Sandy Filipowicz, executive director of the YWCA, was our featured presenter at last week's noon meeting of Rotary Club of Great Falls. The YWCA has recently revised its mission to clarify that the Y is dedicated to eliminating racism, as well as empowering women and their families.

 

As Martin Luther King, Jr., noted, we are all tied in the same garment of destiny. What affects one demographic affects us all. For that reason, eliminating racism elevates life for all of us, and the YWCA has intensified its efforts in that regard.

 

YWCA also wants to emphasize that they work with children as well as mothers. Domestic violence and sexual assault affect children too, and the Y is very focused on helping children to overcome trauma. They have programming for children as well as their mothers. They work to get them interested in STEM careers and are looking forward to sponsoring the first Boy Scouts of America troop in Great Falls that admits girls. 

 

An EPA Brownfields grant, administered by Great Falls Development Authority, has funded much-needed asbestos abatement at the Y. A Community Development Block Grant is allowing the Y to install new flooring, so Sandy is excited about the new improvements to the facility.

 

Major fundraisers for the YWCA include the "Empty Bowls" event in September and the Rankin Run in October, which will be combined with the What Women Want event next year.