When I was younger, my mom and I butted heads a lot over the state of my room. She wanted it clean; I didn’t want to clean it. Not exactly a unique situation — what kid actually wants to clean her room? When I did get around to cleaning, I’d tell her when I was… Read more »

Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman. Still with me? I know we’ve heard those two names a lot lately, but there’s still a lot to be said about the verdict in the Zimmerman trial. In a recent Pew poll, respondents were asked whether they were satisfied with the results of the case and whether the issue of race is receiving more… Read more »

I’m Miranda, a former intern for the GUTS! program here at YWCA Missoula. I had the pleasure of volunteering on the GUTS! Summer Adventure to Wild Horse Island a few weeks ago. I had never been to Wild Horse Island before, so I was just as thrilled as the girls were to get off that boat and… Read more »

As the summer takes full swing in Missoula, blue skies and sunshine have kids at our shelter itching to enjoy the good weather. For the past several weeks, every time I’ve come to the shelter at least one child has begged me to play with them in the backyard. We play tag, soccer, football, and… Read more »

Our new store on Broadway is mere weeks away from being finished! We are very excited! Unfortunately, contrary to previously stated, the Broadway store will have to close for a couple of weeks in August. During that time, Secret Seconds employees will be hard at work reorganizing the store and making it look great!While the… Read more »

I have spent a lot of time this year witnessing trauma. In my position as a Children’s Advocate in a domestic violence shelter, I have served children who have survived and witnessed a staggering range of violence, abuse and anger. Trauma looks different in each child. It can speak through blank stares and distant gazes, or… Read more »

I love volunteering. I don’t have very many hobbies, but if I had to state one it would be volunteering. When I first came to Missoula as a freshmen at the University of Montana, I was a little lost. Not only was I lost because of the confusing Missoula roads, but also with my own… Read more »

I met Jamie* one afternoon in the lobby of the YWCA. She was waiting with her mom and younger sister to talk with a women’s advocate in our walk-in counseling room. I immediately noticed her big personality while I was making copies nearby. We had a few spots open for the following week’s GUTS! bike camp, and… Read more »

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 »