2023

AEP Provides $10,000 for YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign

Wheeling, WV – December 15, 2023 – American Electric Power, in collaboration with the AEP Foundation, has announced a generous donation of $10,000 to the YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign. The contribution aims to assist the YWCA Wheeling in crucial facility upgrades to accommodate the growing demands of their programs, which have experienced significant expansion over the past decade.

The YWCA Wheeling has seen remarkable growth in its programs, placing strain on existing infrastructure. With the passing years, vital systems such as the 1969 elevator faced challenges due to unavailable parts, and the electrical and plumbing systems have been in need of significant upgrades. The absence of air conditioning and the deterioration of terra cotta pieces near the roof have further added to the facility’s challenges.

Despite these obstacles, the YWCA Wheeling’s Board made the commendable decision to remain in the building, recognizing the indispensable role it plays in supporting women as they embark on new beginnings. The proximity to essential city amenities and the local bus system underscores the building’s importance in facilitating the success of those restarting their lives.

Erikka Storch, External Affairs Manager at AEP, expressed the organization’s commitment to addressing the human needs of the communities they serve. “American Electric Power believes in the mission of the YWCA and recognizes the pivotal role it plays in empowering and supporting women in our community. We are proud to contribute to the YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign, knowing that these facility upgrades will enhance their ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.”

The donation from the AEP Foundation highlights their dedication to supporting local organizations that make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. This contribution to the YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign is a testament to their commitment to social responsibility and meeting people where they are.

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2023

Circus Saints and Sinners Generously Select YWCA Wheeling as the Beneficiary of their Annual Reverse Raffle, Contributing $22,000 to YWCA Capital Campaign

Wheeling, WV – December 4, 2023– The YWCA Wheeling is thrilled to announce that the local group, Circus Saints and Sinners, selected the YWCA as the beneficiary of their annual Reverse Raffle event, which took place in November. This incredible partnership has resulted in a substantial contribution of $22,000 to the YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign, earmarked for the essential renovations of our century-old historic building.

The chairman of the Circus Saints and Sinners event, Robert Felton, expressed sincere gratitude for the overwhelming success of the Reverse Raffle and the community’s support. “The Saints and Sinners were grateful to host the Reverse Raffle to benefit YWCA Wheeling. The main reason that this was one of our more successful events is because the sponsors and everyone involved with the event understood that the funds were going to an amazing cause. It’s gratifying to give back to an organization that has been devoted to helping those in need in our community for so long,” said Felton.

In response to this generous contribution, the Executive Director of YWCA Wheeling, Lori Jones, expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Circus Saints and Sinners for their extraordinary commitment to our cause. Their generous donation will significantly impact our ongoing efforts to renovate our historic building, allowing us to provide an even safer and more supportive environment for those seeking refuge from domestic violence. This partnership exemplifies the strength of our community when we come together to support a common goal.”

The YWCA Wheeling, a pillar of support in the community, has been serving the needs of individuals facing domestic violence for many decades. The generous donation from Circus Saints and Sinners will play a crucial role in the YWCA Capital Campaign, specifically directed towards the renovation of our historic building. These renovations are pivotal in ensuring that the YWCA continues to provide a safe haven and comprehensive support services to victims and survivors.

The annual Reverse Raffle event organized by Circus Saints and Sinners not only showcased the community’s spirit of generosity but also highlighted the collective commitment to creating positive change. The YWCA Wheeling extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, recognizing the profound impact this contribution will have on the organization’s ability to enhance its facilities and better serve the community.

About YWCA Wheeling

The YWCA Wheeling has been a steadfast advocate for women and a beacon of support for those affected by domestic violence in the community. Committed to eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA provides shelter, resources, and assistance to individuals and families in crisis, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all.

About Circus Saints and Sinners

Circus Saints and Sinners is a local group dedicated to organizing events that bring the community together for charitable causes. Through their creative and engaging initiatives, they aim to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

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2023

YWCA Wheeling Hosts Walk for Domestic Violence Awareness

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) –

Each year nearly 10 million women and men in the United States are physically abused by an intimate partner.


To help call attention to this on-going crisis, the Wheeling YWCA held a domestic violence awareness walk Thursday.


Dozens of people took part.


The walk started at the YWCA building and continued to Heritage Port. That’s where a brief ceremony was held to honor domestic violence awareness month.


Members of the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Wheeling also took part.

“Intimate partner violence happens in all of our communities and a lot of our children are impacted by this so it’s extremely important for our community to have that awareness, so they know what resources exist, the programs that are offered to provide assistance to help their loved ones get help.”LAURA ALBERTINI WEIGEL, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS, WHEELING YWCA

“We are very lucky in the Ohio Valley and especially in Ohio County because we have the YWCA located in Wheeling. The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office will always work with them and continue to try to make sure they make a safe environment for everybody.”OHIO COUNTY SHERIFF TOM HOWARD

https://www.wtrf.com/ohio-county/wheeling-ywca-hosts-walk-for-domestic-violence-awareness/

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2023

Contests announced for students to honor King’s legacy

CHARLESTON – The Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission, in collaboration with the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA), invites West Virginia students to create original poster, art, music, film, or essay submissions to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Essay, music and film contests

The 2024 Project on Racism is presented by the Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission and the YWCA Wheeling. The contest accepts entries for essays, music, and 5-minute films.

Any student from grades 1-12 attending public, private, parochial, or home school in West Virginia may enter. Students under the age of 20 enrolled in a high school correspondence/Test Assessing Secondary Completion program also qualify to compete.

The 2024 Project on Racism Contest will be based on the following quote from Dr. King: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” 

Entries may be submitted by U.S. Postal Service, fax, email, or hand delivery. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed contact information form and the original work. All entries in this category must be received before midnight Nov. 13.

Entry requirements, contest rules, contact form, and submission instructions can be found at https://minorityaffairs.wv.gov/MLKCommission/ESSAY_CONTEST/Pages/default.aspx.

Winners will be announced before the end of December and will be invited to participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission Awards Luncheon on Jan. 14, 2024.

Poster contest

The Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission and the Beta Beta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, present the 40th annual poster competition.

West Virginia students from grades K-12 may enter the poster contest. The art must focus on the following quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Posters must incorporate the quote. Although the artwork must be original, teachers are encouraged to assist students to develop original slogans or captions used in the poster.

The entry may be in any format. The piece can be created with pencil, crayon, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic, serigraph woodblock, photography, or mixed media. The artist must explain the style and the selected media on the entry form, which must be taped to the back of the artwork. Entries without this information will be disqualified.

Submissions in this category must be postmarked on or before Thursday, Dec. 1. Judging begins Dec. 2. Winning entries will be exhibited at the Great Hall of the West Virginia State Culture Center from January 2024 to February 2024. The Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission will also create a 2024 calendar using the winning entries from the poster contest and winners will be invited to participate in the Jan. 13, 2024 Awards Luncheon.

Contact form, contest rules, and submission instructions can be found at https://minorityaffairs.wv.gov/MLKCommission/POSTER_CONTEST/Pages/default.aspx.

For guidelines and entry forms for all the contests, visit the MLK Commission tab on HHOMA’s website at minorityaffairs.wv.gov.

https://www.fayettetribune.com/community/contests-announced-for-students-to-honor-king-s-legacy/article_43e00058-7672-11ee-9fa7-735c9b3d6841.html

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2023

Candles Mark Marshall County Vigil for Domestic Violence

MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. (WTRF) — It was purple bows and soft light outside the Marshall County Courthouse Thursday night, to remind everyone of a silent and tragic form of abuse.

The YWCA held a candlelight vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness Month during October.

The crowd listened as outreach advocates and local officials spoke on the challenge to bring dignity and basic rights to victims.

A survivor also spoke on how it takes a woman an average of seven times to leave an abusive situation.

Thankfully, the YWCA and law enforcement are well prepared to help begin the healing journey.

“When they first come to me, I see somebody who is lost and confused and scared, and so I’m there to help pick them up and show them that they don’t have to go through any of this alone.”ASHLEY TAYLOR, YWCA OUTREACH ADVOCATE, MARSHALL COUNTY

“The biggest thing just like always, if you see something report it to law enforcement. You can call our office anonymously. If you need to call and report something, believe me, we don’t say who calls. We just respond to the call.”SHERIFF BILL HELMS, MARSHALL COUNTY

That number to call for help at the YWCA is 304-232-2748—where you can join a support group and find a safe harbor 24 hours a day.

https://www.wtrf.com/marshall-county/candles-mark-marshall-county-vigil-for-domestic-violence-survivors/
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2023

YWCA Wheeling Receives Project Safe Neighborhood Grant

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) – Sometimes the most challenging thing about catching and prosecuting criminals is having the personnel power to devote to the cases.

So the Wheeling YWCA is pleased to be able to help with that.

The Y-W is the fiscal agent for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

And they have again received a Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant from the Department of Justice.

“The northern district of West Virginia encompasses also the northern panhandle and the eastern panhandle was awarded $86,000. This is for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to focus on gang and gun crime activity as well as education and prevention of gun and gang activity.”HEATHER LAPP – CHIEF STRATEGIST OFFICER, WHEELING YWCA

They say the grant will help fund collaborative efforts with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, state and local law enforcement, and state and community partners.

They say in past years, the funding has been used to create crimestoppers projects.

https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/wheeling-ywca-receives-project-safe-neighborhoods-grant/
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General

Celebrating Victory Over Substance Misuse at YWCA’s GLOW Run

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The glow coming from the J.B. Chambers Memorial Recreation Park Saturday night wasn’t just from the stadium lights—it was from families celebrating the victory of overcoming addiction.

To commemorate National Recovery Month, the YWCA hosted a run and activity day for parents and children along with several of West Virginia’s other outreach programs.

Face painting, glow sticks and nighttime cornhole were all there for the kids, as the adults heard one another’s stories on how they found the strength to push through.

The organization says while it’s rarely a straight path to recovery, the struggle is always worth the success.

https://www.wtrf.com/news/good-news/celebrating-victory-over-addiction-at-ywcas-glow-run/

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2023

Wheeling YWCA receives $141,000 grant to support freedom from addiction

That’s the difference between addiction and independence for the women in the YWCA’s WIND program.

And now they now have $141,000 more to make that journey happen.

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They are one of the recipients of Governor Jim Justice’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative Treatment Supervision Grants.

It will support WIND’s mission of reintegrating patients into the community, through mental health treatment, life skills and community service.

Despite their extensive work, their program director says there’s always more that they can provide.

“We see spikes, we see lows, but it’s typically a steady flow from the courts into the different programs that are local. We still don’t have enough programs. We still don’t have enough services. So there’s still a gap that we get creative trying to meet those needs.”LAURA ALBERTINI-WEIGEL, WIND PROGRAM DIRECTOR, WHEELING YWCA

While the YWCA’s headquarters are in Wheeling, the therapy home is in Marshall County, which can house six women and provide for all their physical needs.

As for what the grant money itself will go toward, it will cover staffing for the home, along with transportation to get to and from therapy meetings.

That’s until each of its occupants are ready to complete the final step in overcoming addiction…stepping out and finding their own place where they can flourish on their own.

https://www.wtrf.com/news/good-news/141000-grant-to-support-freedom-from-addiction/
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Featured

Wheeling YWCA introduces scholarship to boost educational opportunities for disadvantaged women

WHEELING, W.Va. — The YWCA’s mission is to help women, and that effort continues in Wheeling, where a new scholarship aimed at educational opportunities for those who need them most was announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Not everyone’s pathway is the same, so The Hartford SMART529 Scholarship is set to provide the chance of higher education to women in the Wheeling YWCA program.

“That would help them go to school, whether it be a 4-year school, a 2-year school, a certification of some sort, a trade school, whatever hopes they have, whatever goals they want to meet,” said Liz Handzus, director of marketing and development, Wheeling YWCA.

The scholarship could also be associated with other costly items, like books, necessary attire, laptops, and more to aid their journey to self-sufficiency.

There is an application process.

“They have to get a staff recommendation letter,” Handzus said. “They will also have a formal interview with the advisory council.”

The YWCA helps to empower women who have been victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, who are in recovery, and been blocked by other barriers to life. It serves the entire Northern Panhandle.

“Women here at the YWCA don’t receive the same type of opportunity that other women do, so this is a good opportunity for them to jump over those barriers that they are so often represented with,” Handzus said.

To help make this opportunity possible, the YWCA is asking for your help. Funds would be made out to The Hartford SMART529 Scholarship program.

“I think a lot of people are passionate about higher education because it is a pathway toward self-sufficiency,” Handzus said.

https://wtov9.com/news/local/wheeling-ywca-introduces-new-scholarship-to-boost-educational-opportunities-for-disadvantaged-women#
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Featured

First Ever Ohio Valley Athena Award Presented to YWCA Wheeling Executive Director, Lori Jones

WHEELING — Local leaders gathered Friday for the inaugural Ohio Valley ATHENA Award ceremony presented by the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizing excellence among women in leadership roles that have made a profound impact on the community. And Lori Jones, executive director of YWCA Wheeling, earned the honor of being the first winner.

Friday’s luncheon was the culmination of efforts by Chamber officials to bring the ATHENA Awards to the Ohio Valley. ATHENA International is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that is “dedicated to building a global pipeline of women leaders from the classroom to the boardroom who will create a balance in voices of leadership worldwide.”

A selection committee chose five leadership award finalists for this year’s local event. Finalists included Jones; Alicia Jordan, marketing director at Belmont Savings Bank; Amanda Stoltz-Moore, owner and operator of McDonald’s locations in the Ohio Valley; Joelle Moray, owner of Joelle Moray Coaching; and Beth Whitehouse, senior director of strategic planning for the Wheeling Park Commission.

At the end of the event, each of the finalists were recognized for their tremendous contributions to the community, and the winner of the inaugural awards ceremony was named. This year’s award went to Jones, who applauded not only her fellow nominees but also the scores of other women in the room who helped blaze trails and provide inspiration for future leaders.

“I think every woman needs to be applauded every day of the year because of the work that we do – whether it’s at home or at work,” Jones said. “I’m going to continue to be that cheerleader because it’s kind of who I am. Thank you Chamber of Commerce, and thank you Ohio Valley for recognizing and noticing us. Women need all of the support that they can get.”

Jones — who was brimming with emotions upon accepting the award — had noted that she is most proud when a woman who comes to the YWCA feeling defeated walks out with her head held high, with a job and with a bright future ahead of her.

“Supporting women in their personal and professional advancement is what we do at the YWCA,” she said. “It’s what I do. It’s who I am.”

Chamber officials scrambled to make a last-minute change of venue on Friday after the power went out at the newly renovated White Palace at Wheeling Park, where the event had been scheduled to take place. Organizers jumped into action and were able to move the event to the Pine Room at Oglebay.

Aside from the finalists’ recognition and award presentation, another highlight Friday was keynote speaker Beri Fox, Marble King CEO. An outspoken advocate for U.S. manufacturing, Fox has guided the internationally recognized, locally based company through challenging times only to emerge as a global leader in the industry.

“One thing is certain in life, and that’s change,” Fox said, noting the shift in consumer’s use of glass marbles since the company was founded in 1949. “Even if you don’t change or don’t want to change, the world will change, and you have to change with it.”

Marble King manufactures more than 1 million marbles each day for various uses, and the company’s products are sold internationally in more than 20 countries. The company was able to take risks and broaden its market for different uses, and while dozens of others folded over the decades, Marble King is now the only domestic marble manufacturer left in the U.S.

Fox encouraged people to have faith in themselves, even when they may think they can’t do it. The mantra is a proven one that can break down barriers – often ones that are self-imposed, and it is especially true for strong women … and for natives of West Virginia, Fox noted.

She shared her stories of self-doubt when entering uncharted waters – being asked to be interviewed on nationally televised programs such as “The Colbert Report” and “The Martha Stewart Show,” which were initially unnerving situations that ended up kicking new doors open to new opportunities for herself and new levels of success for her company – from working with NASA to being featured in the Made in America Product Showcase at The White House.

“I want to encourage each and every one of you to believe in yourselves, to take chances to do things that you don’t think you can do,” she said. “Stand tall and strong for yourselves, and for West Virginia as a whole.”

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Featured

YWCA Wheeling Awarded Tax Credits For Necessary Renovations to Historic Building

WHEELING, W.Va – May 25, 2023 – The YWCA Wheeling is excited to announce the investment of the New Market Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits that will enable the YWCA to revitalize and expand the century old building on Chapline Street. This deal is in partnership with National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC), US Bank, and financed by Belmont Savings Bank.  

Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has been the champion of “eliminating racism and empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all”. For over a century, the YWCA has adapted and transformed to add new and crucial programming that would meet the needs of the community, but a century of wear and tear on the historic building now requires essential repairs and upgrades to ensure the YWCA can continue operating in the same building for another hundred years.

“This building is steeped in over a century of helping to meet women, families and men where they are. Over the years we have grown and morphed to meet the changing needs of the community and in order to continue this hard work, we need to make changes to our historic Chapline Street location,” said Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling.

Belmont Savings Bank has helped finance this deal for a total development cost of $16.8 million including a financing cost of $10 million New Market Tax Credits, $2.7 million Historic Tax Credits, and $3.4 million State Historic Tax Credits through the facilitation of NTCIC.

“We are thrilled to help with a project that makes a difference in the Ohio Valley,” stated Mike Taylor, Executive Vice President Commercial Lending. “Partnering for upgrades to the building, infrastructure and security will allow the YWCA to continue and increase the powerful and necessary services that provide critical needs of women and children in our community.” 

The renovation of the century old YWCA Wheeling building will be upgraded to enhance the quality of life for employees, residents and community members and support an additional 1,200 women and families each year. Necessary renovations will include expanded and enhanced programming and housing spaces, which will provide space for up to 55 women and families, new HVAC system, which is a first for the building, upgraded plumbing and electrical, a new elevator and other renovations that will ensure the YWCA can continue serving the community and sustain their mission. ‘

These critical renovations of the YWCA facility will preserve a piece of Wheeling’s history and ensure the continued functionality of a resource that provides life-saving services to women, children and men in the Northern Panhandle.

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Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Brooke and Hancock counties in WV and Belmont and Jefferson counties in OH.

Belmont Savings Bank has been helping local residents with their financial needs since 1885. With offices in Barnesville, Bellaire, Powhatan Point and St. Clairsville, Belmont Savings Bank offers checking accounts, loans, online banking, mobile banking and more for your business and personal goals. Visit www.belmont-savings.com for more information.

https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/ywca-announces-building-revitalization-project/

https://wtov9.com/news/local/16-million-renovation-project-ywca-building-wheeling-belmont-savings-bank-homeless-women-tax-credits-revitalization

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Featured

Juneteenth Celebration Continuing to Grow in Wheeling

WHEELING — A weekend of Juneteenth celebrations culminated on Monday night with food, music, and commemoration throughout Market Plaza.

Ron Scott Jr., Juneteenth Committee chair and master of ceremonies, opened the celebration at the north end of the plaza, a poignant location as it was once the site of a slave auction block. At the podium, Scott told the assembled crowd that he was thankful to hold the celebration for the fourth year in a row, especially when the holiday can encounter some “resistance.”

Diana Bell of the Wheeling Griot Society shared the importance of keeping stories alive, not only of African American history. She noted all groups should strive to preserve and share their past.

“Storytelling is an important part of preserving the history we have,” explained Bell. “Every family has it, not just African American families but Italian, Jewish, Korean and Chinese. Every family has stories they can tell, and preserving the story is what is important.”

Other speakers at the event shared their unique perspectives regarding their connection to the history of slavery and racism in and beyond Wheeling.

Darryl Clausell, president of the West Virginia and Wheeling NAACP, called on those in the audience to imagine the slave block once erected where he stood for his speech.

Unique Robinson-Murphy, communities in schools site coordinator for Wheeling Park High School, shared her pride in being a mentor for Black children in local schools, something she didn’t have as a child.

Mayor Glenn Elliott contrasted his own ancestors’ freedom of choice in building their future with the experience of enslaved peoples.

The Rev. Twila Davis of Macedonia Baptist Church then conducted the libation ceremony. Afterward, she led the crowd in a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson.

After the opening ceremony, festivities moved to the south end of the plaza, with performances by Voices of Praise of Macedonia Baptist Church and Soul Pantry, a funk/soul band. While listening to music, festival-goers enjoyed food from local vendors, including SouthPaw Eatz, Euphoric Donuts and SweetZekes Coffee.

Organizations such as the Wheeling Griot Society and Partners of African American Churches (PAAC) also had tents at the festival to educate and share the importance of the holiday.

Many local Black-owned businesses, such as Dee’s Hair & Beauty Supplies, sold clothes and other goods at the event. Amari Poole, an employee of Dee’s Hair & Beauty Supplies, was pleased with the exposure they gained at the event.

The 21-year-old also shared her excitement at having a Juneteenth celebration in the city she grew up in.

“When I was younger, we normally didn’t have a lot of events like this, especially here on the plaza,” she said.

Wheeling native Kenny Shuman, 52, also expressed that as a kid “it used to be nothing but the Italian Festival going on in Wheeling.”

“To have something like this is an improvement. It’s about time,” Shuman added.

The sentiment “It’s about time” was echoed by other attendees, as both young and old emphasized the need for the Juneteenth celebration in the city to continue.

“It’s important to have a Juneteenth celebration because what happens in little towns like ours reflects the overall country,” said Scott. “If they’re doing it in New York, L.A., and Detroit, we definitely should be doing it in Wheeling.”

Robinson-Murphy explained that not only the Black community in Wheeling but anyone who “supports and encourages events like this and uplifting Black voices” should attend and support Juneteenth celebrations.

“I have younger cousins and a daughter who will hopefully experience this plus more, more than what I had,” said Robinson-Murphy.

“It feels good to witness the event grow so much in the past four years,” added Scott. “It’s gone from looking online and seeing comments of ‘made-up holiday’ to now people asking ‘what are you doing for Juneteenth this year?’”

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General

4th Annual YWCA Wheeling Mini-Con Returns

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — A very special event is returning to Wheeling.

The fourth annual Mini-Con hosted by The Wheeling YWCA is Saturday, June 24 from 12 to 5 p.m.

The event is a smaller version of what you might see at a regular comic book convention.

The event will include several comic book vendors, local artists, cosplayers, retro video games and toys, and much more. Also included will be a demonstration by the Lightsaber Academy from Parkersburg, a costume contest, as well as various raffles and prizes to be won.

The event is one that helps bring the community together and enjoy a different form of entertainment.

”I think events like this are perfect for a community. Because if I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times a community is nothing but similar people with different interests but like minded all together. Like we are all made up of so many different types of people, but there are some events that bring us all together as a community.”RON SCOTT JR. – CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR FOR YWCA WHEELING

This will be the first year that the event will not be held at the YWCA center. Instead it will be held at Vance Memorial Church on National Road in Wheeling.

https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/4th-annual-wheeling-ywca-mini-con-returns

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General

YWCA Wheeling to Give Out 37 Scholarships through OVAASA Program

WHEELING, W.Va. – May 10, 2023 – Each year, the YWCA Wheeling holds the Ohio Valley African American Student Association Banquet where nominated students receive scholarships from partnering businesses, schools and individuals to help them further their education and secure a future career path. This year, 37 students will receive a minimum of a $200 scholarship.

       The YWCA Wheeling received 89 nominations from Ohio Valley schools including; Olney Friends School, Wheeling Park High School, The Linsly School, John Marshall High School, Bridgeport High School, St. Clairsville High School, Martins Ferry High School, Weirton High School, Wheeling Central High School, and Bellaire High School.

       The Ohio Valley’s top African American High School seniors are being invited to receive these awards. Submission by their guidance counselors and evaluations by the committee aids the YWCA in deciding who will be honored each year. This year the banquet will be held on May 11th.

       “This is the 14th year we will be holding the OVAASA Banquet to hand out scholarships and really just honor the students for their achievements over the years. The students deserve this time of recognition and each year it’s an awesome feeling to see past scholarship winners attend the banquet or want to get involved on a different level because of the impact it had on them,” said Ron Scott. Jr., Cultural Diversity & Community Outreach Director at the YWCA Wheeling and founder of OVAASA.

        Community members and businesses have partnered and donated to the YWCA Wheeling to designate a gift towards students going into a certain profession.

       The YWCA Wheeling is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen our community. The organization offers programming for family violence prevention, cultural diversity and community outreach, residence and emergency homeless sheltering, human trafficking victims and non-treatment recovery. YWCA Wheeling is an active member agency of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. For comprehensive information, visit www.ywcawheeling.org.

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2023

YWCA Wheeling  commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 23–29, 2023

WHEELING, W.Va – April 14, 2023 – The YWCA Wheelingis commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from April 23–29, 2023 by displaying mannequins that have been commissioned by West Liberty University Art Department students which portray thought-provoking pieces related to domestic violence, substance use disorder, hate crimes and human trafficking.

According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2021, there were more than 4.6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes, the latest year for which such information is available.

“It is crucial in our line of work to be able to hear and believe the victims we are charged with helping,” said Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling. “It is so important that the victim know they have a safe space to tell their story and know they are being believed. It’s important for their healing and to have support at every step of the criminal justice process and beyond.”

West Liberty University art students were eager to be a part of a project that would bring awareness and foster conversation around topics that are often hushed.

West Liberty University Creative Arts Therapy Instructor, Terri Giller is especially proud to be a part of this awareness project. “As an art therapist, who has worked with individuals that have experienced or who were recovering from crimes such as domestic violence, substance use disorders, human trafficking, and hate crimes, I am so grateful for this opportunity for WLU Studio Art and Creative Arts Therapy majors to participate in this project.  Art has the ability to help the public understand the impact of violent crimes and the victims of crime as more than just a statistic. The visual representations can allow the viewer to see the impact of crime on victims in a whole new way or gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of others.”

The federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness of victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.”

Partner organizations are committed to engaging with victims of crime; learning from their lived experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported.

During NCVRW 2023, YWCA Wheeling will share information about victims’ rights and resources and underscore the importance of listening to survivors’ voices in every space where decisions are made that could impact them by displaying these pieces of art that invoke a sense of empathy towards the victims path.

For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist crime victims, please contact the YWCA Wheeling at 304-232-0511 or visit our website at www.ywcawheeling.org

For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at ovc.ojp.gov.

Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age, or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, Wetzel, Hancock Counties, and Belmont and Jefferson Counties in Ohio. 

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Featured

YWCA Wheeling Capital Campaign Kick-Off, Already Over 80% of Goal

WHEELING, W.Va. – January 11, 2023 – Expanding upon its 117-year history of eliminating racism and empowering women in the Ohio Valley, the YWCA Wheeling has secured over $9 million in their first ever Capital Campaign, with a goal of $11 million to make necessary structural repairs and upgrades to the historic building that sits on Chapline Street, meet programming needs and allow for expansion to meet the needs of the Ohio Valley. The Building Hope, Reclaiming Lives campaign hopes to raise the remaining $1.8 million to support the necessary renovations.  

The “Building Hope and Reclaiming Lives” campaign began a quiet phase in 2020 and has been able to meet a significant amount of the goal through some donors and grants. The money secured from the campaign will renovate needed areas within the YWCA walls including upgrades to the elevator, increase the amount of rooms for residents, central heating and cooling, among other critical changes. The cost of the many renovations originally started at $5 million and steadily rose due to the increase of costs and needed repairs, putting the total at $11 million.

Due to the wear and tear of the building over the last 100 years coupled with the consistent growth over the years of families and individuals in need, the YWCA is in need of these renovations now more than ever before.

“Successful campaigns bring focus and unity to a shared vision,” said Executive Director, Lori Jones. “This shared vision of eliminating racism and empowering women will move the YWCA forward as we continue this critical work that our community needs, and ultimately help more people as we pivot and adapt to the complexities we face and the issues facing those we serve.”

The campaign is structed so that community members can contribute to specific target areas of their choice through naming and recognition opportunities. “The generosity of our community continues to amaze me,” added Jones. “The YWCA Wheeling relies on the kindness of individual donors, grants and foundations in order to carry out our mission, and this campaign is no exception. What will be your share?”

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2023

YWCA Wheeling Receives Purple Ribbon Awards

WHEELING, West Virginia – May 9, 2023 – The YWCA Wheeling was awarded the Purple Ribbon Awards through DomesticShelters.org in two categories; Outstanding Thrift Shop for the Y-Not-Repeat Boutique and Outstanding New Service Launch for the YWeCook Program debuting last summer. The YWCA Wheeling also nominated The Health Plan for Business Partner of the Year and they placed in that category as well.

The Purple Ribbon Awards are comprised of 34 categories and judged by a national panel of respected professionals from the domestic violence field. This is the first comprehensive awards program honouring the countless heroes of the domestic violence movement. Nominations come from all across the United States and Canada.

“We are very honoured to receive this recognition,” said Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling. “The YWCA Wheeling is in an era of change and we are striving always to be the best we can for the people we serve. Our staff and the community partnerships such as The Health Plan, is the reason we can continue this hard work that we do.”

The Health Plan has been a strong community partner with the YWCA Wheeling for several years and continues to be involved in whatever way they can.

“The Health Plan team is honored to receive the YWCA Wheeling’s Business Partner of the Year award,” said Jeff Knight, president and CEO of The Health Plan. “We are inspired by YWCA Wheeling’s mission and their impact in our communities, and we are committed to working together to drive even greater change. We remain dedicated to our shared goal of bettering the health, wellness and lives of those we serve.” 

Purple Ribbon Award winners are also eligible to receive grant funding through DomesticShelters.org. The YWCA Wheeling will be a part of a virtual celebration on May 18th to share grant winner stories and celebrate the work being done to help victims and survivors of abuse.

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Press Releases

MPLX Donates Concert Tickets to YWCA Wheeling Clients

WHEELING, West Virginia – April 4, 2023 – MPLX, the largest midstream gas processor in the Northeast, donated concert tickets to the clients and staff of the YWCA Wheeling to see Casting Crowns as they stop in Wheeling on their “The Healer Tour”.

YWCA Wheeling is sincerely honoured to receive these tickets that are available to the residents and staff who might have not been able to attend this uplifting concert otherwise.

Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling was very grateful for the thoughtfulness of MPLX. “We are extremely grateful to be the recipient of such generosity. Residents and clients seeking services and sanctuary from the YWCA Wheeling may not always have the ability or opportunity to attend an event like this, so we thank MPLX for their thoughtfulness.”

The Casting Crowns concert is taking place at the Capitol Theatre on Thursday, April 6 beginning at 7:00Pm.

MPLX is a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership formed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets, and provides fuels distribution services. MPLX’s assets include a network of crude oil and refined product pipelines; an inland marine business; light-product terminals; storage caverns; refinery tanks, docks, loading racks, and associated piping; and crude and light-product marine terminals. The company also owns crude oil and natural gas gathering systems and pipelines as well as natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) processing and fractionation facilities in key U.S. supply basins.

Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age, or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, Wetzel, Hancock Counties, and Belmont and Jefferson Counties in Ohio. 

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Featured

YWCA Wheeling Puts on Culturally Specific Escape Rooms

There’s a new one-of-a-kind experience now open in the Ohio Valley that will transport you to other cultures. 

While you learn about history, you’ll also be solving a mystery. 

“The Last Queen of Hawaii” escape room is now open in Wheeling.

It’s the first in a series of Culturally Specific Escape Rooms created by the YWCA Wheeling.  

Ron Scott Jr., the Director of Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach at the YWCA Wheeling, said he was inspired to think of a new way to get his message across.

No matter how cool the power point might be, that isn’t how they learn or how they’ll get it. So we thought if we can come up with something that’s more hands-on or immersive that I think there’d be a whole group of folks we could link in. So, we decided to put the message into something like an escape room.RON SCOTT JR., DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY OUTREACH, YWCA WHEELING

This first room is dedicated to Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. 

The YWCA Wheeling partnered with the company Glass Eye Worx to make it happen.

“It “The Last Queen of Hawaii” immerses participants in a specific scenario, giving them a hands-on way to learn about different cultures that exist in our communities. 

Scott said participants don’t even realize they are learning because they’re having so much fun solving the room’s puzzles.

There’s still a lot of that history that is very personal and very emotional to the people from Hawaii. Events like this you really get a chance to examine that and talk to folks about it. Not one group has gone through yet that didn’t’ still have questions when they were done.RON SCOTT JR., DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY OUTREACH, YWCA WHEELING

The Last Queen of Hawaii Escape room is now open inside the former book store at West Virginia Northern Community College at 1704 Market Street in Wheeling.

It will be there until April 30 before being transformed into a new culture. 

Groups of three to six people are ideal for the room size and puzzles.

The escape room is $10 per person and $5 per student under 12. A portion of the proceeds go back to the YWCA Wheeling to support its mission and programs.

If you’d like to sign-up for a time slot follow the QR code attached to the flyer.

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Dress for Success

Dress for success

Make a great first impression

By KIM LOCCISANO – Staff Writer
(kloccisano@timesleaderonline.com),Times Leader

You only get one chance to make a first impression, especially when it comes to meeting a person you hope will decide you are the right person for a job needing filled.

Like any other important event in life, the process of looking your best for a job interview or to attend a job fair will always prove to be a good investment of your time, effort and resources.

Among the resources you can count on dedicating toward securing a new employment opportunity will often be some money.

However, when getting your resources together in advance of an interview or a job fair, make sure to consider thinking, just a little, outside the box, particularly in an effort to protect what might already be over-stretched personal resources such as time and money.

When gathering your interview ensemble together or your work clothes for the start of a new job, take the time to learn what clothing styles are appropriate for a particular work site scenario.

If you are completely unsure what is right to wear, it is time to get in personal contact with someone more knowledgeable and who would enjoy helping you get on some firm footing where workplace wardrobe matters are concerned.

When it comes to women and our willingness to help out someone in need of just the right thing to wear, the American tradition of extending a hand to offer help to a total stranger or close friend is more often than not what will be found.

Women of the Ohio Valley area have a long tradition of helping each other through local resources. Donations of all types of clothing are made to area agencies and assistance programs on a daily basis, and women in true need of accessing those items will readily find they have direct access to available needed clothing programs.

The challenge of preparing to enter or reenter the workforce is a process which can be helped immensely if an individual is given access to the right clothing types and styles to wear for initial experiences such as job fairs, interviews and an initial period of work at a new job.

This should never be considered the time to take the idea of investment dressing to the limits of your financial situation.

In today’s world of gently used clothing boutiques offering top quality items for just a few dollars, there should be no need to even consider spending big bucks on an interview suit or a work week wardrobe when your foot is barely in the door.

Most communities in this area have well established women’s clothing consignment or charitable organizations based on gently used clothing resources available to one and all.

A stellar example of one such resource available to all area women is the Wheeling YWCA and its outstanding program, “The Y Not Repeat Boutique.”

Don’t think the merchandise is up to your standards? Think again.

If you are comfortable shopping for line labels you easily recognize, the Y Not Repeat Boutique is the perfect place to shop – yes shop – for gently used and never worn items from a wide range of companies.

Often included among the shop’s inventory are items from Pendleton, Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Evan-Picone, Jones of New York, Gap, Izod, Liz Claiborne, Talbots, Miss Pendleton, Pendleton Classic, ON by Leboff and more.

On any given day, the merchandise available there will change, as donations of clothing for women is being brought through the doors destined for some TLC and a place among the unique boutique’s well maintained display racks.

A vital aspect of this program is giving women in need comfortable access to quality clothing and sound advice when making choices of elements that they want to come together as an outfit, an ensemble or a suit.

Local libraries can provide free access to internet resources and to current magazines which hold limitless suggestions for making clothing decisions for various interview and job seeking scenarios.

What they seldom offer is information on how to pull together the right attire without spending more than you can intelligently afford to; enter organizations such as the Wheeling YWCA.

Such opportunities for painless, quality shopping experiences are a goal met every day through the YWCA’s boutique offerings to the public as well as the individual clients they serve through various efforts, one of the most successful is the personal shopper program.

Volunteers traditionally staff the shop, and through their regular interactions with women walking through the shop door with a limitless variety of challenges and goals, they become well informed on points of style trends and traditions.

Many of the volunteers on the boutique staff bring a career’s worth of knowledge about fashion and are there to help customers by suggesting items for their consideration, and to provide reliable feedback as a person goes through the sometimes overwhelming process of preparing to enter or reenter the workforce, step into a student-teaching assignment, attend a business formal event or the like.

But the idea of dressing for success is not something that needs to wait for a particular opportunity to come about. Shopping at the Y Not Repeat Boutique has the possibility of being every bit as enjoyable an experience as does an outing to a mall, but it will never bring with it the financial pitfalls that can readily come from thinking your perfect interview suit, first day on the job attire or even a homecoming or prom formal or suit can only be found by shopping at traditional retail resources.

In addition to the clothing items donated to the boutique at the Wheeling YWCA, there is an always changing inventory of accessories, coats, sweaters, shoes, scarves, jewelry and more.

It is a very special shopping experience, and a great avenue to share with others the items you no longer find doing anything for you other than taking up space in your closet or dresser drawers.

Volunteers and donations are both always welcomed and appreciated, according to Rhonda Hayes, the YWCA staff member in charge of the operations of the boutique, its volunteers, and more.

“The next time you clean your closets, think of us for those gently used clothes,” offered Hayes.

“But make sure also to take a moment and look around the boutique. There are always new items to be discovered and ways our volunteers can help customers no matter their needs,” she said.

“In the past year, we have seen almost 6,000 women come through the boutique, almost a quarter of them with referrals. However, in all of this business, and with an all volunteer staff, we have raised over $7,000 in profit. This is amazing,” shared Hayes, referring to the resources of the boutique being certainly some of the most cost effective to be found among shops in the area open to the public.

Shoppers, browsers and donors are welcomed during regular business hours, with detailed information available for the asking by calling Hayes at 304-232-0511.

Two dress for success points experts routinely share for women working on getting into the workforce or returning to it include these basics:

The first thing a hiring manager sees is the way you look and the way you carry yourself. Being correctly dressed for the interview may very well help get you called back for a second interview.

Select an interview outfit a couple of days before the interview or starting your new venture and try it on to make sure it fits, that it is comfortable and that you feel as though you look good in it.

Feeling like your appearance is well put together for any event will help you to be more confident and carry yourself with more poise.

Remember to look a person in the eyes when having a conversation or during an interview.

Things like remembering to exchange a solid handshake, to sit forward and comfortably in a chair, and to not fidget may sound like directives for children, but they have a very real value in many of life’s scenarios.

Just for the record: cell phones are not wardrobe accessories for the average person.

And though we routinely have cell phones in hand almost 24-7, remembering to turn it off and leave it in your car, purse, brief case or someplace similarly out of sight, is a much more welcome image than the look on your face when it sets off during an interview or initial meeting with potential or new employers.

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