Many community members may not realize that the YWCA offers monthly Community Enrichment Classes. In the past, participants have enjoyed  learning how to cook on a budget, manage their time, get the most out coupons, polish their resumes, learn about estate planning and work on journaling. Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to… Read more »

What’s your race card? That’s the question YWCA staff looked at during an activity at a recent staff meeting. The activity was based on The Race Card Project, by radio journalist Michele Norris. The idea is to write one sentence – six words – which summarize your experience or understanding of race. There was a moment… Read more »

First ladies have always occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of Americans. The mental image of a first lady for most Americans is probably a mash up between Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy and Nancy Reagan. This mental image and many other stereotypes were shaken to their core with the arrival of Michelle… Read more »

On a brisk Friday morning, myself and three other Pathways team members were locked behind bars in the ‘C’ block of the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. Don’t worry, YWCA blog followers, no one at the YWCA has committed a felony and will be serving hard time in the slammer. Starting in July, our crisis line… Read more »

The YWCA USA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., encompassed four days of women speakers, presenters and voices. Whether participating in one-on-one networking opportunities or listening to the inspiring speakers, the message was strong and clear: women of the YWCA speak with conviction. Women are daring and dreaming and achieving on such an impressive scale. I was moved… Read more »

YWCA Missoula’s motto, “Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women,” describes in a nutshell the work the YWCA has been doing for years. Now however, the organization is taking a step forward in furthering its goal of eliminating racism with the Racial Justice Initiative.  The Initiative is a program that strives to make YWCA Missoula a leader in racial… Read more »

Planet Kids is in need of some donations. We need some kind souls to donate any pedal- or foot-powered kids’ vehicles. It would be great if they have a battery pack that can be removed and are foot-driven! These are some of the favorite toys for the kids to play with, but from overuse our… Read more »

This weekend’s Secret Seconds half off sale was wildly successful! If you missed this one, no worries. Come see us at the next half off sale in November.     Here are a few gems that were miraculously passed over this weekend.   Come check them out!     Happy shopping… Posted by Shelby, Secret… Read more »

The YWCA Pet Advocate program is in need of a Pet Advocate to foster a 7-year-old female boxer/pit bull mix and her adorable 1-month old puppy. The dogs’ owner, *Samantha, is staying at the YWCA domestic violence shelter with her four children. She came to Missoula after fleeing from her abusive partner in another state and knows absolutely no… Read more »

YWCA Missoula’s Gateway Assessment Center – part of our Ada’s Place program – offers seven motel rooms to house homeless families for up to 50 days. Our case manager meets with homeless families on a weekly basis for intake and assessment and provides referrals for finding employment, housing, transportation and legal counsel. Fifty days can feel like a… Read more »