February is Black History Month and it is a time to celebrate the accomplish­ ments of past, present and future leaders Black Leaders and especially those within our community.

In a partnership with Van Wert Middle School, the YWCA provides op­portunities for 7th grade students to learn more about our mission and impact their school and community through various projects and grow their leadership potential.

Students with leadership qualities are chosen by school staff to work with our Mission Impact Coordinator to take a deeper dive into all that the YWCA does in our community.

For more information about Cougar Leaders, contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg. (khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 419-238-6639 ext 311 )

This program promotes safe and healthy development of boys and young men (pre-teen through adolescent years) in a group environ­ment. The program focuses on the strengths of each individual while working toward a future where participants develop healthy and di­verse masculine identities allowing them to grow as leaders. For boys/young men in marginalized families or communities, there is a higher risk of school drop-out, physical and sexual risk-taking, substance abuse, sexual violence, and crime. By participating in The Council, boys and young men reduce these risk factors and find belonging, build assets, and deconstruct harmful masculinity beliefs.

For more information about The Council for Boys and Young Men, con­tact Director of Youth Development Betsy Hamman (bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 19-238-6639 ext 106)

A court advocate works with and on behalf of those in our Survivor Services programs to advocate for their needs and inform them of their rights. Whether the survivor is a plaintiff or a defendant in a case, the legal advocate provides support and assistance and ex­ plains the legal process along the way.

Court Advocacy is available to residents of the YWCA or on an outreach basis to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking.

For more information about Court Advocacy, contact Jodi Brummette (jwallenhorst@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 419-238-6639 ext 112)

We celebrate and advocate for dignity for all. Domestic vio­lence, sexual assault and human trafficking services are available to survivors and their families regardless of sexual orientation or gender. YWCA staff are Safe Zone trained to better understand and respond to the unique needs of mar­ginalized populations. Our doors are open to all.

Ensuring voting access is an important part of YWCA's commit­ment to eliminating racism and empowering women.

Through Get out the Vote, we assist in getting citizens of our community registered to vote in upcoming elections so their voic­es are heard!

Founded by the One Circle Foundation, Girls Circle is the first program in the country to demonstrate effectiveness at reducing delinquency in at-risk girls. This structured support group for girls ages 9-18 is designed to increase positive connection, strengths, and competence in girls.

For more information about Girls Circle, contact Director of Youth Development, Betsy Hamman (bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 419-238-6639 ext 106)

Those living in residence at the YWCA benefit from many group therapy opportunities and are encouraged to participate in sessions lead by professionals and YWCA staff. The small group sessions are designed to provide residents insight into improving their life, as well as providing hands-on learning opportunities. A variety of topics are covered by trained housing staff, community organizations, and local mental health care professionals. Topics and discussions may include anger management, life skills, conflict resolution, self ­esteem and parenting skills.

The strong women of our community have stories of empowerment to tell. As we encounter these women, the YWCA gives them a platform to share their story whether it’s through an in-person event, social media blog or a video.

If you know someone who would be a great candidate for HERstory matters, contact Mission Impact Coordinator, Kelly Houg, with more information. (khoug@ywcavanwrtcounty.org or 419-238-6639 ext 311)

YWCA staff members are dedicated to helping residents reach independence through accountability, economic advancement, emotional stability, and personal growth. We partner with local realtors to provide affordable housing options for individuals and families in our program who wish to continue their path of independent living outside of the YWCA

The YWCA Mission Impact Coordinator can provide resources and trainings to assist school administrators and educators with topics which correlate with our mis­sion. Often these resources and trainings are free.

For more information about our Mission Resources, contact Kelly Houg (khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 419236639 ext 311

Human Trafficking 101 gives participants the basic under­standing of the various forms of trafficking, how victims are lured in and what trafficking looks like, especially in our area. HT 101 trainings are available free to businesses, schools and organizations.

For more information about scheduling an HT 101 training, contact Director of Survivor Services Jamie Evans (jevans@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 419-238-6639 ext 105)

USA Track and Field and the Hershey Company created RunJumpThrow, a hands on learning program designed to get kids excited about physical activity by introducing them to basic running, jumping, and throw­ing skills through track and field. The YWCA offers RJT at no cost each summer.

For more information, contact Director of Youth Development, Betsy Hamman (bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 419-238-6639 ext 105)

The YWCA awards three college scholarships of varying amounts to deserving young women living or attending high school in Van Wert County. These funds maybe used at their discretion in pursuit of their future goals or plans. Applicants must be a female Van Wert County high school senior and she must volunteer in a community organiza­tion (school driven, YWCA programs, hospital, Red Cross, etc.) and display leadership to fulfill the Mission of the YWCA. Applications are available through each school's guidance counselor in January and are awarded at the Women of Achievement Scholarship Dinner in March.

The YWCA provides staff to St. Mary's School to teach the weekly Physical Education classes for youth K-6.

Since its inception in 1996, the YWCA Summer Food Program has served over 120,000 meals to youth in our community. Aside from the nutritional aspect, programming opportunities are available that offer participants memora­ble summer experiences including field trips, guest speakers, and other enjoyable activities throughout the summer.

To learn more about the Summer Food Program, contact Betsy Hamman (bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 4192386639 ext 106)

Please visit our Survivor Services page for more thorough information about this program.

YWCA Survivor Services

The Women's Circle Support Group encourages participants to share, explore, build skills, and en­courage one another to live authentically. This program is suitable for women from all walks of life who wish to live more mindfully including those attending college, involved in careers or recovery programs, women working in institutions or in military or volunteer service, faith­ based settings, homemakers and caregivers.

For more information about Women's Circle, contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg (419-238-6639 ext 311 or khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org)

Unity Circle is a structured support group that explores the ways in which race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, and gender intersect. Unity Circle ad­dresses critical needs and strengths while honoring and celebrating the unique life experiences of its participants.

For more information about Unity Circle, contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg (419-238-6639 ext 311 or khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org)

We take a Stand Against Racism by raising awareness about the impact of institutional and structural rac­ism and by building community among those who work for racial justice.

Until Justice Just Is provides the opportunity for our community to unite their voices to educate, advocate, and promote racial justice.

For more information about how to get involved with Until Justice Just Is contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg (419-238-6639 ext 311 or khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org)