Volume 10:February 2008

pasadena-foothill valley

YWCA honors
Congresswoman Sanchez
The YWCA's Women of Excellence Leadership Speaker Series welcomed Congresswoman Linda Sanchez as its third installment in February


Congresswoman Linda Sanchez speaks at Wilson auditorium

When preparing for the third installment of our speaker series and considering the accomplishments of our honoree, it seemed relevant and appropriate to engage the school district with her visit.

Because Ms. Sanchez exemplifies leadership in areas of particular importance to the young people of our country, her appearance was offered by the YWCA as a public service to the Pasadena Unified School District at Wilson International Baccaluareate Middle School.

One issue of particular interest to Ms. Sanchez is "Maintaining Safe Schools."  The Presdient signed a bill into law in early 2006 that provides federal funding for state and local bullying prevention programs.  "For too long, bullying has been an overlooked problem. Studies have shown that bullying is often times a precursor to gang violence. By stopping bullying, we protect our children, improve our schools, reduce crime, and make our communities safer", she says.

Congresswoman Sanchez spoke about this issue of bullying but alsoissued an inspirational challenge to the students in declaring, "You are never too young to start dreaming, to start goals and begin working towards those goals."

JFG participants meet and pose with Sanchez after event

Standing at just over 5"1' and born the sixth of seven children, Sanchez understands what it means to fight to be heard and offers a clear message of inspiration to those who want to be a part of positive change to step out and making that happen - no matter what.

 Join our Parent Education Class  

The YWCA is partnering with Pasadena City College to offer a parenting class for parents of teenagers 13 years old and above.  This 8 week course uses an interactive curriculum to help you

• Understand your child's behavior
• Learn effective parenting strategies
• Improve family relationships and communication

WHEN:  Wednesday's starting March 5th and ending April 30th. 
Classes are held from 6 - 8 p.m. with free childcare provided
(prior reservations required)

WHERE: YWCA Pasadena Foothill Valley, 1200 N. Fair Oaks (in the
Fair Oaks Business Park)

contact Ashley Phillips at the YWCA for more information: 626-296-8433

Just For Girls (JFG) News:
Relationships built within the JFG program give support to the girls when addressing day to day issues of bullying

 
                      Willard Elementary School JFG group

Throughout the year, all of our JFG mentors build relationships with their participants that go beyond just discussion in the classroom.  Whether the girls call their mentors outside of group to ask for some advice or to just chat or if they come into group with an issue they need personal help with, whatever the circumstance, the mentors are more than willing to be available.

This was just the case for one girl who came to her JFG mentor disturbed by the way she was being treated by one of the other girls.  The girl being bullied was younger and did not understand if she had done something wrong or why she was being treated so poorly.

Jasmine Guerrero, YWCA Program Manager, spoke with the young girl about this situation, encouraging her not to internalize the comments and assuring her that if the problem persists they could all three address it together.  The problem did persist and eventually Jasmine had to mediate between the two girls in a private conversation.  This conversation gave the two girls a safe place to talk honestly about their emotions and actions with a grown up who they know cares about both of them and wants their best.

As the group continues, Jasmine has been able to check back with the girls and find out how the issue has been handled while constantly encouraging them to respect one another in all situations.  "We don't all have to be best friends, but we all need to offer repsect and dignity to one another."

Congratulations!

The YWCA is delighted to congratulate both Assemblymember Karen Bass for being elected as the next Speaker of the California Assembly and Jeanette Mann for being selected and honored by State Senator Jack Scott as the 2008 'Woman of the Year!' 

Assemblywoman Karen Bass is the first African American woman in California history to be elected to this position.  The YWCA in its efforts to advocate and highlight women in leadership, could not be more pleased with this announcement. 

Likewise the recognition of Jeanette Mann by Senator Scott is well earned and pleasing.  The YWCA is proud to have had Jeanette as a previous board member and as supporter and partner in a variety of YW activities and programs.

Congratulations once again to both of these oustanding women.  They exemplify the mission and goals that the YWCA has held for over a century.

March is
Women's History Month!

Before 1970 the subject of Women's History barely existed.  In the last 40 years this subject has gained much attention and momentum as we realize that women have a history worth knowing - a history that that is inextricable from our larger narrative as a people.

The national YWCA organization has dedicated its existence to the empowerment of women and to the recognition of their contributions to our society.  We encourage you to become more knowledgeable and aware of the narrative of women in our history.  Learn about Women's History Month and much more here!

 
Donate Online NOW!

Your contribution to the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley allows us to continue to offer our community:

• Just For Girls enrichment and development program for the school aged young women of Pasadena.
• Racial Justice work in our community.
• Community Building efforts through our public dialogue and program initiatives. 
• Ensuring that you and our young women, your sister, your wife, and our families have a voice in our city, region and nation!

• Volunteer. We are always recruiting women and girls to be to join a committee, or to volunteer in the office.
  Contact the Program Office. 
• Make a gift of stock, real estate, or money.  
  Contact the  Development Office.
• Join the Racial Justice Committee.
  Contact Denise Jones, Chair  

YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley 1200 N. Fair Oaks Ave. • Pasadena, CA 91103

 Phone: 626-296-8433 • Fax: 626-296-8434

    www.ywca-pasadena.org