LOCAL YWCA ANNOUNCES NEW REGIONAL FOCUS,
EXPANSION OF SERVICE AREA
YWCA Greater Milwaukee Becomes YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, Expands Services to Racine
MILWAUKEE – The YWCA Greater Milwaukee announced that effective today, it will be operating under a new name, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, to reflect its expanded services in the region, beginning with the opening of a new branch in Racine.
“The organization’s new name and Racine expansion reflect our desire to take a regionally minded approach to our programs and services,” said Paula Penebaker, President/CEO of YWCA Southeast Wisconsin. “The issues we tackle at the YWCA, including racism, workforce development and economic empowerment are concerns shared not just in Milwaukee, but throughout the region.”
The YWCA Southeast Wisconsin’s Racine branch will be located at the former site of the YWCA of Racine in Regency Mall.
“We are excited that the Racine community will have continued access to YWCA programming through the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin’s expansion into Racine,” said Pastor Cashius Myers, former interim Executive Director of YWCA of Racine. “Our priority was always to provide high-quality services to the community. We have no doubt that YWCA Southeast Wisconsin will successfully build on those services and will grow and expand to meet the continuing unmet needs of our community.”
At its Milwaukee location, the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin will continue to provide its wide range of programs focused on racial justice, economic empowerment and workforce development. In Racine, the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin will continue to operate as a Dress for Success affiliate and offer job placement services, while assessing community needs to expand its Racine-based programs.
“This is another great example of taking a regional approach to meeting the needs of our broader southeast Wisconsin community,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “Given the role the YWCA plays in the Milwaukee community, I have no doubt they will have a significant impact on our neighbors in Racine.”
The Racine location is currently being remodeled, including updated flooring, lighting, paint, ceiling tiles and office furniture. Additionally, a glass enclosure and door will be added to the office’s storefront.
“The services provided by the YWCA are greatly needed in Racine,” said Racine Mayor John Dickert. “I am proud to have the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin in our community and I look forward to partnering with them in the future.”
The expansion into Racine and regional approach to its mission will allow the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin to offer its programs and services to more people and expand its reach in a cost effective, efficient manner. With the addition of the Racine location, the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin anticipates serving 20,000 southeast Wisconsin residents in 2013.
“We are hopeful that the Racine expansion is the first of many opportunities to provide our services in new cities throughout the region and help even more individuals receive the support they need,” said Penebaker.
The community is invited to the grand opening of the Racine location on Tuesday, November 13th at 11:00 at Regency Mall in Racine. For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.ywcamilw.org.
About the YWCA USA
The YWCA is the voice for every woman. For over a century, the YWCA has spoken out and taken action on behalf of women and girls. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Over 2 million people participate each year in YWCA programs at more than 1,300 locations across the U.S. Worldwide, the YWCA serves more than 25 million women and girls in 125 countries.
About the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin
The YWCA Southeast Wisconsin was founded in 1892 as the YWCA Greater Milwaukee. Renamed the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin in 2012 to correspond with an expansion of services, the organization offers low-income women and their families the tools they need to achieve economic success and change their lives and their community.This is accomplished by connecting visitors with affordable housing, education resources, job skills training and racial justice programming that help remove barriers, build prosperity, and secure resources for the more than 15,000 individuals served each year.
For more information, visit YWCA Southeast Wisconsin’s website.