Homelessness, domestic violence and racism are uncomfortable subjects that are often avoided in society, especially in social situations. In an effort to continue to encourage open dialogue about these problems that are plaguing our community, the YWCA Central Alabama will host a Walking Tour of YWoodlawn on Wednesday, September 12th – this is the third event in the YWhisper series.
YWhisper is a series of events designed to engage Birmingham young professionals and to highlight and promote the programs and services of the YWCA. Over 100 guests attended the inaugural event that was held in July on the rooftop of the Kress building and last month more than 30 young men and women attended the YWhisper Tasting and a Tour at the YW’s downtown location.
The Walking Tour of YWoodlawn will highlight the revitalization efforts taking place in the Woodlawn community. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and participants will be able to tour the YWoodlawn campus (5916 1st Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35212) and enjoy food and fellowship. The Shindigs Catering food truck will also be on site offering food specials.
In addition to touring newly renovated apartments and the Interfaith Hospitality House, participants will have the opportunity to tour the new Family Resource Center which has become a busy hub of activities for YWoodlawn residents. Acquired with the help of the Junior League of Birmingham and renovated with generous support from Alabama Power, the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation, and Wells Fargo, the center houses programs such as ArtReach, Girls on the Run, Kids in the Kitchen, STAIR and the Summer CREW program.
The YWoodlawn project grew out of a need for safe, decent and affordable housing in the once thriving Woodlawn neighborhood, where today 43% of citizens live below the poverty line. The successful capital campaign was chaired by YW board members Kathryn Harbert and Jenny Gauld.
A big YW thank you to the devoted committee members who worked hard to make the YWhisper series a success! Former YW Junior Board President Jamika Kirk served as chair of the event. Committee members include Brooke Adams, Kitty Brown, Ann Cade, Noelle Cooper, Sheetal Cordry, Bevan Dowd, Tammy Fincher, Regan Liggins, Latonia Harris, Darlene Hartmann, Anne Kettig, Michael Krombach, Carolyn Lam, Meg Cook Laney, Kerri Malone, Bacarra Sanderson Mauldin, Mackenzie Myers, Anna Catherine Roberson, Mary Elizabeth Roberson, Mollie Salyer, Jay Saxon, Melinda Sellers, Jacob Smith, Holly Stiles, Lora Terry, Sam Todd, Courtney Truss, Nate Wade and Tameka Wren.
For over a century, YWCA Central Alabama has been responding to the needs of women and families. The YW’s programs and services serve women and children by providing: affordable child care for low-income families; child care and after-school enrichment programs for homeless children; affordable housing for families and seniors and a full array of domestic violence services. It is important that the entire community understand the needs of so many, for we are strong alone, but fearless together.
To support YWhisper and other YW programs, click here.