“I survived domestic abuse. It’s so much more common than many people realize. The most pressing challenge facing our mission is raising awareness on these uncomfortable topics in a way that makes people feel more comfortable having discussions and starting to make small changes in their own lives.” -Kayla Bitler-Loschke Kayla Bitler-Loschke YWCA Board… Continue Reading Woman on a Mission: Kayla Bitler-Loschke
August 9, 1919 – April 24, 2021: A Life of Service, Advocacy, and Vision We are saddened to hear of the passing of longtime supporter Phyllis L. Todd on April 24th. Phyllis was active with the YWCA in a variety of roles for over 50 years. We encourage you to read her obituary, which details her… Continue Reading Remembering Phyllis Todd: Former Board Member, Advocate, Supporter
This past March, our community MET THE CHALLENGE. Over 800 members of the Greater Topeka community (and beyond!) signed up to participate in this year’s 21 Day Challenge for Racial Equity and Social Justice. In addition to participating in the Challenge, our generous allies and supporters raised $6,500 for the Advocacy and Racial Justice work.… Continue Reading You Met the Challenge: The 21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge
The 2021 Concealed Revealed Art Auction Awards Honor YWCA Advocate A native of South Dakota, Patti Mellard is currently celebrating her 31st year in business in Topeka and Manhattan. She is the founder and CEO of Key Staffing and Premier Employment Solutions. She has served on the boards and committees of local, state, and national… Continue Reading Meet Patti Mellard, Our 2021 Outstanding Volunteer
The 2021 Concealed Revealed Art Auction Awards Honor Local Artist, Volunteer Erin Snethen, a garment pattern designer for The Sewing Workshop, has been involved with Concealed Revealed and Center for Safety and Empowerment for over 6 years. It all started when she and her husband bought their first piece of art from the Concealed Revealed… Continue Reading Meet Erin Snethen, 2021 Advocacy through Art Awardee
This is what justice looks like. We stand in solidarity along with over 200 YWCAs across the country to support YWCA Minneapolis and YWCA St. Paul in answering the cry for justice, peace, and dignity for all. YWCA continues to call for dismantling systemic racism and equal protection and opportunity under the law through its… Continue Reading YWCA Statement on the Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict
Unique Collaboration Provides Foster Homes for Pets In an effort to mitigate the effects of domestic violence on families with pets, Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s Women’s Network and their Caring Hearts Committee have teamed up with the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment (CSE) to coordinate a pet foster home program for families residing at YWCA… Continue Reading Hill’s Pet Nutrition Partners with YWCA Northeast Kansas to Offer Foster Pet Program
Introducing YWCA’s Technical Guide to the 21-Day Challenge Many of our registrants have asked very pertinent questions regarding how the Challenge will work. Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide that will answer hopefully most of the technical questions that might arise. Still haven’t registered? There’s still time! Register for the 21-Day Racial Equity and Social… Continue Reading Your 21-Day Challenge How-to Guide