YWCA Quad Cities

🌟 Summer Apprenticeships Shaping Future Careers! 🌟 This summer YWCA QC received funding for a Summer Pre-Apprenticeship Opportunities program for youth to give them paid opportunities to gain invaluable skills and real-world experience. From hands-on training to mentorship, our youth who are participating in the program this summer are gaining insights that can't be found in textbooks. 📚💼 In areas such as Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Lifeguarding, Information Technology, Food Services, Barbering, Healthcare, Botany and Music Production - there were plenty of options for students to choose from! But it’s not just about us apprentices! Local organizations are also reaping the benefits by getting the dedicated workforce they need to thrive - at no extra cost to them. It’s a win-win for everyone involved! 🤝 Here’s to a summer of growth, learning, and making a difference! 🌱

An incredible time was had by all at the YWCA QC That's What She Said last night! The energy in the room was electrifying, and the speakers truly inspired everyone with their powerful stories and insights. 🧡 Thank you to the amazing women who shared their journeys and left us all feeling motivated and empowered. A special thank you to the Junior League of the Quad Cities and The Beautifull Project for supporting the event. Great things can happen when great QC organizations come together! 🧡 Can't wait for next year's event! 🚀

🌟 The YWCA QC is now enrolling kids in our Early Learning Academy! 💡 Join us at our YWCA Early Learning Academy Open House on Tuesday, July 16 from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Take a tour of our NEW classrooms and secure your spot! Give your child a bright beginning 💡 with our enriching, fun, and educational programs designed to nurture young minds. Our academy provides a safe and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. The YWCA QC is now enrolling children 6 weeks through 4 years (full time only). WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE OPEN HOUSE: 🌠 A copy of the child's most recent physical/immunizations 🌠 Official Birth Certificate 🌠 TB and Lead screening for children 1 yr and older If applying for state funding, bring 2 recent paystubs and current school schedule and recent report card (if applicable). Families with completed enrollment packet and required documents will be enrolled with first priority. Enrollment will continue until classrooms are at capacity.

Thrilled to share today's event hosted by the YWCA Quad Cities, where Tri-City Electric Co. and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) had the opportunity to shine a light 🔦 on the transformative power of community partnerships in addressing workforce challenges. The construction trades are brimming with potential, and it was an honor to present alongside International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local-145 and the QC-JATC, showcasing the value of apprenticeships. Students were engaged, asking insightful questions and learning the 'why' behind choosing this career path. 🛠️ ⭐It's initiatives like these that underscore the importance of collaboration. By uniting community organizations and industry leaders, we're not just filling jobs - we're building futures. Here's to more partnerships, more success stories, and a brighter future for our youth and young adults! 🌟 Tri-City Electric Co. YWCA Quad Cities Amy Schaefer Edwin Salazar International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) David Aguirre Tom Vonderhaar John Irving Natalie Baysinger, PHR, SHRM-CP Rachel Haas Cody Schwaller Bryan Bolin LaVance Banks John Amman Lori Rochholz Henry Thompson

From Daycare Pals to Poolside Protectors! 🌊 Meet JJ "Juice" and Parker, two incredible young men whose friendship began at the YWCA Quad Cities Early Learning Academy many years ago as infants. They were inseparable from day one, sharing laughs, adventures, and countless memories. Now, fast forward to this summer, and you'll find them working side by side as lifeguards at the new YWCA QC Aquatic Center helping us get the pool ready to open to the public! At YWCA QC Early Learning Academy, we believe in nurturing more than just young minds. Our Continuity of Care model ensures that children stay with the same group and caregivers throughout their early years, creating a stable and loving environment. This unique approach fosters lifelong bonds among the children, helping them to develop strong friendships and a sense of community. Together, we're building a foundation of trust, security, and connection that will benefit our little ones for years to come. #YWCA #EarlyLearning #ContinuityOfCare #ChildhoodBonds #LifelongFriendships

Here's a highlight of the That's What She Said Quad Cities event coming up next Tuesday, July 16 in Quad Cities Regional Business Journal! Tickets are available at https://lnkd.in/g5Kb8ise https://lnkd.in/gBNPW5tD

🌟 Empowerment Alert 🌟 Our voices hold immense power. When we tell our own stories, we shape our realities, inspire change, and uplift one another. 🚀✨ That's why we want YOU to join us on July 16 for an exceptional line up of women who will share their personal journeys, professional experiences, and invaluable insights. It’s an event designed to uplift, inspire, and connect our community through the power of storytelling. Our amazing line up includes:  ✨ Jackie Celske ✨Jacq Houtekier ✨Mary Macumber-Schmidt ✨Steph Madsen ✨ Erin Mahr ✨Destiny Smith ✨Ashley Velez ✨Lauren Alexis Wood Whether you're looking to be inspired, to learn, or simply to support your fellow community members, this is an event you won't want to miss! Also presented by Junior League of the Quad Cities and The Beautifull Project Tickets are available now! https://lnkd.in/g5Kb8ise Let’s come together to celebrate the amazing women and empower each other to reach new heights. 💪📢

💎 Nominate an Ambassador of Change for the 2024 YWCA Race Against Racism! 💎 💬 Do you know someone who tirelessly fights against racism and advocates for a more inclusive community? Now is your chance to honor their efforts! As part of the ANNUAL RACE AGAINST RACISM presented by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union, YWCA Quad Cities recognizes and honors Quad Citizens for their personal impact on fighting racism in our community with the Ambassadors of Change Award! 🗒 Nominate a Hero: Fill out the nomination form to shine a light on the individuals making a difference. Whether they are educators, activists, community leaders, or everyday heroes, we want to hear about their impact. Celebrate Diversity & Inclusion: Let's come together to recognize and support those who are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. Nominees selected will be honored at the RACE AGAINST RACISM on SATURDAY, September 26th @ Schweibert Park, Rock Island. This year, the presentation will take place at 9:30am, before the 5K run/walk. 🔥 NOMINATION FORM IS OPEN >> https://lnkd.in/gSZHuZ3d

💕 Celebrating Remarkable Dedication and New Beginnings! 🦋 It is with mixed emotions at the YWCA QC that we announce the retirement of Deanna Gary Woodall, a cherished and dedicated member of the YW family. After 5 1/2 years of outstanding service and commitment serving as our YWCA QC Vice President of Development and Growth and Executive Director of the Empowerment Center, Deanna has decided to embark on a well-deserved retirement along with her husband Rob Woodall, who also recently retired. Even though she is retiring; Deanna's commitment to the YWCA QC remains strong and she will still be connected to the YW as a Special Event & Project Consultant and will still lead the POWER of the W series! As we bid farewell to Deanna, we are pleased to announce that Amy Schaefer will be stepping up as the Executive Director of the YWCA Quad Cities Empowerment Center! Amy has been with the YWCA QC since 2016 and has been a part of the development of the Empowerment Center, as well as Director of the Aquatic Program and also handled the Marketing and Communications for many years. "As Deanna steps into this new chapter of her life, we celebrate her contributions and wish her all the happiness and relaxation that retirement brings. We thank her for the many years of service, incredible passion, and unwavering dedication," said YWCA QC CEO Julie Larson. "We are also grateful to have Amy step into this leadership role at the YWCA QC and know that she will go that extra mile to support families and the community we serve."

✨ We Did It! 🎉 Monday, June 3, marked a momentous occasion as we gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new YWCA Quad Cities at 513 17th Street in downtown Rock Island! 💫 We're deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community, whose unwavering dedication has brought this vision to life, and incredibly grateful for the YW's generous funders who gave us the lift we needed to make it a reality. We are also thankful for the workforce that constructed the 64,000 square foot facility with and indoor aquatic center featuring a lap pool, zero-depth entry and sprayground; an indoor gymnasium; a weight room and cardio workout room; a STEAM learning room, cozy library area; a spacious, commercial-grade kitchen; and classrooms to serve 190 youth through childcare services. We are grateful beyond measure! Together, we're creating a safe, inclusive space where empowerment and opportunity flourish. Here's to the countless lives we'll touch and the positive change we'll inspire. 🌟💖 #YWCA