Max Rosenthal, a dedicated YWCA Delaware Board Member from 1999 to 2005, left an indelible mark on our organization.

As the Chair of the Plant Operations Committee and the Human Resources Committee, Max led YWCA Delaware through transformative projects, including a comprehensive Facilities Analysis and vital updates to the Employee Policy and Procedures Handbook.

Max's enduring commitment extended beyond her board tenure, as she continued to offer support and an unwavering dedication to our mission after she left the board. Her keen intellect, organizational prowess and innovative approach continue to inspire us. We are forever grateful for Max's ability to help us change lives for the better.

A Celebration of Life for Max will be held on March 11, 2024, at 2 PM at The Delaware Contemporary (formerly DCCA), 200 S. Madison St, Wilmington, DE. 

Ann C. Stanford, a trailblazer committed to eliminating racism and empowering women, shaped her legacy through a family business and advocacy for financial independence. As head of personnel, she championed flexible schedules and career development for women.

Witnessing racism during WWII, Ann carried the determination to fight for justice to Delaware, where she supported the YWCA. Her daughter, Leslie Stanford, continues her legacy, working with a new generation to advance social justice. Ann's bequest ensures her ideals live on, contributing to a reality of empowerment. In her memory, we express gratitude for her sustaining support.

Learn about Ann's Legacy and YWCA Delaware's Planned Giving program on our website: http://www.ywcade.org/ann-stanford-legacy.

We're hosting an MLK Day of Action on Monday, January 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 730 Halstead Road, in Wilmington, Delaware, to promote citizen engagement towards racial and social justice. 

We hope you will join us for a casual meal and an empowering evening as we present how individuals can make a positive impact on our communities through political activism. Learn about our upcoming 2024 advocacy priorities that aim to improve women's and families' economic security, health, safety, and social equity and how you can become a catalyst for change. Guest speakers include Senator S. Elizabeth Lockman, Representative Larry Lambert, and Community Advocate Lynne Kielhorn. 

Anyone unable to attend in person is welcome to select the option to view the live stream in the registration form.

Join us online on Wednesday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m., as guest speaker LaNesa Spence provides an overview of simplifying the process of small business taxes. LaNesa will discuss small business tax structures and obligations, navigating deductions and credits, and best record keeping and documentation practices.

YWCA Delaware's new "Entrepreneurial Essentials" Monthly Empowerment Webinar series aims to inspire, educate, and connect aspiring and established entrepreneurs, fostering a supportive community that propels businesses to new heights.

Register now and take a proactive step in creating a stress-free tax filing experience.

Our Economic Empowerment Programs (including financial empowerment, homeownership, foreclosure prevention, employability, entrepreneurship, and youth development with courses and workshops offered online and in-person) have a new home at 709 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, Delaware.

Additionally, our Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) (which provides essential services and support for survivors) has relocated to 15 Reads Way, Suite 200, in New Castle, Delaware. Our offices at 20123 Office Circle in the Georgetown Professional Park and the Healing Space at 709 N. Madison Street in Wilmington continue to operate seamlessly.

These new locations mark exciting chapters in our journey to empower and support our community.

YWCA Delaware's Home-Life team recently dedicated their time and skills to the Urban Bike Project's annual Holiday Bike Giveaway to youth in New Castle County. From tightening ball bearings to spray-painting frames, repairing seats, and ensuring tires are in top condition, staff worked to make each bike shine like new.

"We are proud to be a part of initiatives that enrich the lives of our community's youth and can't wait to see the smiles on faces when the Urban Bike Project drops off bikes here at Home-Life for the holidays," said Chief Housing Director, Lisa Forever.

This collective volunteer effort provides children with bikes while supporting their confidence and offering a healthy, affordable, and practical mode of transportation and recreation.

In a transformative six-week journey, Home-Life clients learned how to secure a more stable financial future. The comprehensive MoneW!se course provided valuable insights into budgeting, credit management, financial goal setting, and creating personalized financial plans. Delving into topics such as employee benefits, life insurance, money investing, and will preparation, clients gained a holistic understanding of financial empowerment.

Behind the scenes, YW's staff played a pivotal role in facilitating the workshops and ensuring a supportive environment to enhance the overall learning experience for clients by coordinating food, childcare, and transportation.

In a year marked by resilience and community collaboration, YWCA Delaware's Youth Program successfully served approximately 551 students, a 35% increase since 2022. A key highlight of the year was the dynamic partnerships forged with many organizations, including Archmere Academy, the Community Education Building, Delaware Futures, the WINNERS Program through McCullough (Calvin R.) Middle School, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, the Police Athletic League, Serviam Girls Academy, Summer Collab, and the William "Hicks" Anderson Center. These collaborative efforts expanded the scope of YW's Youth Programming, which continues to be a beacon of support and inspiration for the youth and helps lay the foundation for brighter futures ahead.