YWCA Genesee

09/03/2026

Thank you, Gloria.

We are asking for people to donate $19.34 to your local YWCA in honor of her and all that she did for women. So if you are feeling generous, please donate.

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/X27VMFAC5GPRA

For decades, Gloria Steinem stood at the forefront of the movement for women's rights, helping transform public consciousness and expand opportunities for generations of women and girls. Her connection to the YWCA was both profound and enduring, rooted in a shared commitment to equity, justice, safety, and opportunity for all. Read our full statement here: https://bit.ly/4gLnoNZ

09/02/2026

Meet The Team Behind The Mission: Mare Lampart

1. Coffee or tea? Coffee. Always!

2. Favorite place in Genesee County? “I have been involved in Leadership Genesee this year, and although I have lived in Genesee County for most of my life, I continue to discover how much our community has to offer. What an amazing place we live in—with so much to explore, experience, and appreciate!”

3. What words would your coworkers use to describe you? Compassionate, resilient, and fiercely supportive.

4. Favorite inspirational quote? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

5. Favorite way to relax after work? Spending time with family, playing with my little guys, landscaping, tackling home projects, and working at my other job supporting people through home care.

6. Why did you join the YWCA Board? “I wanted to contribute to a meaningful mission that supports, encourages, and empowers women, children, and families.”

7. Why do you choose to give your time? “I believe we have a responsibility to give back, and sharing our time to make a difference is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.”

8. What has surprised you most about serving on the Board? “How much the YWCA offers to our community—and just how great the need is for people seeking assistance.”

9. What makes you proud to represent the YWCA? “I’m proud to be part of an organization that truly values the people we support. The need in our community is great, and through our mission, we are helping change lives every day.”

10. Why should others invest in the YWCA? “We are making a meaningful difference for women, men, children, and families in our community. Your support helps ensure we can continue providing the assistance and care they need.”

11. What would you tell someone considering making a gift? “Please consider donating. Any gift can help support, encourage, and assist individuals and families in our community. Every gift has the ability to make a meaningful difference.”

12. What does the YWCA mean to you personally? “It means working alongside dedicated board members and staff who truly value what each person brings to the table. Together, we share a common vision of providing meaningful support to others.”

13. What makes this organization different? “We offer passionate, judgment-free support and believe everyone has unique gifts and talents. Sometimes, women and families simply need someone to believe in them and stand beside them through difficult times.”

14. What impact have you seen the YWCA make? “I have seen the YWCA support women and children through services such as My Sister’s Closet, our food pantry, and safe spaces for those experiencing crisis.”

09/01/2026

Happy September 1st! 🍂

Want to know what's going on at the YWCA? Here are our upcoming events!

08/31/2026

Meet The Team Behind the Mission: Jamie Rada

1. Coffee or tea? Dunkin’ Donuts XL with French vanilla swirl and cream

3. Favorite place in Genesee County? Right now, the Oakfield/Elba football field.

4. One word your coworkers would use to describe you? Determined.

5. Favorite inspirational quote? “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same.”

6. Favorite way to relax after work? Spending time with my family—a cup of tea with my dad, playing outside with my son, or curling up with a good book and a blanket.

7. Something people would be surprised to learn about you? I can get nervous in social situations and sometimes need time to recharge my social battery.

8. What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are ever the same! My day can include supporting staff and meeting with community partners to reviewing budgets, fundraising and solving whatever unexpected challenge comes through the door. I spend a lot of my day thinking about how we can grow, strengthen our programs, and better serve our community.

9. What do you love most about your job? It doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like a purpose.

10. What motivates you every morning? The amazing team I am a part of and the people we support. There is so much good in the world—we just need it to shine brighter than the negative that floods our everyday lives. I truly believe we can help create that change.

11. Why did you choose to become involved with the YWCA? I was a Case Manager for the YWCA in 2005. It was my first professional job out of school, and throughout my life I repeatedly said it was the most rewarding job I ever had, but also the one with the highest burnout. When the Executive Director position was posted, I felt a pull to go back. The work done within—and outside—these walls is truly life-changing. I knew returning to the YWCA would feel like going home, to where I belong.

I am honored to work alongside people who truly embody compassion and have such a strong drive to change our community.

12. What inspires you to continue this work? The work is never truly done. Sadly, there will always be people who need help and people at risk of falling through the cracks. But if we can reach them before they fall—or be there to help them back up—we have the opportunity to change the course of their situation. Sometimes the right support at the right moment can change everything.

13. What makes the YWCA different? Grit.

We help people through some of the darkest and most difficult moments of their lives, but as an organization, we’ve faced our own difficult days too. Almost ten years ago, the YWCA could have closed its doors. We could have folded, but under Millie’s leadership, we chose to rise to the challenge.

We fought for this organization. We rebuilt. We learned. And we came back stronger. We understand resilience because we’ve lived it. We know what it means to struggle, get back up, and build something better—and that same grit is at the heart of how we serve our community.

14. Can you share a moment that reminded you why this work matters?
There are simple moments and more profound ones. Sometimes it’s a family picking up food from our pantry with tears in their eyes, telling us that without it, they would have had to choose between feeding their family and keeping the heat or electricity on.

Then there are moments that stay with you forever.

A family comes to us while escaping abuse—with no money, no job, no clothes and nowhere safe to call home. They may be sleeping in their car, terrified they will be found or harmed. Then months later, you see that same family living safely in their own home, free from abuse, with a job, heat, food in the refrigerator and beds for their children. That is why this work matters.

15. What impact have you seen the YWCA make? The YWCA is not only changing the lives of survivors—we are changing the way our community views domestic violence. This isn’t just a job. It’s a purpose. And I’m incredibly proud to be part of it.

08/28/2026

tonight is the big night! Come join us for dancing, a baked goods raffle and booze barrel raffle.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ywca-silent-disco

08/26/2026

Meet The Team Behind the Mission: Theresa Osborn

1. Coffee or tea? I love either, especially enjoying it with others. It allows a time of conversation, to slow down our busy day, even just a little, to enjoy the real purpose of life, making connections.

2. Favorite place in Genesee County? My favorite places in Genesee County are our parks and all the places I volunteer for. We really do have wonderful people in our County when we allow ourselves to say hi and share a smile.

3. What's one word your coworkers would use to describe you? There are many words they would say, but I hope AUTHENTIC would be their choice. Being authentic means I am genuine, true to myself, and honest in my relationships with others.

4. Favorite inspirational quote? I love Dr. Suess. "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose."

5. Favorite way to relax after work? I choose to garden as much as possible. Working in the dirt and creating a beautiful space gives me time to decompress from a busy life.

6. What's something people would be surprised to learn about you? I travel the United States with AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) to volunteer to coach and deliver soccer programs to underprivileged youth as my second career. It feels like Christmas each time we provide more soccer for more kids.

7. Why did you join the YWCA Board? I was nominated by a current board member who felt I was a "perfect fit" for the organization. After a bit of research, I agreed that the mission of the YWCA aligns with what I am passionate about.

8. Why do you choose to give your time? Making a difference in the life of one person, even if it is one at a time, is my passion. Making a difference directly impacts the community in which we choose to live in. Healthier people + healthier lifestyles = a healthier community. Volunteering spreads love, kindness and compassion.
9. What has surprised you most about serving on the board? The group of women that surround me on the board are dynamic, talented, compassionate and loyal. We all place people first in the jobs we hold. We are not seeking power, we are in it for the right reasons. We want to better the lives of our community by using our longsuits together. There is no I in this TEAM.

10. What makes you proud to represent the YWCA? So much has changed over the years. I truly feel a strong bond with our goals for our community and see the YWCA differently. Its leadership is healthy and the staff is passionate. Therefore, the future looks brilliant and something to be proud to be involved in.

11. Why should others invest in this campaign? Investing through time and or monies is so important for our community to become stronger. The bonds we build to bring a brighter and healthier future for children and their mothers will only bring "wealth" back to the community. Wealth isn't just money. It reflects how we live our lives in mind, body and soul. When our mothers prosper in health our children have a better chance to prosper themselves.

12. What would you tell someone considering making a gift? Find it in yourself to give toward the YWCA. There are so many options to choose where your gift goes. I believe everyone has been touched by violence in one way or another. Let's work together to provide a place for safety, education, prevention and prosperity.

13. What does the YWCA mean to you personally? It is a place of personal growth where its members believe in your abilities, love you where you are at and nurtures you toward prosperity.

14. What makes this organization different? I have been involved in many organizations. Many I have removed myself from, due to its unhealthy workplace culture. The YWCA is a thriving, safe, people-first culture. It encourages the sharing of ideas without fear of embarrassment; prioritizes the health, happiness and work-life balance of team members; encourages continuous growth and a willingness to adapt to new challenges; and focuses on clear shared goals, rewarding excellent work while providing the support they need to avoid burnout.

15.What impact have you seen the YWCA make? There are too many positive impacts to mention. The fact that they rely on open, honest communication between leadership, staff and board members so everyone understands and collaborates toward the company's goals is outstanding to me. Seeing their mission of being dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all is shown in every event they hold and every service they provide.

08/26/2026

Meet The Team Behind The Mission: Samantha Hawley

1. Coffee or tea? Matcha with oat milk!

2. Favorite way to relax after work? Baking a loaf of sourdough or running around outside with my son.

3. Favorite place in Genesee County? The farmers market! It brings together growers and creators in our community, and it’s also become a place where my family meets up once a week.

4. Something people would be surprised to learn about you? Growing up, I used to switch classes with my twin sister!

5. What does the YWCA mean to you personally? Giving back to women in my community. I’ve always been passionate about empowering women to advocate for themselves, and I love that women on both sides of my family were part of the YWCA before me. Being part of this community allows me to carry on that legacy.

6. Why do you choose to give your time? I’ve spent the last 13 years helping women online, and I wanted to make a bigger impact closer to home.

7. What makes the YWCA different? So much passion and purpose goes into everything we do. It’s a true community effort to uplift the people around us.

8. What would you tell someone considering supporting the YWCA? Your gift directly impacts the lives of women and families seeking help. When you invest in the YWCA, you become part of their success story.

9. Favorite quote: “Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s feeling the fear and doing it anyway.”

We are so grateful for the people who give their time, talents, and hearts to strengthening women, families, and our entire community.

08/26/2026

At the YWCA of Genesee County, empowering women is at the heart of who we are. We believe every woman deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, safety, independence, and a voice that is heard.

Today, Women's Equality Day, we celebrate the women who paved the way, the women creating change in our community right now, and the generations who will carry that work forward.

Equality isn’t just something we celebrate. It’s something we work toward every day.

08/25/2026

Question: Will tickets for the Silent Disco be available at the door?

Answer: YES!! Tickets will be available at the door for $30.

Want to save a little? Purchase your tickets in advance for just $25!

Buy early, save $5, and get ready to dance the night away while supporting the YWCA of Genesee County!