A Century of Service YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region 2008 Annual Report YWCA... A movement of women working for social and economic change around the world. We are strong alone and fearless together. table of contents Message from the President and Chief Executive Officer 1 Investing in Children and Families 2 Strengthening Families in Transition 4 Building Our Community 6 Managing Resources 8 Financials 9 Donors 11 In-Kind Contributions 16 Transitional Living Center 17 Program Funding 18 YWCA Board Members and Administrative Staff 20 Locations 21 YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region We have reached a major landmark in our history, 100 years of service! As we look back, we can see how our core values of integrity, responsibility, respect, and corporate citizenship have given us sustaining power. Members and volunteers of the YWCA have shown unwavering support and commitment to our mission and to our efforts to eliminate racism and empower women. They have been compassionate champions in this quest, serving in countless supportive roles. Like no other YWCA in the nation, the variety of services and programs provided by the YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region stands out as a model for addressing countless community needs. The YWCA served more than 11,000 paid members during 2007-08, and touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and their families, throughout 17 counties of west Texas and southern New Mexico. By focusing its energy on Investing in Children and Families, Strengthening Families in Transition, Building our Community, and Managing Resources, the YWCA affirms its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. message from the president and chief executive officer Jane Snow Sandra E. Braham, Ed. D. President Chief Executive Officer We have had an amazing 2007-08. The YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region Board of Directors and staff are grate- ful for your continued support despite challenging economic conditions. We recognize our duty to continue to strengthen the YWCA by providing the best services possible and by protecting the resources that have been entrusted to us. It is with a great deal of excitement and anticipation that we approach the celebration of our Centennial –100 years of serving women and children in our community. This year, we have witnessed positive change agency-wide, including an on-line application process for job ap- plicants and for receiving agency donations. We successfully converted our technology operations for financial accounting and management of member services in our health and wellness, child development, and after school programs. Because of the support received from foundations, YWCA partners and individuals, we look forward to strengthened health and wellness programs for youth and families, new playgrounds and computers for our child development centers, stronger after school programs, and intensified support and counseling for families experiencing economic distress, divorce and homelessness. Centennial planning shifted to high gear as the City of El Paso was honored with our “I Luv El Paso” board game which benefits YWCA programs and services, and our award-winning float in the Sun Bowl Parade announced our 100th birthday to hundreds of thousands. Like other non-profits in our community, we face many challenges on a daily basis as we work to meet the demands of our region’s growing population; yet the opportunities to serve are boundless. The hard work and dedication demonstrated by the amazing staff of the YWCA is evident in everything that we do, and we could not be more proud of the extensive array of programs and services that we offer. As we move toward our next century of service, the Board and CEO are committed to continuing the legacy we inherited, by strengthening the position of women and girls through programs that develop economic empowerment opportunities and pro- mote the elimination of racism. Together, we will work to ensure that the YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region has the organizational capacity and the resources to achieve our mission for the next 100 years. Thank you for all you do to support the YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region! 1 investing in children and families YWCA staff believes that every child deserves safety, the opportunity to discover hidden talents, and to develop the skills needed to succeed. We provide these opportunities through child development and after-school programs, health and wellness training and fitness pro- grams for all ages, and teen activities. After-School located throughout El Paso. In 2007-08 average daily Research has shown that quality after-school programs enrollment was 1,157 children for 260 days of care. help students apply themselves academically and fin- By providing safe, affordable and stable care for their ish high school, increase their readiness for college, children, we empower women and their families, sup- and reduce grade repetition. During the school year, porting their opportunities to obtain new or improved 1,324 children participated in 53 YWCA after-school employment, or to advance their education. Children programs. YWCA activity leaders and assistants are enrolled in YWCA Child Development Centers are at each school site before the dismissal bell rings. welcomed into a caring environment that incorpo- Children begin their homework assignments and enjoy rates best practices for child care and promotes the healthy snacks, games, crafts, outdoor recreation, and social, emotional, cognitive and physical development tutoring. of each child. Children also receive lessons in our curriculum on racial equality and diversity. In accor- Summer Camp dance with USDA standards, we provide two healthy The YWCA Summer Camp celebrated its Second An- meals and a nutritious snack to each child daily. We nual Summer Learning Day to raise families’ aware- partnered with many local agencies, school districts ness about the importance of quality summer learning and other non-profit organizations to provide care to opportunities in the lives of young people. Through- children of teen parents and community college stu- out the day, children displayed their artwork, presented dents. Special care is given to children fighting cancer, choreographed dance routines, and families partici- children of parents fighting cancer, children residing in pated in a number of health and other educational public housing, and the homeless children of El Paso. fairs. Reading clubs were a central part of this year’s Summer Camp. We also hosted a special string instru- YWCA Child Development Centers are not only af- ment camp for youth enrolled at the Mary Ann Dod- fordable; all centers are fully licensed by the Texas son Camp. The YWCA served 355 children at its four Department of Family and Protective Services and summer locations. The camp features both indoor and provide service as Texas Rising Star vendors of the outdoor activities, games, swimming, arts and crafts, Texas Workforce Commission. language experiences, and other special programs to enrich children’s out-of-school experiences. A healthy Additionally, for 2007-2008, five centers participating breakfast, lunch and snack are served daily. YWCA in the Texas Early Education Model (TEEM) Project TM summer camp programs play a critical role in assuring were recognized as Texas School Ready! Certified. that young people return to school ready to learn. The certified status is based on characteristics of the classroom such as instructional approaches, as well as teacher professional development and the reading Pre-school Child Development Centers and social competence status of the children once they Working within the hallmark programs of Eliminating entered Kindergarten. Racism and the Economic Empowerment of Women, the YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region continues to provide child care in 14 child development centers 2 Fitness and Aquatics Notable Partnerships Through fitness and aquatic programs, the YWCA A model partnership between the YWCA and the promotes and supports healthier living in the Paso Del Sierra Providence Health Network (SPHN) supported Norte Region. Key components include a dynamic community health education and improved fitness. menu of land and water group fitness classes, certified Diabetes classes, weight rooms for patients undergoing personal trainers and instructors, fitness consultations, weight loss programs, health fairs, and demonstrations and weight room and cardio orientations. were among the services provided. Children ages 5-12 benefited from a back-to-school health fair at SPHN Kidz Keepin’ Fit/YW Zones opened at the Shirley Children’s Hospital where back packs and school sup- Leavell and Katherine White Harvey Branches in May plies were distributed to 3,000 school-age youth. 2008. New “YW Zones” programs are designed to get kids active and exercising on a regular basis, thereby The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) College reducing the onset of diabetes among children in El of Health Sciences and Health Promotion Depart- Paso. The “YW Zones” are designed to place a gradu- ment announced its partnership with the Lower Valley ally increasing workload on the cardio respiratory sys- YWCA Branch, to implement “HEART, Mi Corazon tem to improve its performance long term. Through Mi Comunidad.” This unique five-year partnership, “YW Zones”, we have developed a fun family fitness funded by the National Institutes of Health, is designed atmosphere, where adults can participate in adult group to increase heart health awareness and reduce heart fitness classes while their children participate in fit- disease risk factors in the community through commu- ness courses designed especially for them. Under the nity health workers/promotores de salud. Community guidance of certified trainers, children who participate health workers in the Lower Valley will facilitate the in “YW Zones” will develop and maintain their cardio link between the health care system and the com- respiratory fitness, body composition, flexibility, mus- munity, providing fitness activities, support, informal cular strength and endurance. The five “YW Zones” counseling and culturally appropriate health education.