Our collective efforts helped state lawmakers pass important legislation that impact women and girls. Bills that passed included: the “Times Up” bill that addresses sexual assault and workplace sexual harassment; licensing and standards for nail salons, estheticians and eyelash technicians that will discourage sex or labor trafficking and protect workers, who are overwhelmingly female and often immigrant, from unfair labor practices; and two bills that strengthen support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Last year, we made progress in areas identified through our strategic plan. YWCA Greenwich began implementing the DIVE (Diversity, Inclusion, Values and Equity) Project to provide training for all staff to better align our programs and services with our mission. YWCA Greenwich Preschool staff began steps required towards obtaining accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Youth Children. This accreditation goes beyond state-mandated requirements and will strengthen best practices in teaching and childcare. We also expanded our after-school program with the YW Hub for middle-school aged children, a group that is often overlooked in terms of after-school activities.

Domestic violence continues to be a very serious public health issue and the most reported violent crime in our community. In addition to our crisis intervention services, last year we introduced Financial Literacy Coaching, an important step in helping survivors lead successful lives, and we expanded our Civil Legal Clinic, which has helped over 40 domestic abuse survivors navigate the civil court system. Your generous support of our 2018 Purple Purse Campaign and our annual Old Bags Luncheon made these new programs possible.