This story sums up what our YWCA is about: Hope. Friendship. Support. Empowerment.

"I was a participant of the Just for Girls program back in 1999 when I was 8 years old until I was 14.  I would see girls in the apartments where I lived enjoying the program and being a part of it and I remember I could not wait to turn 8 so I could be part of the Just for Girls program. 

Once I was able to be in Just for Girls, I LOVED going to our weekly meetings and talking about girly things that I wouldn’t have talked about if I wasn’t in the program.  I experienced a lot of “first time” moments with the program.  Like going to Disneyland and taking trips to places that I wouldn’t have because my parents didn’t have the resources to take me to places like that.  I can honestly say that the program provided me with knowledge and life skills that I use to this day. 

I am now a college freshman at Sonoma State University and the Just for Girls program is something that I have cherished in my heart and is a place, that from a very young age, I've considered home.  The girls that were with me for those years were like my sisters, and even the staff now.  I know that I can always go back and I will be welcomed with open arms.  For me, being able to be part of Just for Girls was a privilege. In many ways, at a young age, it taught me and inspired me to one day be a successful young lady.  I think I am on the path to doing that, and the YWCA was definitely the foundation to my success."   

Your contribution at any level, gives us the opportunity to make this story a reality for many more young women. Support the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley and our Just for Girls program by donating today.

Thank you for keeping "Just for Girls" in your heart this Valentine's Day.