PROGRAM IMPACT STORIES
Discover the stories behind our programs and the inspiring individuals who make them possible.
Step into the heart of the YWCA community with our Impact Story page.
Here, you'll discover the real-life journeys of those touched by our programs, showcasing the incredible impact of YWCA initiatives. From tales of resilience to moments of triumph, each story reflects the spirit of empowerment and support that defines our mission. Get ready to be inspired as you explore the stories of those who have found hope, strength, and transformation through the YWCA.
YWCA IS ON A MISSION
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YWCA IS ON A MISSION 🔸
As a dedicated public school teacher's assistant, Ms. G already had a heart for nurturing children. However, in 2012, her profound connection to the YWCA began when she enrolled her nephews in the organization's summer programs. Little did she know then, but this experience would inspire her to embark on a new career path with the YWCA.
From those initial summer experiences, Ms. G quickly recognized the YWCA was a nurturing environment for both students and staff. "If you need a place for your children, this is the place to go." She was so pleased by the experience that she joined the YWCA as a teacher, dedicating herself to after-school enrichment. Ms. G loves the YWCA's career flexibility, excellent benefits, and supportive employee environment programs.
Ms. G's journey with the YWCA has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. Through the YWCA’s childcare certification program, she has gained invaluable skills that have enhanced her work and ensured the safety of the children in her care, including her grandchildren. "The training I received has made me a better teacher and caregiver.”
Beyond professional development, the YWCA has been a source of resilience during life's challenges. From weathering hurricanes to navigating the pandemic, Ms. G found solace in the unwavering community and camaraderie fostered by the organization. "I just love the kids, love the staff," she says with a smile. “The YWCA has been so good to me.”
She is excited to continue her path, cherishing the opportunity to watch children blossom and thrive. "Seeing the kids grow and learn, that's what it's all about for me.” From the YWCA’s excellent field trips to holiday celebrations that embrace diversity, every moment is imbued with a sense of belonging. "The YWCA is more than just a workplace; it's a family."
Diane Gentry, Mrs. G
A Heart for Children, A Passion for the YWCA: Ms. G's Inspiring Journey
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Bright Futures Early Childhood Education Center
Bright Futures Childcare Center Empowered by YWCA offers a uniquely diverse childcare setting for families who live and work throughout the Lower Cape Fear. Experienced educators teach a child-centered curriculum, and children learn to celebrate differences from a young age.
Our experienced and compassionate teachers not only provide exceptional care, but they also prepare young children to succeed cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Grandparent Support Network
The Grandparent Support Network (GSN) is a support group for grandparents providing full-time care for their grandchildren. GSN is dedicated to providing essential support and resources for grandparents who have assumed the role of primary caretakers for their grandchildren. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these caregivers, our program aims to create a nurturing community where grandparents can find assistance, guidance, and camaraderie.
A Grandmother's Love: Providing Stability Through Kinship Care
When Beverly Devane Jenkins' daughter tragically passed away from breast cancer, she took on the immense responsibility of raising her two grandchildren, Dhara and Tai. At the tender ages of 11 and 4, the sisters experienced unimaginable trauma when they found their mother’s body after her passing and tremendous upheaval at the loss of their mother.
Beverly knew that both she and her grandchildren needed support to process their grief and build a new stable home life together. That's when the Grandparent Support Network (GSN) at the YWCA became a lifeline for Beverly and her grandchildren. Through GSN's comprehensive services, they received counseling, academic assistance, summer camp opportunities, and perhaps most importantly, a strong community of kindred spirits.
"Coming here and interacting with the other parents, seeing what they were going through, talking to them, we could put our heads together," Beverly shared. "That's community. That's a nice support network." For seven years, GSN walked alongside Beverly, helping her navigate the unique challenges of kinship caregiving. From custody battles to nurturing her grandchildren's divergent interests and aspirations, GSN's case management and peer support groups provided invaluable guidance.
Today, Dhara is flourishing She has graduated from college with degrees in agriculture, agribusiness, and culinary arts. Her passion for cooking blossomed through GSN's kitchen activities and mentorship. Tai, still in high school, hopes to become a therapist, inspired by the empathetic care she received through the program's counseling services.
"I would recommend them because they're a good support group," Beverly advises other grandparent caregivers. "Even through COVID, we met through Zoom. But it's better when we're together."
As Beverly looks ahead to the next two years supporting her grandchildren, she takes comfort in GSN's continuum of care. With the YWCA's unwavering commitment, families like the Jenkins can find strength, healing, and a brighter future, even in the face of profound loss.
Beverly Devane - Jenkins
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Olivia Thames
Threads of Empowerment: Olivia's YWCA Journey
Olivia's journey with the YWCA began in her childhood in Philadelphia, where the YWCA was her "hangout" and a place of belonging. Little did she know then that her connection to the YWCA would serve as a golden thread throughout her life.
Years later, a move to Wilmington brought Olivia to the doorstep of the YWCA Lower Cape Fear. It was through word of mouth that she discovered the Living the Dream program, an entrepreneurship initiative for women that provides classes, workshops, and one-on-one counseling on business plan development, marketing, financing, and networking.
Enrolling in one of the first cohorts, Olivia gained the tools and support to turn her entrepreneurial vision into reality. "There was just something about being in the midst of other women.” At 63 years old, “it was like another spark happened in my life," Olivia reflects. She discovered newfound confidence and purpose through Living the Dream. Despite the challenges of starting a business in a new city, Olivia felt a sense of belonging and camaraderie that fueled her determination.
Today, Olivia's business, AMT (Ask Me Through the Eyes of a Social Worker), stands as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams and the importance of community support. As Olivia reflects on her journey, she is filled with gratitude for the YWCA Lower Cape Fear and the Living the Dream program. They were “more than just stepping stones." They were her partners in empowerment, helping her turn her dreams into reality one step at a time.
The impact of YWCA’s Living the Dream program impacted innumerable aspects of Olivia's business and personal life. From honing her time management skills to expanding her network, she found constant inspiration in the lessons learned at the YWCA.
Olivia's love for the program inspired others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. "I encouraged others to go to the second session, and a couple of ladies from my church did go. One of the ladies won the $500." As she continues to grow and evolve, she carries these lessons with her, a constant reminder of the value of harnessing the strength that lies within oneself and in one’s community. That’s the highest value of Living the Dream!
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New Choices: Economic Advancement
We believe in the boundless potential of women to drive economic change and create thriving communities. YWCA’s New Choices is designed to equip women with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to break barriers, overcome challenges and achieve financial independence.
YWCA Strive defines your career goals and connects you with the skills you need for the job yo want for the life you deserve.
Living the Dream Center for Entrepreneurship provides small business coaching for people wanting to start a business.
Joan McKillop
A life-altering auto accident nearly cost Joan McKillop her leg, but a chance encounter in 2000 sparked her life-altering journey. Driving past the YWCA, she felt an inexplicable pull. Joan had been through a harrowing ordeal as she recovered physically and emotionally, and she yearned for “a haven where I could heal.” Stepping through the doors, Joan said she felt immediately enveloped in belonging. What she found within those walls was not “just a place to swim, but a welcoming community.”
Unlike her experiences at other facilities, where she had felt like just another anonymous member, the YWCA soon felt like a second home—a place where she could truly be herself. In the water, she found not only freedom, strength, and healing, she found her spirits buoyed by the YWCA staff and its members. As she healed, she says she became “part of a cherished family.” The aquatic center holds profound meaning for Joan – it’s the place after her accident where she felt most alive and accepted.
Far beyond the physical benefits, Joan discovered kindred spirits - swimmers who shared her passion, and she forged deep friendships over meals and celebrations that enriched her life immensely.
Joan was also drawn to the YWCA's mission and values. Under inspiring leaders like Sue and Velva, she witnessed the transformative power had on people’s lives. She has participated in innumerable programs, served on the Board of Directors, and worked tirelessly to drive positive change. Her service to the organization has been a true labor of love.
Today, Joan's heart overflows with gratitude as she reflects on her YWCA journey. Through this beloved community, she found the strength to overcome challenges and a profound purpose in making a meaningful difference. Looking ahead, Joan is committed to nurturing the YWCA's warm embrace - a home empowering resilience, fostering lifelong friendships, and supporting advocates who are working for a better world.
Joan's Journey: Resilience, Friendship, and Advocacy at the YWCA
Aquatics Center
The YWCA Lower Cape Fear pool hosts a comprehensive Aquatics Program with activities for all ages, abilities, and interests. The Aquatics Center offer lane swimming, free swim, YWCA Learn to Swim Program, Welcome To Water, Barracudas Swim Team, Water Aerobics, Lifeguarding Classes, and the Y-Dub Tri Club.