Posted by Anya Priester on Mon, Jul 12, 2010 @ 12:39 PM
Boston, MA - The Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund has awarded a $50,000 grant to YWCA Boston’s breast cancer education, early detection and survivorship program, building on a long-standing partnership between the YWCA Boston and the Avon Foundation for Women.
The YWCA's women’s health and wellness program is a culturally sensitive program designed to connect high-risk participants with information, resources, and advocacy on issues that affect overall well-being. Numerous studies show that certain women are most at risk of late breast cancer diagnosis: women of color, new immigrants, women over forty, and women who are underinsured.
YWCA Boston works to remove the barriers—including financial, linguistic, and cultural—that many of these women face in taking control of their overall health. The program incorporates additional areas of women’s health, including cervical cancer, diabetes, HPV/STD’s, fitness, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, lupus, heart disease and more.
"YWCA Boston’s women’s health programs are unique because they are not limited to a particular neighborhood or ethnic group but ratherm are inclusive of, and sensitive to, a broad range of cultural and ethnic groups," said Sylvia Ferrell-Jones, YWCA Boston President &CEO. " We perform the crucial task of reaching traditionally underserved women through outreach and education, screening and referrals, clinical and social services, and support groups."
The YW program also distributes its multi-lingual “Health Disparity Buster” pamphlets with practical advice and resources to empower women to take control of their overall health.
Breast cancer is a threat to every woman. It is the second leading cause of cancer death for women and the leading cause of death for African American women and women ages 40-59. Although breast cancer cannot be prevented, if detected early, the five-year survival rate is 95%. Unfortunately, less than one-third of American women follow the three steps recommended for early detection: annual mammograms beginning at age 40; annual clinical breast exams; and monthly breast self-examinations.
Due to the Avon Foundation’s consistent funding, YWCA Boston has developed a premier breast cancer program in the City of Boston for women of color and new immigrants. Widely considered experts in the field, YWCA Boston staff is often asked to speak or present at conferences and panels, serve on committees and join collaborations.
“We work at a broad-based, grassroots level to ensure that our programs reach as many high-risk women as possible,” said Ferrell-Jones. “We are deeply grateful for The Avon Foundation’s generous long-time support.”
"YWCA is one of the original nationwide partners in the work of the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund, and they are a critical community-based provider of vital services to medically underserved women," stated Carol Kurzig, President, Avon Foundation for Women.
The Avon Foundation for Women and Breast Cancer Crusade
The Avon Foundation for Women, an accredited 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families. Now past the half century milestone, the Foundation brings this mission to life through the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program and the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which raises funds and awareness to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved. Since 1992 the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised and awarded more than $640 million worldwide for medical research; access to care; support services; screening and diagnostics; and education and awareness. The largest fundraising program in the U.S. is the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series.
The Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund
The Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund is administered by Cicatelli Associates Inc. to support community-based, non-profit breast health programs. The Fund's National Advisory Board selected the YWCA Boston as one of 143 grant recipients nationwide in the 2009 cycle of Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund grants. These organizations were chosen based on their ability to effectively reach women, particularly minority, low-income, and older women, who are often medically underserved.
YWCA Boston
Founded in 1866, YWCA Boston is America’ first YWCA. For more than 140 years, YWCA Boston has worked to eliminate racism and empower women. Today’s YWCA provides critical direct services in the community. They include mobile health and wellness education for women and girls; breast cancer survivor support; adult, interracial community dialogues; youth civic engagement, and financial literacy programs for working women. YWCA Boston sponsors Boston’s Academy of Women Achievers and an annual, city-wide Stand Against Racism. YWCA also provides housing for single women at its Berkley Residence. To learn more about YWCA Boston, visit www.ywcaboston.org, or follow the organization on Linked In, Twitter and Facebook.
For more Information
For more information about YWCA Boston’s women’s health and wellness programs, please call Anya Priester (617) 585-5472. For more information about breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org, or the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER or www.cancer.gov.
To learn more about the Avon Foundation, call 1-866-505-AVON or visit www.avonfoundation.org where you can also access the free printable Breast Health Resource Guide in English and Spanish. For information or to register or support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events, visit www.avonwalk.org or call 1-888-541-WALK.
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Posted by Anya Priester on Wed, Jul 07, 2010 @ 11:45 AM
WASHINGTON - YWCA USA needs your help to raise $75,000 in a 10-day campaign in partnership with The Allstate Foundation. For active Tweeters, as well as those who are new to social media, here is a chance to use social networking to support YWCA and empower victims of domestic violence.
The #Tweet4YWCA campaign runs July 7 to July 16. For each tweet with the hash tag, #Tweet4YWCA, the Allstate Foundation will donate $1 to YWCA USA – up to $75,000. The funds will be used to support economic empowerment efforts particularly for domestic violence survivors. We will have only 10 days to reach our $75,000 goal – and you could also win an Apple® iPad!
What can you do to support this campaign after it launches on July 7?
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If you’re new to Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/ to set up an account. You won’t be able to participate in this campaign without a Twitter account. See the attachment for a tutorial on Twitter.
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From July 7 through July 16, use your twitter account to send messages containing the following: #Tweet4YWCA
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Then, tweet, retweet, and tweet some more! Every #Tweet4YWCA tweet gives YWCA USA another dollar toward our $75,000 goal.
A leader board listing the most active Tweeters in the campaign and a donation counter to track our progress toward the $75,000 goal will be available at www.ClickToEmpower.org.
The Allstate Foundation chose YWCA USA to participate in this campaign because they would like to support the great work our associations do to bring economic empowerment to domestic violence survivors. As you know, financial security is the number one predictor of whether a domestic violence victim will get and stay free from abuse. The Allstate Foundation created their Moving Ahead through Financial Management curriculum and has given over $17 million in the last 5 years to bring economic empowerment services to survivors.
Bonus Incentive: In addition to the satisfaction of supporting YWCA economic empowerment efforts for domestic violence victims through participation in this campaign, the top “Tweeter” will win an Apple® iPad (subject to terms and conditions)! The winner will be determined by the leader board listing of the top tweeter posted on www.ClickToEmpower.org when the campaign closes on July 16. Only U.S. residents age 18 or older with a current address in the United States are eligible to win. Other terms and conditions will apply.
Sample Tweets: So, let’s #Tweet4YWCA! To get you started, here are some sample tweets that you can use that already fit the Twitter 140 characters/spaces limit.
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Each tweet or retweet sent between July 7 thru 16 that contains the hashtag #tweet4ywca will raise $1 for YWCA USA up to $75,000. Retweet
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Win an iPad from YWCA USA by sending the most tweets that contain the hashtag #tweet4ywca between July 7-16. See www.ywca.org for more info.
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Please retweet this! See how much YWCA has raised from tweets that contain the hashtag #tweet4ywca at www.clicktoempower.org.
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YWCA USA needs 75,000 tweets sent between July 7 thru 16 that contain the hashtag #tweet4ywca to raise $75,000. Please retweet this!
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YWCA USA is giving a free iPad to the one who sends the most tweets between July 7 thru 16 that contain the hashtag #tweet4ywca. Retweet!
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See who is in the lead with the most tweets in the YWCA USA #tweet4ywca campaign on the leader board at www.clicktoempower.org. Retweet!
Posted by Kathryn Henderson on Tue, Jun 15, 2010 @ 08:04 AM
BOSTON - In connection with ONEin3 Boston -the city of Boston's program to connect Boston's young adults with resources related to home buying, business development, professional networking, and civic engagement- YWCA Boston is conducting a special community dialogues on race and ethnicity targeted to 20-34 year-old city residents this summer.
Please join other-20 to 30 something Bostonians to discuss Boston's evolving racial dynamics. The program will run on five consecutive Tuesdays from June 22 thru July 20. Participants must attend all sessions. The program will run from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at YWCA Boston's second floor library at 140 Clarendon Street.
Please click here to register and be sure to mention ONEin3!
ONEin3 Boston is a Boston Redevelopment Authority Initiative helping young professionals connect with city government, resources, and each other.
Kathryn Henderson is Community Outreach Coordinator for YWCA Boston's financial literacy and interracial dialogues programs. She can be reached at dialogues@ywcaboston.org.
Posted by Sylvia Ferrell-Jones on Tue, May 11, 2010 @ 11:00 AM
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, President of Spelman College and a best-selling author, has been selected to keynote YWCA Boston's Academy of Women Achievers luncheon on June 1, 2010.May 11, 2010, Boston, MA - YWCA Boston (http://www.ywcaboston.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women today announced they have selected Dr. Beverly Tatum to be the keynote speaker for their 16th annual Academy of Women Achievers Celebration Luncheon on June 1, 2010 at the Westin Copley Place Hotel. President of Spelman College and a best-selling author, Tatum will join YWCA Boston in honoring diverse Boston women for their leadership, professional achievements and civic commitment to empowering women.
YWCA Boston's Academy of Women Achievers builds female empowerment and solidarity by celebrating women who have made significant contributions in their professions, and to social and economic justice. Since the Academy's inception in 1995, YWCA Boston has inducted more than 135 leaders at an annual Women's Leadership Event.
Tatum is well-known for facilitating conversations about race and diversity among diverse groups. Her career has been dedicated to breaking down racial barriers and fostering tolerance and respect. "Dr. Tatum and her work exemplify the YWCA's mission of both eliminating racism and empowering women," said Sylvia Ferrell-Jones, YWCA Boston President & CEO. "We are delighted that she will deliver our keynote address and look forward to hearing her remarks."
Tatum is widely recognized as a scholar, teacher, race relations expert and leader in higher education. She is the president of Spelman College, an institution with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, leadership and positive social change. A clinical psychologist by training, her areas of research include racial identity development, and the role of race in the classroom. The recipient of numerous honorary degrees, in 2005, Tatum was awarded the prestigious Brock International Prize in Education for her innovative leadership in the field. She is a noted author on the subject of race in America, racial identity development and the role of race in the classroom. Her best-selling titles include Can We Talk About Race? And Other Conversations in an Era of School Resegregation (Beacon Press, 2008), Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race (Basic Books, 1997) and Assimilation Blues: Black Families in a White Community (Basic Books, 2000).
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About YWCA Boston
Founded in 1866, YWCA Boston is America's first YWCA. For more than 140 years, YWCA Boston has worked to eliminate racism and empower women. Today's YWCA provides critical direct services in the community. They include mobile health and wellness education for women and girls; breast cancer survivor support; adult, interracial community dialogues; youth civic engagement, and financial literacy programs for working women. YWCA Boston sponsors Boston's Academy of Women Achievers and an annual, city-wide Stand Against Racism. YWCA also provides housing for single women at its Berkley Residence. To learn more about YWCA Boston, visit www.ywcaboston.org, or follow the organization on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
Academy of Women Achievers Press Contact: Carol Arnold, Arnold Communications, (603) 502-0469, awapr@ywcaboston.org.
Posted by Kristy Johnnson on Fri, Apr 30, 2010 @ 08:49 AM
Today, Friday April 30, 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Start at 253 Summer Street
Nearly 250,000 people across the country
support national day to promote diversity and equality
WHAT: 400-Person Human Chain Across Forth Point Channel to draw attention to national Stand Against Racism Day (www.ywcaboston.org/stand-against-racism )
WH0: Neighborhood Health Plan, YWCA Boston and other Fort Point Channel tenants and residents Stand Against Racism Day.
WHERE: Beginning at 253 Summer Street, Boston, across Summer St. and Congress Street Bridges
WHEN: 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
WHY: Fun event for you, for media excellent photo and video shot, contrasting with Boston stereotype of a racist city. Draws attention to 39% rise in the city's race and ethnicity-based hate crimes, desire of citizens to create more welcoming city
Posted by Kristy Johnnson on Thu, Apr 29, 2010 @ 10:10 AM
BOSTON - Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP) today announced its participation in the YWCA's National Stand Against Racism day on April 30, 2010. To call out attention to the project, NHP employees are joining with several other local organizations to form a human chain around the Summer Street and Congress Sreet bridges in Boston's Fort Point Channel area, with signage relating to the event. More than 300 people are expected to participate in the chain. The national civic engagement project will raise awareness that racism still exists in our communities and that it should not be ignored or tolerated.
"Supporting and celebrating diversity in our communities is at the very essence of the mission of Neighborhood Health Plan in seving the health care needs of culturally diverse and vulnerable populations across our State," said Deborah C. Enos, president and CEO of NHP. "This event places a spotlight on the fact that there remains a critical need to create more meaningful dialogue around the issu of racism in our country. Today, we join YWCA Boston in calling out to those millions of like‐minded people supporting tolerance and justice to take action against racism through their everyday lives and relations."
In Boston alone, racially and ethnically motivated crimes have risen 39% over the last three years, according to Federal Bureau of Investigation crime statistics. Nationally, the number of hate groups that promote racism has grown 54% in the last eight years. This type of violence and negativity directly impacts the health and well‐being of the victims of racism and their families.
In response, NHP has joined with the national day's local sponsor, YWCA Boston, and more than 2,000 other organizations nationwide to promote the April 30 Stand Against Racism to combat the spread of hate and intolerance, and to honor and celebrate the richness of diversity. The YWCA expects that more than 250,000 people will participate nationwide.
"We are delighted to have Neighborhood Health Plan take a lead role in our 2010 Stand Against Racism," said YWCA Boston President & CEO Sylvia Ferrell‐Jones. "NHP has been an amazing partner and advocate for our work to empower women and eliminate racism," said Jones, citing NHP's sponsorship of the organization's annual Woman to Woman health education campaign.
In 2009, the program attracted over 300 partnering organizations that became participating sites by hosting local "stands." Over 30,000 individuals took a stand against racism by attending a participating sites' event and sending a strong message. Participants ranged from school‐age children to elected officials, executives of large corporations, church leaders, and others.
For more details, please visit www.StandAgainstRacism.org. For local information, please visit YWCA Boston's Stand page or contact YWCA Boston at (617) 585‐5423 or dialogues@ywcaboston.org.
Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP) is a not‐for‐profit health insurer serving more than 200,000 members across Massachusetts, offering a wide array of competitive Medicaid and commercial products. Working in partnership with community health centers and other community‐responsive providers, NHP focuses on offering members access to care from over 2,800 primary care physicians and over 10,400 specialists in over 300primary care locations throughout Massachusetts. Central to Neighborhood Health Plan's mission, we place special emphasis on serving culturally diverse, traditionally underserved, and vulnerable populations. For more information, visit www.nhp.org.
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Posted by Kristy Johnnson on Wed, Apr 14, 2010 @ 01:35 PM
BOSTON - More than 40 Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP) employees and YWCA Boston staff recently partnered in an unprecedented volunteer effort to support YWCA Boston with its new Woman-to-Woman outreach program, designed to encourage women to be proactive with their breast health.
With technical and administrative support from NHP’s corporate headquarters, volunteers staffed phone banks and, over the course of two hours, reached to out to more than 1,000 Boston women to encourage them to get an annual physical exam and mammogram. In addition to personal reminders about upcoming annual exams, dozens of women were connected to health resources to assist with their most immediate health needs and concerns.
A long-time sponsor of the YWCA Boston, Neighborhood Health Plan has recently increased its support of the organization’s mission. “The health and wellness missions that both Neighborhood Health Plan and YWCA Boston pursue are closely aligned,” said Deborah C. Enos, President and CEO of NHP, who also joined in the volunteer effort as a caller. “Together our organizations can team up to conduct outreach efforts focused on prevention and education to improve the lives of those women whose health needs are often underserved and who are most vulnerable in our communities. We are thrilled to be forging an even stronger commitment to the partnership we have established with YWCA Boston in addressing key health initiatives. ”
“We are deeply appreciative of the growing support and involvement of Neighborhood Health Plan with our women’s health programs,” said YWCA Boston President & Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Ferrell-Jones. “With significant health disparities affecting the well-being of many of Boston’s lower-income women, this cross-sector collaboration is an excellent example of how we can all work together to improve women’s health.”
Pam Siren, Vice President of Quality & Compliance at NHP, and a key coordinator and participant of the phone-a-thon, ensures the health plan’s focus in meeting and exceeding quality of care standards for members. “Despite continued improvements that we are making, data shows that black and African American women still receive timely breast cancer screenings less often than other groups. This phone-a-thon is one step we’re taking in our overall efforts to improve health equity in Massachusetts, not only for members, but for the community at large.”
Founded in 1866 as America’s first YWCA, YWCA Boston annually provides health outreach and education to more than 3,000 Boston residents. The organization also provides girls health, financial literacy and interracial dialogues programs as part of its mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP) provides health care programs and related services to individuals receiving benefits under Medicaid, through small business employer groups, and through Massachusetts' ground-breaking health care reform. Founded in 1986 by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and the Greater Boston Forum for Health Action, NHP serves over 200,000 members statewide and has been recognized as a national leader in care for medically complex and severely disabled populations. For more information, visit www.nhp.org.
YWCA Boston in the news
YWCA Boston’s Spirit Wise Sisters: The Brookline Tab