YWCA programs and services provide women, children and families with opportunities to improve their lives and increase independence. Within these programs, adults and children have the potential to become self-sufficient and empowered individuals by learning to reach out to others, gaining trust and surrounding themselves with people that positively influence their success and growth.
- Youth Development: Girl’s Circle, The Council for Boys and Young Men, Summer Food Program, RunJumpThrow
- Educational Support and Services: Cougar Leaders, Mission Resources, Scholarships for Young Women, St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic School Physical Education Classes
- Prevention: Independent Living, Women’s Circle, Girl’s Circle, The Council for Boys and Young Men.
Maximize Your Opportunities
Girls Circle
One Circle Foundation developed Girls’ Circle, a structured support group for girls ages 9-18 years which integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training. Girls Circle is the first program in the country to demonstrate effectiveness in reducing delinquency in at-risk for girls.
To learn more about the Girl’s Circle, contact Betsy Hamman (bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 4192386639 ext 106)
The Council for Boys and Young Men®
This program promotes safe and healthy development of boys and young men (pre-teen through adolescent years) in a group environment. The program focuses on the strengths of each individual while working toward a future where participants develop healthy and diverse masculine identities allowing them to grow as leaders. For boys/young men in marginalized families or communities, there is a higher risk of school drop-out, physical and sexual risk-taking, substance abuse, sexual violence, and crime. By participating in The Council, boys and young men reduce these risk factors and find belonging, build assets, and deconstruct harmful masculinity beliefs.
This program will be offered by the YWCA beginning the Summer of 2022
To learn more about The Council For Boys and Young Men, contact Betsy Hamman (bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 4192386639 ext 106)
Summer Food Program
Since its inception in 1996, the YWCA Summer Food Program has served over 120,000 meals to youth in our community. Families are also provided a weekly bag of produce and a large portion of participants also receive a weekend meal bag. Aside from the nutritional aspect, programming opportunities are available that offer participants memorable summer experiences with their peers. These experiences include field trips, guest speakers, and other enjoyable activities throughout the summer.
To learn more about the Summer Food Program, contact Betsy Hamman (bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 4192386639 ext 106)
RunJumpThrow (RJT)
In 2014, USATF and The Hershey Company created RunJumpThrow, a hands-on learning program designed to get kids excited about physical activity by introducing them to basic running, jumping, and throwing skills through track and field. RJT is an evidenced-based program that addresses the trend of reduced physical activity among youth and can be instrumental in creating a safe, accessible environment that fosters physical literacy. The YWCA is able to offer the 6 week RunJumpThrow event every July and August at no cost for all youth throughout Van Wert County.
To learn more about RJT , contact Betsy Hamman (bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 4192386639 ext 106)
Cougar Leaders
In a partnership with Van Wert Middle School, the YWCA provides opportunities for 7th grade students to learn more about our mission and impact their school and community through various projects and grow their leadership potential. Students with leadership qualities are chosen by school staff to work with our Mission Impact Coordinator to take a deeper dive into all that the YWCA does in our community.
Mission Resources
The YWCA Mission Impact Coordinator can provide resources and trainings to assist school administrators and educators in topics which correlate with our mission. Often these resources and trainings are free.
For more information about our Mission Resources, contact Kelly Houg (khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 419236639 ext 311).
Scholarships for Young Women
The YWCA awards three college scholarships of varying amounts to deserving young women living or attending high school in Van Wert County. These funds maybe used at their discretion in pursuit of their future goals or plans. Applicants must be a female Van Wert County high school senior and she must volunteer in a community organization (school driven, YWCA programs, hospital, Red Cross, etc.) and display leadership to fulfill the Mission of the YWCA. Applications are available through each school’s guidance counselor in January and are awarded at the Women of Achievement Scholarship Dinner in March.
St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic School Physical Education program
The YWCA provides staff to St. Mary’s School to teach the weekly Physical Education classes for youth K-6.
Independent Living
YWCA staff members are dedicated to helping residents reach independence through accountability, economic advancement, emotional stability, and personal growth. We partner with local realtors to provide affordable housing options for individuals and families in our program who wish to continue their path of independent living outside of the YWCA facility
Women’s Circle
Developed by the One Circle Foundation, the Women’s Circle Support Group encourages participants to share, explore, build skills, and encourage one another to live authentically. This program is suitable for women from all walks of life who wish to live more mindfully including those attending college, involved in careers or recovery programs, women working in institutions or in military or volunteer service, faith- based settings, homemakers and caregivers. Women’s Circle is one of the programs utilized with Survivor Services residents.
To learn more about the Girl’s Circle, contact Kelly Houg (khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 4192386639 ext 311)
Girls Circle
One Circle Foundation developed Girls’ Circle, a structured support group for girls ages 9-18 years which integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training. Girls Circle is the first program in the country to demonstrate effectiveness in reducing delinquency in at-risk for girls.
To learn more about the Girl’s Circle, contact Betsy Hamman (bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org or 4192386639 ext 106)
The Council for Boys and Young Men®
This program promotes safe and healthy development of boys and young men (pre-teen through adolescent years) in a group environment. The program focuses on the strengths of each individual while working toward a future where participants develop healthy and diverse masculine identities allowing them to grow as leaders. For boys/young men in marginalized families or communities, there is a higher risk of school drop-out, physical and sexual risk-taking, substance abuse, sexual violence, and crime. By participating in The Council, boys and young men reduce these risk factors and find belonging, build assets, and deconstruct harmful masculinity beliefs.
This program will be offered by the YWCA beginning the Summer of 2022