Goal-Oriented. Passion-Oriented. Justice-Oriented: A Note from Kathleen’s Desk

A- A A+

Goal-Oriented. Passion-Oriented. Justice-Oriented: A Note from Kathleen’s Desk

Categories: Advocacy, Center for Safety and Empowerment, News

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! What are your top priorities for this new year? What about this next decade?

As we plan for this year, I’m reminded of a quote by film director Greta Gerwig. She says, “I’m not goal-oriented so much as I’m constantly aware of what I’m passionate about, and I’m constantly updating the list. I envision many possible futures for myself where I could be happy, so I just try to keep my passions alive.”

Women in Topeka are leading the way in 2020

Every day, we help shape new futures for the people we serve: safety and support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, decision-making skills for children at the Early Learning Center, academic and social-emotional tools for Kids Quest students, tangible change across the Greater Topeka community through voter-led action, and vast opportunities for women on their leadership journey. This year is not just about staying true to our mission, but also a year for following our passions of promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

In 2020, while we are driven to meet our community’s needs and our agency’s goals, we will keep in mind where our passions lie: fighting for gender equality and racial justice using a combination of advocacy, programming, and direct services.

 

 

Wherever you are on your journey, make us part of your list of passions for this year. Here are some dates to keep in mind:

  • Wednesday, January 22: Winter Network Lunch featuring Joan Wagnon on  the League of Women Voters and 19th Amendment Centennial Celebration
  • Saturday, April 11: Concealed Revealed Art Auction to benefit survivors of sexual assault
  • April 25 – 28: Stand Against Racism
  • Tuesday, June 6: Leadership Luncheon, promoting women of excellence in our community
  • Wednesday, September 16: That’s What She Said

Thank you for standing in solidarity for a strengthened community,

Kathleen Marker

CEO, YWCA Northeast Kansas

 

Announcements:

  • We are starting a book club! Our first book is White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo. Click here for more information.
  • Check out our full annual report from 2019, detailing our work in direct service, advocacy, and issue education campaigns from this past year.
  • The Early Learning Center (ELC) will have upcoming openings in the Toddler room starting in February 2020. For more information or to start the enrollment process, please visit our Youth Services website.
  • Thank you again to those who contributed items to the Center for Safety and Empowerment Holiday Store. Do you have some post-holiday items you would like to donate? Take a look at our Wish List, now updated to include items for our Early Learning Center.
  • It’s been another successful year of the Canned Good War on 24! This year, Rossville, Silver Lake, and St Mary’s were able to donate over 40 grocery carts-full of canned goods through some friendly competition and incredible generosity. Thanks again!

Keep these on your calendar:

JANUARY
National Stalking Awareness Month

Governor Laura Kelly signing a proclamation for National Stalking Awareness Month

TUESDAYS, JANUARY 7 & 21
Racial Justice Book Club
Discussing White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
7:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
Winter Network Lunch: 19th Amendment Centennial Celebration
With guest speaker Joan Wagnon and the League of Women Voters
YWCA Dining Room
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Save the Date!
Concealed Revealed Art Auction
Jayhawk Theatre, Topeka
Details TBA

APRIL 23-26
Stand Against Racism Campaign

 

Check out our latest moments in the news:

YWCA expands services for victims of human trafficking

YWCA opens Topeka day center to aid human trafficking victims

More than $20 million awarded to help victims of crimes in Kansas

18 arrested after domestic violence warrant sweep

KBI says rape, domestic violence reports up

“Maria” from Sesame Street, Sonia Manzano visits Topeka Collegiate

YWCA Northeast Kansas receives more than $18K in contributions during Envista Cares Challenge

YWCA Northeast Kansas and Envista Announce the Donation Results of the November Envista Cares Challenge

Five years of sexual abuse: Inmates at Topeka women’s prison repeatedly complained about dental lab instructor