THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF YONKERS

PEARLS PROGRAM: IN 2025, THE PEARLS PROGRAM SERVED 40 GIRLS AGES 10-18, PROVIDING A SAFE, NURTURING, AND ENRICHING AFTER-SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AT NO COST TO FAMILIES. PEARLS, WHICH STANDS FOR PREVENTION, EMPOWERMENT, ACADEMICS, RECREATION, AND LEADERSHIP, FOCUSES ON SUPPORTING GIRLS' ACADEMIC, PERSONAL, AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WHILE FOSTERING LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND SELF-CONFIDENCE. PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED IN HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE, ARTS AND CRAFTS, ZUMBA, SPORTS, HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACTIVITIES, PREVENTION WORKSHOPS, SELF-LOVE SESSIONS, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS. THE PEARLS ALSO PARTICIPATED IN GROUP OUTINGS INCLUDING VISITS TO THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, APPLE PICKING, AND THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIRS AND AWARENESS WALKS. WEEKLY ZUMBA SESSIONS INCORPORATED LESSONS ABOUT DIFFERENT CULTURES AND CULTURAL DANCES. THE PROGRAM PRIORITIZED MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WITH A PANEL IN HONOR OF MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH MONTH, FEATURING GUEST SPEAKERS FROM NAMI WESTCHESTER, ONE PASO, ST. VINCENT'S HOSPITAL, AND A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER. GIRLS RECEIVED EDUCATION ON MENTAL HEALTH, COPING STRATEGIES, AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES, INCLUDING HOTLINES AND SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND COLLEGE PREPARATION WERE KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM. CAMPUS VISITS TO COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AND LEHMAN COLLEGE EXPOSED PARTICIPANTS TO HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES. THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR ALSO PRESENTED A POWERPOINT TO YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS' 7TH AND 8TH GRADE SUMMER SCHOOL STUDENTS TO RECRUIT NEW PARTICIPANTS AND INTRODUCE THEM TO THE PROGRAM. THE PEARLS PROGRAM CELEBRATED A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR WITH SEVERAL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, INCLUDING HONOR ROLL AND PRINCIPAL'S LIST RECIPIENTS. THIS YEAR, 3 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES AND 4 JUNIOR HIGH GRADUATES COMPLETED THE PROGRAM. HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES WERE ACCEPTED INTO VARIOUS COLLEGES; ONE STUDENT RECEIVED AN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP TO GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, WHERE SHE IS PURSUING SOCIAL WORK, WHILE OTHERS COMMITTED TO LEHMAN COLLEGE (SOCIAL WORK) AND MERCY COLLEGE (VETERINARY STUDIES). THROUGH STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING, MENTORSHIP, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, INCLUDING ONE PASO, SAINT JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, AND NAMI WESTCHESTER, THE PEARLS PROGRAM CONTINUES TO EMPOWER GIRLS TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS, BUILD RESILIENCE, AND PURSUE ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL SUCCESS. (JAMAL BOWEN) WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM: IN 2025, THE WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM ENROLLED 154 PARTICIPANTS. OF THOSE ENROLLED, 40 PARTICIPANTS COMPLETED THE TRAINING, 63 COMPLETED THE FULL WORKFORCE PROGRAM, AND 42 PARTICIPANTS GAINED EMPLOYMENT. PARTICIPANTS TOOK PART IN DAILY GROUP SESSIONS, DISCUSSIONS, AND WORKSHOPS FACILITATED BY OUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR, NICOLE DOWDY, AND WORKFORCE STAFF. THESE SESSIONS FOCUSED ON ESSENTIAL SOFT SKILLS SUCH AS RESUME BUILDING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION, TIME MANAGEMENT, GOAL SETTING, AND IDENTIFYING ONE'S PASSION AND PURPOSE. THE PROGRAM ALSO PROVIDED A RANGE OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION (BUS PASSS) ASSISTANCE, WORK ATTIRE, UNIFORMS, CHILDCARE SUPPORT, AND FOOD INSECURITY RESOURCES. PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED MONTHLY JOB FAIRS, AND SEVERAL JOB FAIRS WERE ALSO HELD ONSITE AT THE YWCA OF YONKERS, ORGANIZED BY THE JOB DEVELOPER. ADDITIONALLY, PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE WITH OBTAINING HEALTH INSURANCE AND APPLYING FOR HOUSING PROGRAMS. WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM PARTNERSHIPS: THE WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM SUCCESSFULLY COLLABORATED WITH 20 ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT 2025. THESE PARTNERSHIPS PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN EXPANDING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, STRENGTHENING JOB PLACEMENT OUTCOMES, AND ENSURING PARTICIPANTS HAD ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES. THROUGH THESE COLLABORATIONS, PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED CAREER GUIDANCE, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, INTERNSHIPS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND WRAP-AROUND SERVICES THAT SUPPORTED THEIR OVERALL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. OUR 2025 WORKFORCE PARTNERS 1.DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (D.O.L.) 2.WECO 3.WESTCHESTER MEDICAL & DENTAL 4.WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 5.DO CONNECT INC. 6.EAGLE EYE SECURITY 7.VNS HEALTH 8.FOREVER YOUNG DAY CARE 9.EMPRESS ACADEMY 10.A.C.T. 11.WEST COP 12.SOULFUL ENERGY 13.WEST HAB 14.CON EDISON 15.CHILDREN'S VILLAGE 16.SAIL AT FERNCLIFF MANOR 17.SAINT JOHN'S HOSPITAL 18.SAINT JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL 19.WJCS 20.URBAN LEAGUE OF WESTCHESTER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM: THE YWCA YONKERS YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (YEP) PROVIDES WORKFORCE READINESS, HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE, AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AGES 14-20 THROUGHOUT THE YONKERS COMMUNITY. THIS PROGRAM IS HELD IN THE WINTER MONTHS. DURING THIS PROGRAM YEAR, 87 PARTICIPANTS SUCCESSFULLY ENROLLED AND COMPLETED REQUIRED WORKFORCE READINESS TRAININGS, INCLUDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION AND FINANCIAL LITERACY. FOLLOWING TRAINING, PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED IN A 10-WEEK PAID WORK EXPERIENCE, RECEIVING ONGOING SUPPORT FROM PROGRAM STAFF AND SITE SUPERVISORS. WORKSITE PLACEMENTS INCLUDED ROLES IN RECREATION, CHILDCARE, OFFICE SUPPORT, RETAIL, MAINTENANCE, NONPROFIT SERVICE, CULINARY SUPPORT, AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING. THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE, PARTICIPANTS GAINED REAL-WORLD EXPOSURE TO WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS WHILE DEVELOPING CRITICAL SKILLS SUCH AS COMMUNICATION, PROFESSIONALISM, TIME MANAGEMENT, TEAMWORK, AND PROBLEM- SOLVING. MANY YOUTH DEMONSTRATED SIGNIFICANT GROWTH-BUILDING CONFIDENCE, RESPONSIBILITY, AND CLEARER INSIGHT INTO POTENTIAL CAREER PATHWAYS.

CHILDCARE PROGRAM: THE YWCA YONKERS PROVIDES A NURTURING AND ENRICHING EARLY CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SERVING CHILDREN RANGING FROM 2 MONTHS TO 12 YEARS OLD. OUR LICENSED PROGRAM INCLUDES INFANT CARE, TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL CLASSROOMS, AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING, AND A STRUCTURED SUMMER CAMP. INFANT PROGRAM- OUR INFANT ROOM IS LICENSED FOR 8 INFANTS AND STAFFED WITH ONE TEACHER AND ONE ASSISTANT, ENSURING INDIVIDUALIZED CARE, BONDING, AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT. THE CURRICULUM FOCUSES ON EARLY MILESTONES, SENSORY EXPLORATION, COMMUNICATION, AND SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO THE TODDLER CLASSROOM. TODDLER PROGRAM- OUR TODDLER CLASSROOM SERVES CHILDREN STARTING AT 18 MONTHS, WITH CAPACITY FOR 11 TODDLERS SUPPORTED BY TWO TEACHERS. PROGRAMMING EMPHASIZES LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT, NUMBER RECOGNITION, PICTURE IDENTIFICATION, AND HANDS-ON LEARNING. CHILDREN EXPLORE STRUCTURED STATIONS THAT ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY, INDEPENDENCE, AND READINESS FOR PRESCHOOL. PRESCHOOL PROGRAM- LICENSED FOR 18-24 CHILDREN, THE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM PREPARES STUDENTS ACADEMICALLY AND SOCIALLY FOR KINDERGARTEN. THROUGH CIRCLE TIME, INTERACTIVE LESSONS, READING, WRITING, DRAMATIC PLAY, ART, AND SENSORY ACTIVITIES, CHILDREN BUILD FOUNDATIONAL LITERACY, EARLY MATH SKILLS, AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL READINESS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL SUCCESS. AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM- THE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM IS LICENSED FOR 75 CHILDREN AGES 5-12, WITH STAFFING RATIOS OF:10:1 FOR AGES 5-7 AND 15:1 FOR AGES 10-12 STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN AGE-BASED ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING: TAEKWONDO STEM LEARNING NUTRITION AND WELLNESS EDUCATION READING AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT ARTS AND CRAFTS COMPUTER ENRICHMENT PHYSICAL FITNESS AND GYM ACTIVITIES ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A NUTRITIOUS DINNER. A HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENT THIS YEAR INCLUDES AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING THEIR VERY OWN CHILDREN'S BOOK. THE BOOK IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF BEING PUBLISHED ON AMAZON, AND ONCE RELEASED, THE YOUNG AUTHORS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A FORMAL COMMUNITY BOOK SIGNING CELEBRATION TO RECOGNIZE THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT. SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM- OUR NINE-WEEK SUMMER CAMP PROVIDES BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND SNACKS AND OFFERS A ROBUST SCHEDULE THAT INCLUDES: STEM ACTIVITIES ARTS AND CRAFTS READING AND LITERACY REINFORCEMENT RECREATIONAL AND GYM TIME SCHOOL-BASED SUMMER PACKET COMPLETION CAMPERS ALSO PARTICIPATE IN FIELD TRIPS TO MUSEUMS, PARKS, AND EDUCATIONAL SITES THAT PROMOTE EXPLORATION, CREATIVITY, AND HANDS-ON LEARNING. SENIOR PROGRAM: THE YWCA YONKERS SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM SERVES APPROXIMATELY 53 OLDER ADULTS, PROVIDING A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT, NUTRITIOUS MEALS, AND MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT. THE PROGRAM ACTS AS AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE HUB, ASSISTING SENIORS IN NAVIGATING COMMUNITY SERVICES, BENEFITS, AND SUPPORTS THAT MAY OTHERWISE BE DIFFICULT TO ACCESS OR UNDERSTAND. IN ADDITION TO MEALS, THE PROGRAM OFFERS A VARIETY OF ON-SITE ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO SUPPORT WELLNESS, REDUCE ISOLATION, AND ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE. REGULAR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT CLASSES BINGO AND GAMES ARTS AND CRAFTS MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT MOVIE AFTERNOONS COMPUTER LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT PROGRAMMING IS INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING, SOCIAL CONNECTION, AND PREVENTIVE CARE WHILE ENCOURAGING SENIORS TO REMAIN ACTIVE AND INDEPENDENT. THE YWCA ALSO PROVIDES REFERRALS TO EXTERNAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO ENSURE PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT BEYOND OUR FACILITY, INCLUDING HEALTH SERVICES, BENEFITS NAVIGATION, HOUSING ASSISTANCE, AND ADDITIONAL AGING RESOURCES.