diversity workshops
Would you like to learn how to help your small business be more diverse and benefit from the rich experiences of many types of people? Call the YWCA today and schedule a workshop at your worksite or ours, offered free of charge by trained facilitators. For More Information, call the YWCA at 610-692-3737
Partnerships
“We are excited to offer a variety of programs just for women,” says Executive Director Sarah M. Sands. “The world is moving so fast that we all need a little help with keeping up.”
The HomeShare Alliance operated in collaboration with Home of the Sparrow provides a creative approach toward addressing the problem of affordable housing in Chester County and is the only program of its kind in the County. Throughout the County, HomeShare matches eligible women home seekers with individuals who wish to share their homes.
Postpartum depression affects 10-15% of women any time from a month to a year after childbirth. The YWCA Mothers’ Center has a long history of supporting new mothers and assisting with post-partum issues such as lack of sleep, loss of independence, hormonal, lifestyle & spousal relationship changes. Topics are wide-ranging and may also include infant CPR, car seat safety, nutrition, infant massage, guardianship and college savings plans.
Women disproportionately reflect the face of poverty. Nationally 14.1% of women live below the poverty level. This number increases to 25% for those lacking a high school education while 70% of jobs require higher skills than high school. Courses in the YWCA Chester County computer center provide friendship and support in addition to developing skills that are valuable in the workplace. “Our students find new jobs or receive promotions even while they are still attending classes,” says Instructor Mary Ciarocchi. “It’s a fact of life. Computer skills equal jobs.”
“The YWCA has always been a “safe” place for women to learn, find support and improve their lives,” comments Executive Director Sarah Sands. “This Fall series of programs follows in that long tradition.”
Homeshare
Matrie Johnson, HomeShare Program Coordinator
Homeshare is a living arrangement for people who want or need to share their homes for financial, security or companionship reasons with those with specific housing needs and limited financial resources. The rent is no more than $400 a month. A criminal background check is conducted on all applicants and each home provider and home seeker is extensively interviewed so the best possible match can be made. A $10 fee for the criminal background check and to start the application process is charged. The program only accepts applicants in Chester County. For more information call: 610-647-5256.
HomeShare Coordinator Matrie Johnson, MS joined Home of the Sparrow in November 2006. She holds a BS in Marketing from Howard University and an MS in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University. Matrie has worked extensively with homeless women and children and co-founded a mentoring program for homeless women at a family shelter in Philadelphia.