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 »

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 »