YWCA Central Alabama hosted its KIDS Korner Luncheon on Feb. 13, 2020, and raised $141,996 (and counting) to support our child development program for children from homeless and low-income families.
The 13th annual luncheon, a project of YWCA’s Junior Board, featured a video highlighting the testimony of a determined mother, Christel, and her two children. When they arrived at the YW because of a domestic violence situation, they needed affordable childcare and a place to live as Christel pursued her dream of becoming a nurse and providing the best for her children. Christel’s inspirational story was a moving reminder to nearly 600 luncheon attendees of how community support helps the YW create stability for our families.
“Many of the children in our programs come to us with adult-sized worries, and some have experienced traumatic events that can be overwhelming,” said Dr. LaRhonda S. Magras, CEO of YWCA Central Alabama. “Supportive and caring environments help children cope with traumatic events. Early education sets children up for success, and we believe strongly in it as a vehicle to level the playing field for children of color and children from homeless and low-income families.”
YWCA’s Child Development Center is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a distinction less than 10 percent of centers in the country have earned. This child-centered program ensures students – some enduring distress or a family crisis – receive special care and individual attention. Staff help children gain feelings of self-worth and are particularly sensitive to feelings of isolation and abandonment children may feel.
Because the YW serves the most vulnerable in the community, it is even more important to offer the highest quality early education and enrichment programming to prepare children served by the YW for school and life.
This year’s successful KIDS Korner fundraiser would not have been possible without the leadership of YWCA Central Alabama Junior Board President Taylor Cooper and luncheon co-chairs Mary Elizabeth Roberson and Ann Todd. They enjoyed the help of a hardworking committee: Jen Anthony, Ashley Cantrell, Julie Carter, Mary Coleman Clark, Katelyn Cutshall, Jessica Denson, Linesha Foster, Temeka Hudson, Megan Kelly, Savannah Koplon, Sarah Lacey, Callie Nash, Avani Patel, Joanne Patterson, Marge Roeling, Lacey Scott, Ellise Washington, Ashley Whatley, Ginny Willings, and Mary Caroline Wynn.
The YW appreciates each of these women for their unwavering passion.
KIDS Korner 2020 donations can still be made through Feb. 24. After that time, the YW welcomes ongoing support of its programs and services and looks ahead to the April 30 Purse & Passion Luncheon.
