals,” Castano said. “I have no doubt that the need exists. We need to meet it.”

She said people may think the program is intended only for people who are aged, but that’s not the case. The program is also for people who are homebound, regardless of their age, and those who may have difficulty making themselves a meal.

One way the YW can better meet the need, Castano said, is to recruit more volun-teer drivers. More drivers would mean more people could be served. Additionally, Castano would like to review ways the meals can be prepared more efficiently.

Castano admits all of those goals in the

new strategic plan are ambitious. Is it pos-sible to accomplish all of them in five years? She thinks so.

“Are they ambitious? Yes. Are they doable? They have to be. Will we need to be flexible? We’ve got to be.”

“I like to set really ambitious goals with the expectation that some barriers you can’t control. You have to remain flexible. You may have to change how you reach them, but eventually we will get there.”

(From, Page 11)

The YWCA Bradford has been a proud recipient of funds from the United Way of the Bradford Area for many years!

800 East Main StreetBradford, PA 16701

1-800-345-1780www.beacon-light.org


Who

's w

ho

121 Main Street • 814-368-7115OPEN: Weekdays 10:00am-4:00pm

Congratulations YWCA!

For Making Our Community A Better Place!


The all-women board of directors of the YWCA Bradford is led by Laurel Phillips, president, who is employed at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Marty Wilder serves as Vice President; and Hope Sherk, treasurer.

Other members are Teri Cannon, City of Bradford; Sandy Caprarotta, retired; Kelly Zurat Case; Billijo Esch, student; Ellen Evans, Allegheny Bradford Corp.; Kimberly Garcia, Olean Medical Group; Mariann Kahle, Medicor Associates; Harrijane Hannon Moore, McKean County Register of Wills; Jeanie Satterwhite, community volunteer; and Judy Yorks, retired.

Stephanie Johnson, the YWCA's director

of finances, has a contemplative moment

in her office.

BRADFO RD IN N

10 0 South D avis Street - B rad ford , PA 16 70 1 w w w.bw brad ford .com - info@bw brad ford .com

(814 ) 36 2-4 50 1

Thank you for everything you do to make our community

a better place. C ongratu lations on you r centennial!

Ric hard W. Foust, Au.D. CCC-A Doctor of Audiology & Hearing Aid Service

1095 Million Dollar Hwy. • St. Marys 814-834-7721

W e H E A R t h e re is ca use t o ce le b ra t e ! Congra t ula t ions on se rving t h e com m unit y for 100 ye a rs.


Thank you YWCA Bradford and its Staff.

You are Bradford • McKean County’s Angels and Heroes

Here’s To A New Century Of Improving Lives and

Community In Profound Ways

YWCA 100 Years

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