OVAASA Awards Banquet

In 2019 the 10 Annual OVAASA (Ohio Valley African American Students Association) Awards Banquet was held. We recognized 31 seniors throughout the Ohio Valley. The Keynote Speaker was Demetrius Baldwin-Youngblood, faculty member & coach at The Linsly School. Besides the students recognized for their academic accomplishments, one current African American Educator was honored with the Wanda C. Brown Award for Educator of the Year. The recipient was Mr. Brian Walker. One retired African American Educator was honored with the Burial ``Bo' Holmes Award. The recipient was Mrs. Edith Fuller. The Michael Green Memorial Award for the student who achieved Academic success despite overcoming extreme adversity was Donovan Goddard. Also, our OVAASA Phoenix Award for Academic Achievement from a Non-traditional Student was Ms. Kiesha Phillips. Schools are currently nominating students for the 2022 Awards.

2019 Scholarship Winners

  • Ohio University Eastern Merit Scholarship: Sheldon Lekanudos
  • WVNCC OVAASA Scholarship: Barak D. Lear II
  • WVNCC OVAASA Scholarship: Jamaiah Hairston
  • Wheeling Jesuit OVAASA Scholarship: Nyree’Anna Bledsoe
  • Tito’s Sloppy Dogg Culinary Arts Scholarship: Dallon Jones
  • Helping Hand/Listening Ear Psychology Scholarship: Ariana Hickman
  • Helping Hand/Listening Ear Psychology Scholarship: Kyla Leigh
  • The Timothy Midget “Know Thyself” Artistic Scholarship: Jordan Spears
  • Daugherty Foundation Scholarship: TeVon Minor
  • Ronald Scott Sr. Armed Forces Scholarship: Donovan Goddard
  • Daugherty Foundation Scholarship: Neveah Lekanudos
  • Daugherty Foundation Scholarship: De’Vaughn Mcwhorter
  • Stradwick Family Scholarship: Nathaniel Blakely
  • Stradwick Family Scholarship: Haley Brown

Helping Since 1906

YWCA Wheeling is one of 300 Associations in the Nation and has been a prominent part of the Northern Panhandle since 1906.

MORE YWCA WHEELING PROGRAMS

The YWCA Wheeling is on a Mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Survivors of Trafficking Empowerment Program (STEP)

Dedicated to supporting survivors of labor and sex trafficking in West Virginia. We provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, and legal and case management services to all victims of human trafficking – labor and sex trafficking – including men, women, children, foreign nationals or U.S. citizens.
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Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP)

A multifaceted and diverse domestic violence program geared towards ending the cycle of abuse.
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Cultural Diversity Community Outreach (CDCO)

The Cultural Diversity Community Outreach (CDCO) program provides advocacy for victims of discrimination and prejudice, culturally specific domestic violence advocacy, cultural and diversity awareness workshops and school programming.

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Residence and Homeless Shelter

A program that houses single women over the age of 18 in a community style residence.

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Y-Not-Repeat Boutique

A program that houses single women over the age of 18 in a community style residence.A boutique that accepts gently used donated clothing from the community and helps clothe women going back into the work force.

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ELMINATING RACISM

Since 1905, the YWCA Wheeling has been at the forefront of racial justice in the Northern Panhandle. We are devoted to taking a stand to eliminate racism and promote inclusion and tolerance for all.

EMPOWERING WOMEN

We are committed to providing programs and services that equip women with the tools they need to impact their lives, their families lives, and the lives of women around them.

BUILDING COMMUNITY TOGETHER

We believe bringing communities together provides opportunities for support and connections for all.

ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE

We are dedicated to creating systemic change for women and people of color.

TESTIMONIALS

Young Women's Christian Associates of Wheeling Makes a Difference

This is where I came a few years ago with my two small girls to escape a truly abusive, dangerous situation. I credit the YWCA with giving me my life back
Denise
YWCA is a blessing to many women near and far. I personally needed help after being in a violent relationship. The staff were so compassionate and helpful, which helped me heal and get back on my feet. The YWCA is and always will be a temple of healing for women in Wheeling.
Erin G.
The YWCA Wheeling provides critical resources to the Ohio Valley and incredible programming created to empower and engage! Top notch leadership too.
Rosemary K.
Amazing women doing amazing things!
Hannah H
Very safe. The staff are angels.
PJ B.

Make an Impact in the Ohio Valley

Thanks for your interest in joining us on our mission to eliminate racism and empower women! Your voice matters as we stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. Whether you have five minutes, or can commit five hours of your time, learn how you can plug in to the YWCA community.

Get Involved

CONTACT US

Have a question? Get in contact with YWCA Wheeling.

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