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our voiceeliminating racism, empowering women, and promting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all

YWCA Wausau Winter 2015

Move over Top Chef, there are new chefs in town! Whoever believes the stereotype that men are inoperable in the kitchen has never attended the Men Who Cook fundraiser for the YWCA Wausau. Each year a group of unique and fearless chefs from the area voluntarily set out to squash this theory by preparing mouth-watering cuisines ranging from Robust & Rustic Italian, American to the Southeast, American Bistro and more! Forteen tables of eight will fill The Grand Theater on ARTS Block for an elegant evening of food, wine, music and fun. While the chefs employ their culinary prowess in the kitchen, guests will be able to relax and enjoy music and bid on the silent and live auction. Not only do the chefs volunteer their skill and time, they go above and beyond by donating all the food required to provide guests with a minimum four-course delectable meal.

Men Who Cook was voted one of City Pages BEST OF...Annual Fundraising Events in 2014!

Come see what everyone is talking about and support a great cause!

DATE: Saturday, February 28thWHERE: Grand Theater on ARTS BlockReception: 6:00 p.m. Dinner: 7:00 p.m. COST: $75.00TICKETS: Call 715.842.3381

The Men Who Cook fundraiser is vital in helping the YWCA Wausau reach their mission of Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women through various youth programs and providing children a safe learning environment at the Child Development Centers.

13th Annual Men Who Cook Dinner Event

In This Issue

Upcoming Events 2

Empowering Women 3

Eliminating Racism 5

Class Schedule 6 Donors 8

YWCA WausauStaff Directory 11

Upcoming Events Empowering WomenWomen of Vision: Recognition Event for Outstanding Women Child & Family Development Center

Guys Who GrillJuly 26, 2015Riverside Park

Grab your friends and family and spend a summer afternoon with us at this fun and casual event. The YWCA is grearing up for summer with our 6th Annual Guys who Grill event. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, July 26th at Riverside Park in Wausau, starting at 4:00p.m.

Guys Who Grill will feature the talents of our “grilling guys” who donate their time and talent to prepare and serve up sample size portions of their specialties. Guests will be able to choose from one or all!

Are you a “grilling guy”? If you spend your summer evenings next to your grill and you would like to participate in a great cause, contact the YWCA to participate in the 2015 Guys Who Grill event.

Contact the YWCA Wausau at 715.842.3381 for more information or to sign up as one of our volunteer chefs!

Women of Vision is one of the signature events of the YWCA Wausau. Women from all walks of life have received this designation for their positive contributions to life in our community. This year this event will take on some exciting new changes! The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the Grand Theater on ARTS Block with mingling and appetizers starting at 4:30 p.m., program beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by additional social time and heavy appetizers. A Woman of Vision is one who exemplifies or personifies the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, through innovative or ground-breaking service to the community, particularly that which benefits women, girls, and or minorities. We seek strong women who have taken personal risks to advocate for self and or

blazed a trail for others, launched a new solution to a community issue, or created an innovative program with broad and lasting impact. A Woman of Vision is a tireless self-starter, always looking for the next need to be filled. She is a leader not only institutionally or programmatically,

but also on the ground; a living example of her values, accessible and inspirational to others in daily life as a mentor, friend, advisor and role model. Would you like to nominate someone you know that fits the above criteria? Visit us online at ywca.org to complete

nomination forms. The YWCA is also accepting applications for the Women of Tomorrow Scholarship Awards. The scholarships are available to any graduating high school female or to a returning adult female student age 24 or over. Contact the YWCA for more information.

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2015

Where: The Grand Theater

Mingling: 4:30 p.m. Program: 5:30 p.m. Cost: $35.00

Information: Call 715.842.3381 or online at ywca.org/wausau

“The 2014 Women of Vision event was an inspiring and enlightening experience that I will never forget. This event inspired me and has helped me to realize how anyone can step up to make revolutionary changes not only in our lives, but in the lives of others.”

2014 Women of Vision Guest

New Infant Center at the YWCASince 1920, the YWCA has been on the cutting edge in identifying and meeting community needs – providing the tools necessary for families to transform their own lives. Research shows the first 3 years in every child’s life is paramount to the success of our community. The YWCA has also recognized that our families need a case management approach. Wausau area has a significant shortage of quality infant care. Waiting lists up to 8 months are keeping families from quality early care. Those who can are, in some cases, paying for full time care months before the baby is born, to secure a spot. Low income families don’t have this luxury, and are forced to turn to unlicensed, untrained care, or worse. For these reasons, we have renovated our building to create a state of the art facility for infants and toddlers in order to better serve families in the Wausau area. Previously, the YWCA enrolled children 2 years - 6 years, and now will be enrolling children 6 weeks - 6 years. By implementing this change, families may utilize the YWCA for all of their early childhood education needs. For more information or for enrollment options, contact the YWCA at 715-842-3381.

Upcoming Events Empowering Women

The YWCA is committed to providing all children—regardless of the socioeconomic circumstances into which they were born—with the supports they need in the first five years to ensure their future school success. Our childcare center empowers women to improve economically by giving them a safe and affordable haven for their children to learn and grow. Our childcare center is flexible to meet the needs of busy families with two convenient locations and extended hours to accommodate parents from all walks of life.

Diversity makes the classroom a vibrant and interesting place. Our classrooms are filled with children and teachers of different backgrounds. All children feel accepted, as they develop an appreciation for different cultures and languages. Culturally diverse staff help children learn to respect and celebrate their differences and similarities. Teachers are attentive to racial equity in the classroom and intentionally create an inclusive and nurturing environment for all children.

Women of Vision: Recognition Event for Outstanding Women Child & Family Development Center

Child Development Center

Downtown Location613 Fifth St - Wausau715.842.3381

Monday-Friday5:30am - 5:30pm

Northcentral Technical College Location1000 W Campus Dr Wausau - Room 122715.803.1149

Monday-Thursday6:30 am- 10:00pmFriday 6:30am - 5:00pm

YWCA Wausau Program Guide & News4

“The encouraging message that comes from extensive scientific research is that we can do better. To this end, there are science-based solutions that policymakers

at all levels of government can rely on to help build stronger communities that will produce healthier and more capable citizens.”

Jack Shonkoff, M.D., Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University

From Research to Policy: What Babies and Toddlers Need

Empowering Families

Author: Katie Dealy

So how do we build early social-emotional and language foundations of learning strong enough to support children through elementary school and beyond? For some children,two and a half hours of preschool a few days a week might be enough. However, for young children struggling with economic, social and psychological stressors, more may be needed to avoid early school difficulties. Research suggests that exposure to multiple poverty related risks increases the odds that children will demonstrate more behavioral problems and less social-emotional readiness. Imagine how much harder it becomes for a preschool teacher to teach and a child to learn. To wait until children are three or four years of age ignores the potential of linking younger children to essential services, providing parent education and family support at one of the most critical periods of parenthood, and enriching the lives of children at a time when the greatest and most long-lasting benefits can be gained. As a country, we must recognize that growing preschool and birth-to-three programs concurrently, especially for children at risk, is smart public policy. Unfortunately, in many communities across the country,

parents are still unable to access or afford high-quality programs for infants and toddlers. Federal programs for low-income families with children under three such as Early Head Start, serve only three percent of eligible families. Middle income families have a difficult time accessing high-quality services because they do not qualify for government programs but cannot afford private quality child care. What’s more, working parents of all incomes must confront significant challenges to transport their children between various part-day or part-year early childhood development options. Most alarming, research shows that a large percentage of child care settings do not provide quality child development services and, in fact, might actually pose harm to child development. Simply, today’s parents do not have access to the quality of care needed to have a lasting and positive impact on their child’s future success in school or beyond. In response, a growing number of leaders in the business, health, law enforcement, and education sectors are urging states to invest in the future by funding high-quality programs for our youngest learners today. The Committee for Economic Development, a national group representing corporate leaders, has declared that “it is time for the United States to acknowledge society’s

stake in and responsibility for early education, as it long has for older children.” More and more, the case for state-funded early education is made by people who not only think it is right to invest in a child’s most critical years, but who also recognize the connection between providing quality birth-to-three and preschool programs and payoffs for the child and the country in years to come. What does it take to support families in their job of raising children who will enter preschool curious, enthusiastic, and able to listen, share, and wait their turn? Numerous research-based programs for families with children under three have been implemented over the past two and a half decades. Some are national initiatives and others are state or local initiatives. To ensure all children under three—regardless of family income—develop in healthy and appropriate ways, certain basic conditions must be met. Children need a strong nurturing family and their families need access to high-quality early childhood development programs, family support, and health and mental health support. Delivering and funding high-quality early childhood development programs for children birth to three can be challenging, but several successful models exist that states can implement.

Ounce of Prevention Fund publication: Foundations, (2006).

Winter 2015 5

Empowering Families Eliminating Racism

Support the community programs and mission of the YWCA Wausau by becoming a member and encouraging your friends to do so. Your membership allows you to join our special in-terest clubs, brings our program guide, invitations to special events and membership functions, to you, and offers reduced fees for many YWCA programs.

Join us today! Pay by check made out to the YWCA Wausau, or call 715.842.3381 ext 101 to pay by credit card to start or renew your membership.

YWCA Membership LevelsFriend/Member $50.00 Founding $100.00 Empowering $250.00 Uplifting $500.00 Endowing $1,000.00 Pioneering $2,500.00 Visionary $5,000.00 Legacy $10,000.00

Become a YWCA Member!

Missionywca wausau is dedicated to

eliminating racism,empowering women,and promoting peace,

justice, freedom,and dignity for all.

Volunteer at the YWCA!The YWCA continues to achieve its mission through the help of volunteers like you! We have opportunities in various interest areas and time commitments.

The YWCA needs your help! We want to ensure the warmest welcome and most guest-friendly experience at the YW, but we have limited staff. Please contact us if you’d be interested in giving an hour or two each week to be part of the YW Team. We want you on our team! Call the YWCA for more details!

YWCA Programs & Services

The YWCA believes in and dedicates itself to widespread community impact with women as the catalyst. A community of healthy, empowered, and informed women creates a community of healthy, empowered, and successful families. When one enriches, educates, and builds the confidence of just one woman, one does so for her entire family, thus having an exponential impact. The YWCA Wausau is a local non-profit organization that supports all women, regardless of race or economic status, with the tools they need to transform their lives. From reliable childcare to better job skills and wellness programs, YWCA programs increase their personal confidence and empower them to make greater contributions to their workplace, family and community. Our programs address the daily and long-term concerns of our diverse population. We touch the lives of a broad spectrum of Wausau area residents each year, creating real change in central Wisconsin. Through a wide array of programs in health and wellness, financial literacy, diversity/inclusiveness, childcare and special interests, the YWCA Wausau serves the ever-evolving needs and interests of a comprehensive spectrum of women.

Here is a listing for the programs and services the YWCA provides to the community throughout the year:

• Women’s Business Incubator • Child & Family Development Center • Babysitting Rocks • Cooking Camp • Home Alone • So...you want a job? • It Makes Cents • The Power of Being a Girl • Bulling is NEVER Cool! • Diversity Camps

Contact the YWCA to register or for more information on any

classes or programs listed.

YWCA 715-842-3381 or visit ywca.org/wausau.

YWCA Wausau Program Guide & News6 YWCA Wausau Program Guide & News

Empowering WomenBusiness Incubator Program

The Business Incubator Program is located in the YWCA and is recognized as a respected resource for entrepreneurs to establish and accelerate growth of competitive businesses contributing to the greater Marathon County economy.Check out these amazing classes and help support these businesses!

Awareness Through MovementBette StephensExplore sequences of comfortable movements and discover the profound effects within yourself:• Heightened body image• Ease & efficiency of movement• Relaxation of tight muscles

Winter I February 11th-26thWinter II March 11th-26th

Spring I April 8th-16th, 29th-30thSpring II May 6th-21st

Wednesdays: 7:00pm-8:00pmThursdays: 11:00am-12:00pm$10 per class.

Private sessions available!

Ballroom Dance LessonsJeff & Missy KolbeckHave you always wanted to learn to Ballroom dance? Seize the day and take “steps” to register...today!

Six week session starts:January 22th - Febraury 26thIntroduction Class 7:00-7:50pmIntermediate Class 8:00-8:50pm$125 - per couple

*Call for information on the next available session.

Private lessons also available!

BellydanceKrista ReinceExperience the ABC’s of sexy (Ac-ceptance, Balance, and Confidence) through joyful movement while mak-ing friends, sharing giggles, and build-ing your self-esteem!

2015 SessionsJanuary 8th - February 19thMarch 5th - April 30th (no class 3/19 or 4/16)

May 7th - June 18th

Thursdays: 5:30pm - 6:45pm $55 - Seven week session

Current Business Incubators

Mentor Martial ArtsJamie SparlingClass: MMA Fit Club BootcampCome and challenge yourself the MMA way in a safe NO contact environment! This club like atmosphere is suitable for people of ALL fitness levels. You will be trained on our Fight Fit Circuit doing movements that have been developed over twenty years of fitness and martial art training. Circuts include: Yoga Pushups, Heavy Bag Combinations, Core Stations, and so much more.

Monday, Wednesday, & Fridays5:15 - 5:50 a.m. & 6:00 - 6:40 a.m.Cost $5.00 per session

Mentor Martial ArtsJamie SparlingClass: Lil DragonsThis program is based on Kung Fu taught by the late Bruce Lee. The program will blend Chinese, Filipino, & Brazilian martial arts with emphasis on cross cultural appreciation and Anti Bullying concepts. Students will learn confidence building techniques that will enhance their appreciation of other cultures as well as the benefits that martial arts are known for such as Self Discipline, Strength, and Positive Attitude. Sifu Sparling is only one of the very few in the state of Wisconsin to be certified to teach this style from Sifu Dan Inosanto, who was the student and partner to the late Bruce Lee.

Mondays & Wednesdays5:15 - 6:00 p.m. $50 - One month (8 classes)

Mentor Martial ArtsJamie SparlingClass: Kali Club This club uses the Filipino Martial Art of Kali to develop coordination between the right and left sides of the brain/body. This club will use padded sticks to develop coordination in a most efficient manner. This class can enhance coordination in any and all facets of life and can be beneficial to both the brain and body. The club is open to all adults of any skill levels. Mondays6:30 - 7:30 p.m. $10 - Session

NEW!

Winter 2015 7

Empowering WomenYogaPauline Zweck, RYT200Nourish your mind and body.Increase your flexibility, strength, bal-ance, and mental calm with gentle, yet powerful, poses. Drop in, classes are ongoing. Beginners welcome!

Tuesdays: 6:00pm - 7:15pm$10.00 per class.

The YWCA Wausau is home to a number of special interest clubs and groups. Join one or all! Meeting times, days, and details are shown below, along with the contact people for each particular group. Please contact the YWCA for a complete list of club rules and guidelines. YWCA membership is required to participate in our club programs.

YWCA Clubs

Your WednesdayYour Wednesday is a Wednesday morning enrichment series at the YW featuring coffee, conversation and interesting speakers.

9:00 am – 10:00 am Coffee & Treats10:00 am – 11:00 am Speaker

Pay by the week:$5.00/YWCA member $10.00/non-member

A listing of speakers for the next session will be available by contacting the YWCA at 715.842.3381.

Monday Morning ReadersInteresting books, a beautiful setting, lively conversation . . . sound like your kind of group? Then consider joining the Monday Morning Readers. There is no club fee to join. Second Mon-day of the month 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Contact: Virginia Dederich 715.845.6967.

Upcoming books include:January: THE WHITE TIGER by: Aravind AdigaFebruary: THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS by: John BoyneMarch: OLIVE KITTERIDGE by: Elizabeth StroutApril: ORPHAN TRAIN by: Christine Baker Kline

YWCA Noon Yoga ClubMondays: 12:00 noon—1:00 p.m. Dues: None. YWCA membership required. Contact: Cindy Owen, 715.3848.2575.

The YWCA’s Yoga Club meets weekly and members may attend as it fits their schedules. This group practices the Hatha method and is self-led. The one-hour format includes time for participants to concentrate on relaxation techniques to end each session. Comfortable attire is recommended and mats are available. Current YWCA membership required. Please call the YWCA at 715.842.3381, extension 101 for details.

Contact the YWCA to register or for more information on any classes listed here.

YWCA 715-842-3381

or visit ywca.org/wausau.

Garden ClubThe Garden Club gathers monthly for lunch, a program, and a business meeting. The group is designed to inspire and inform both new and experienced gardeners. They meet on the fourth Monday from 11:45am - 2:15pm.

Dues: $15.00, YWCA membership required.Contacts: Joan Stencil, 715-443-2551.Delphine Schmidt, 715-845-1486.

Wausau Area Professional WomenThis group’s mission is to benefit all professional women by providing an environment that will promote leadership, networking, and enhancement of their professional lives.

The group raises money through their events to award scholarships to area high school graduating seniors, and non-traditional college students. Upcoming events are posted on ywca.org/wausau.

YWCA Wausau Program Guide & News8

Promo t i n g p e a c e , j u s t i c e , f r e e d om a n d d i g n i t y f o r a l l . . .

Abbott, BeverlyAdvantage Community BankAlexander, MarshaAllen, JaneAllgood, DonnaAllister Deacon’s Coffee HouseAndrae, Maria AAshman, NancyAspirus, Inc.Aughenbaugh, MaryBairdBarnes, RosemaryBartel, CynthiaBattist, BettyannBaumann, PhyllisBeck, KarenBecker, RobertBehavioral Health Clinic Of WausauBeier, JudyBermingham, PhyllisBMO HarrisBreitenbach, BenBronston, CarolynBudleski, BrendaBudleski, NicoleBurg, PatBurk-Miller, JoanBurnett, CharmaineCadwell, LucyCampbell, Mary PatCentral Beer DistributingChange 101Cloverbelt Credit UnionCoca Cola Bottling of WICommunity Foundation of North Central WisconsinNancy Frawley FundHenry & Gladys Phillips Foundation FundStaples Family FundCompassion Personal Home Care, LLCConnexus Credit UnionCorbett, LizCoulter, ConstanceCounty MarketCrispell, Gina

Crystal Finishing SystemsDavis, CherylDay, DeannaDederich, VirginiaDimeo, GinnyDrake, LynnDrecktrah, LynnDrown, ArzeleeEastbay IncElbe, JoannElmergreen, KandaceEO JohnsonEvans, HeidiEvolutions in DesignExecutive CleaningFalstad, JillFergus, PatrickFlaherty, AnneFlannery, ClaireFondow, AnnFox 55Francken, LillianFrary, PamelaFreeman, Mary ClareGall, KathleenGarvey, KathyGauthier, JuanitaGlacier IceGlaman, LoreenGlaman, RonGrauer, RuthGreen Bay Packaging, Inc.Gresch, AnnaGrilley, LindaGroethe, KathrynGruling, KayHadley Office ProductsHagge Foundation, Robert & BetsyHaggerty, CharleneHaines, KarenHalvorsen, JeraldHartwig Foundation, John & MaryHarvey, LucyHawley, AshleyHenderson, Lucille Irrev TrustHessert, Nancy

Hettinga, Mary JaneHinner, ElizabethHolt, AlanaHupy, KathiIntegrity First BankJacki’s FitnessJefferson, Anne and RandallJim Kryshak JewelersJohnson, DaveJunion PhotographyKelly, JoanneKnapp, DonnaKnuth, CarolKoepke, SarahKohl-O’Malley, EllenKolbeck, Jeff & MissyKrause Howard & Company SCKrause, DonnaKryshak, JulieLaBrake, KathyLambert, ArleneLarson, CarolLeick, RosanneLeonard, JoanneLewis, SandraLewitzke FoundationLiebelt, BritaLockwood, KayLohr, JoyceLong, SharonLucas, Andrew and NancyLucas, AnnMacCarthy, PegMagical Nights DJMarshall, JaniceMarshfield Clinic Wausau CenterMattingly, SallyMatzdorf, GailMaxfield, DorothyMcCann, TamiMcHale, MargaretMcKeough, PatriciaMeyer, JillMichalski, CarolynMinistry Health CareMitchell, LeoraMontgomery, Keith

Montgomery, MicheleMorrow, AlisonMudrovich Architects LLCNelson Charitable Trust, Harvey J.Nelson, JudyNew Roots CoffeeNicklaus, KayNorth, JudyNorthstar Cleaning and RestorationNotz, VictoriaO’Flyng, MaryO’Heron, ConnieO’Heron, KellyOliva, JoanOwen, CindyPahl, LynnePeoples State BankPeterson, KarenPeterson, KrisPeterson, ReneePitcher, JudyPodratz, MarlysPorrey, BettyPostler-Slattery, DianePregont, Mary EllenPrehn, LindaPrehn, PatriciaProchnow, LaurieRay, CarolReif, Mary NellReising, KathleenRichmond Hawkins, VickieRiege, DoloresRiver Valley State BankRoberts, MaryRuder Ware LLSCRupar, DanSauer, MarilynScharnhorst, MargaretSchaut, CarolynSchill, Mary EllenSchultz, MarionSchulz, MargaretSchumann, EllenScinto-ReinersonScully, ElizabethSeagren-Hall, MarianSiegel, Linda

Ski’s Meat MarketSkoug, NancySliwicki, SandeSmith, BeverleySmith, EdieSolomonson, LavonneSteffeck, JulianneSteffenhagen, SondraStepping Stones CounselingStevens, JudyStieber, BonnieStolen, PatStrasser, KathyStueber, PattySweeney, JenniferTanner, GeorgeThe Bathroom Makeover Co.The Mint CaféThurs, SarahTiedemann, SusanTlusty, JanetTornow, EvvieTurinette, JanelleUlmschneider, LorettaUMRVentzke, MaryVino LatteViste, GeraldWalker, GlendaWanserski, LorriWausau AwardsWausau PaperWeinkauf, SusanWiley, JaneWilliams, BettyWisconsin Public ServiceWoodTrust BankZabel, Kathy

Thank you to all of our volunteers, donors, and business friends for your generous spirit of giving. Working together we truly do make a difference to our community. Listed on this page are the names of our 2014 contributors—those who have given of time, talent, funds, expertise, items, and in-kind services. We have made an effort to ensure that the list is complete. However, if we inadvertently omitted anyone, we sincerely apologize. Thank you!

Thank you!

Winter 2015 9

Promo t i n g p e a c e , j u s t i c e , f r e e d om a n d d i g n i t y f o r a l l . . .

ywca board of directorsLoreen Glaman- PresidentConnie O’Heron- Past PresidentAlison Morrow- Vice PresidentNicole Budleski- SecretaryBonnie Stieber- TreasurerLynda BinderSarah BrockAshley HawleyLee LoVictoria NotzSarah Ruffi Heather SummersAnn Saris -ex-officio/executive director

Amanda Bergman Program & Services Manager Extension 101 abergman@ywcawausau.org Ann Saris Executive Director Extension 103 asaris@ywcawausau.orgAnn Bergfeld Child Care Director Extension 102 abergfeld@ywcawausau.org Barb Burclaff Program Director Extension 109 bburclaff@ywcawausau.orgChar Haggerty Food Service Manager Extension 112Dave Neitzel Maintenance SupervisorGbemi Taylor Business Manager Extension 104 gtaylor@ywcawausau.orgJennette Sherfinski 4-Year Old Kindergarten Assistant Extension 115Lindsey Schulz Child Care Administrative Assistant Extension 102 lschulz@ywcawausau.orgMelanie Schumann Marketing & Development Director Extension 105 mschumann@ywcawausau.org Melissa Willemon 4-Year Old Kindergarten Teacher Extension 115 mwillemo@wausauschools.orgPat Burg IT Manager Extension 104 pburg@ywcawausau.orgRuth Sazama Youth Program Director Extension 107 rsazama@ywcawausau.org

ywca staff listing & building directory

Tami McCann, PresidentDave Johnson, Vice President Amy Wesner, TreasurerLynne Webster-Ericksen, SecretaryLoreen Glaman, President Operations Board Ann Saris, Ex-OfficioCindy MalluegeRoy SchlachtenhaufenSheryl HempTodd Hagedorn

ywca foundation board

Child Development Center StaffCarol SalzmanHeather ZaftkeHli MouaKacy WickersheimLisa ImhoffMackenzie Thieler

Michelle UrmanskiMiranda CarlsenSamantha PeilSarah YangTiffany SannsXee YangXee Xiong

Since 1920, the YWCA Wausau has been a robust, locally-based non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women and girls in Marathon County.

The YWCA empowers women & girls physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and economi-cally through programs in health & wellness, job and life skills, recreational interests, and both so-cial and professional networking.

Thank you!

YWCA Wausau Program Guide & News10

ywca wausau613 fifth streetwausau, wi 54403

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDWausau WI

54403Permit No. 449

executive director corner a note from Ann Saris

YWCA Growing By Thirty-Two Feet!

Picture my favorite birth announcement… a diaper-covered bum with a miniature pair of wrinkled feet protruding, and the caption “We’re growing by two feet!” The YWCA Wausau is proud to announce that we’re growing by thirty-two feet! – Literally. After extensive strategic planning and review of local and national data, the YWCA is evolving to meet our community’s and our country’s greatest priorities – high quality care and education for the first three years of children’s development – particularly for low income families. Waiting lists as long as eight months are keeping families from accessing quality care for their little ones. Those who can are, in some cases, paying for full time care months before their baby is born, just to secure a spot. Families who are struggling financially don’t have this luxury. This shortage of spots can result in parents turning to unlicensed, untrained care, or worse. The YWCA’s current downtown facility serves only 2 years and older due to a licensing requirement that infants be on ground level. To meet local

need, the YWCA is renovating its ground level office space to create 16 additional infant/toddler openings by spring 2015 in the downtown area, where the need is greatest. In addition, the YW is also renovating its service delivery model for a customized, family-centric approach. A large number of families in our nationally accredited Center are struggling, and quality early childhood programs are the most cost-effective way to ensure the healthy development of children, especially those in poverty, with the greatest returns to society. The Return on Investment of quality early care ranges from $7 to $16 for every $1 spent, because at-risk kids who don’t receive high-quality early education are:• 25% more likely to drop out of school• 40% more likely to become a teen parent • 70% more likely to be arrested for violent crime (Ounce of Prevention Fund) Our new vision relies on community partnerships to ensure efficient use of resources. It includes Family Resource Center for parenting skills, Compass Counseling for behavior consultation, Project Step Up for financial mentoring, Wausau School District for school readiness, and more.

For 94 years, the YWCA has been lifting women and families to a healthier place by providing the tools they need to transform their own lives. From reliable child care to job skills and wellness classes, the YWCA empowers individuals to make greater contributions to their workplace, family and community. We need community support to make it happen, and there’s no better time to invest. Due to generous contributions from the Dudley Foundation and another friend of the YW, every dollar gifted to the YWCA between now and 12/31/14 will have triple the impact on the children and families we serve, with a $3 to $1 matching gift! Invest in Wausau’s future, and help these little feet get planted firmly in the direction of a fruitful future.