Giving Back . . . The YWCA of Bergen County

In my latest newsletter, I talk about the importance of "giving back" and I mention that one of my charities of choice is the YWCA of Bergen County, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. I'd like to share some more about who they are and what they do and why I have been so involved with them.

Those of you who know me well know that I am Jewish. So six years ago, when I came home and excitedly told my husband "I've been elected to the board of the YWCA of Bergen County!", his response was, "You do know what the 'C' stands for, don't you?" (He at least got that it was a separate organization from the YMCA, it's all because we don't have a silly song!)

As I explained to him, the YWCA is so much more than that. The mission statement is: "the YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all." A lot more than a gym and a swimming pool, isn't it?In Bergen County, the YWCA runs the Rape Crisis Center, which has a 24/7 hotline and provides counseling and other services for victims of sexual violence (female and male) and their families. The YWCA is the largest provider of childcare in Bergen County with early childhood programs that provide care for infants and toddlers, nursery school, and full-day kindergarten and school age programs that provide before and after school care and summer camps. There are two main locations -- the facility they share with the YMCA of Ridgewood (which is where the gym, pools, etc., are located) and offices in Hackensack (which is where the Rape Crisis Center is located).

I have helped to start two different committees that support YWCA activities, both of which include staff, board members, and community members. The first is the Public Relations and Marketing Committee. This group works with the YW's Director of PR and Marketing to develop marketing materials, programs, and provide other support. Ranging from brainstorming ideas for the "Y the W Makes a Difference" campaign to reviewing department and program business plans, committee members offer their expertise to help the YW.

The second is the Advocacy Committee. The YW of Bergen County is part of NERC (Northeast Regional Council), which has a very strong advocacy program. At both the state and regional level, advocacy issues are selected each year. This year's issues include: Child Care and Youth Development -- after school and preschool availability and funding; Economic Advancement -- pay equity; Racial Justice -- equity in education; Violence Against Women -- a.) domestic and sexual violence and b.) sexting; Reproductive Health; and Supportive Housing. We are working with the other NJ YWCA's, other NJ organizations, and our federal, state, and local legislators on these important issues. We will be working with our community throughout Bergen County to raise awareness of these issues.

How did I first get involved with the YWCA? In 1981, when I was working in the corporate world, my company selected me to be honored at the YW's TWIN dinner. TWIN (Tribute to Women & INdustry) is an annual program, started at the YWCA of Bergen County in 1974, that honors women for significant contributions to their companies and recognizes companies for providing women opportunities for advancement. Many companies in northern NJ participate in this program -- since its start more than 1,800 women and 200 companies have participated. And the program has spread to YW's around the country. Over the years I was involved with the TWIN alumni group. I edited their newsletter and served on their board. And that led to my joining the board of the YWCA.

So visit the web site, check out the Facebook fan page, and see how the YWCA of Bergen County has evolved over the past 90 years.