YWCA is on a mission and YWCA Westmoreland County is making it our own!
To empower women and eliminate racism, we must meet our community where they are most vulnerable and provide the compassion and services that place them on a path to self-sufficiency and prosperity.
Our vision is that all women and their families can achieve their full potential in a world without discrimination.
This requires a focus on the future, anticipating the needs of our clients, and creating innovative solutions to the problems they most often face.
We are evolving our services to meet the changing needs of our clients today and in the future.
We remain rooted in rich history, but our approach to serving our community is holistic, strategic and innovative.
Nationally, YWCA advocacy issues include lobbying for pay equity and hate crimes legislation, increased funding for Head Start and passing the Violence Against Women Act. Locally, through our programs, we are changing lives and restoring hope for women, their families, and our community!
Technology Classes ↘
Technology classes are offered in small class sizes (8 people max.) that meet morning, afternoon or evening starting at the beginning of each month. Over 20 different classes offered, which include Computer Basics, Windows 11, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Smartphones and Tablets, Virtual QuickBooks Online, Canva, Social Media for Seniors.
These classes provide a comfortable learning environment, sensitivity to beginners, private tutoring, practice time, and financial assistance.
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Microsoft Excel
Classes being offered December 9, 10, 16, 17 from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM for ONLY $20. Call 724-834-9390 to register for this class!
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Virtual QuickBooks Online
Class being offered December 3 from
1 PM - 3 PM for ONLY $20. Call
724-834-9390 to register for this class!
Come back at the beginning of the year to see our upcoming Technology Classes
Activity Classes ↘
Be sure to check out the schedule below for the activity classes being offered this fall.
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Yoga with Nancy Michaels
A six-session course on Thursdays from 10:00 am - 11:30 am.
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Bridge
Thursdays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
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Tai Chi with Pat Cummerick
This six-session course will be offered Monday evenings beginning in February.
Adult & Young Adult Programs ↘
Our programs offer the opportunity for individuals to succeed in their personal and professional endeavors.
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New Choices Program
Update or create a professional resume, learn job search strategies, and sharpen interview skills.
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Women of Achievement
This award is for local female high school students who excel and make a difference in all that they do.
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Girls Field Hockey
This program is for girls of all ages who are interested in learning or improving their field hockey skills and want to have fun during the off season. Beginners to advanced players are welcome and encouraged to sign up.
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TechGYRLS
The YWCA TechGYRLS Program empowers young women ages 11-14 through education and exposure to robotics technology and promotes continued involvement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Girls Field Hockey
YWCA Indoor Field Hockey Clinic Sessions, begin in January 2025.
Registration is NOW OPEN!!!
Social Justice Programs ↘
YWCA Awards Maria LaVelle with 2024 Racial Justice Award
The YWCA awards this commendation to a community member or business, who has demonstrated commitment to racial equity through efforts to build community, raise awareness, and further racial harmony and inclusiveness. As a champion of racial justice, the individual or business have shown through actions a common vision for peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.
Maria LaVelle is the chief executive officer of PHEPLE Federal Credit Union in Greensburg, a role she has maintained for the past 21 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business and her MBA from Point Park University. Maria resides in Murrysville. She has two beautiful daughters, Ciara and Selena and a grandson R.J. and another grandchild on the way.
In addition to the CFWC Advisory Board, Maria also sits on the boards of Western PA Diaper Bank and the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Credit Union National Association and the National Credit Union Foundation. In recent months, she has completed the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class. This 9-month program helped professionals like Maria get more involved within our county. The class covered various areas such as leadership, team building, and project management.
The YWCA acknowledges Maria as we have seen the impact, she has made in the community of Westmoreland County by addressing the needs of the underprivileged. She sits on the DEI committee for the nonprofit sectors within the area of Westmoreland County. Her insight and knowledge as to how to implement social justice is one of grace and poise. She has participated in our annual Fashion Show and has been a huge contributor to supporting the mission of the YWCA. We are excited to announce she will be a model at this year’s Girls in Pearls: Sapphire Soiree Fashion Show. Her commitment to the community of Westmoreland County is evident in her passion for racial harmony and manifesting social justice.
2024 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge
YWCA is excited to announce the launch of 2024 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge, to begin on April 1, 2024. The YWCA Racial Justice Challenge is the action component of the Until Justice Just Is campaign, which runs throughout the month of April to raise awareness of systemic racism and how each of us can take action to advance justice.
The YWCA Racial Justice Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. The Challenge works to foster personal reflection, encourage social responsibility, and motivate participants to identify and act on ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.
For four weeks, daily challenge activities (reading an article, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experience, etc.) are posted in the Challenge app and website, allowing participants to connect with one another, discover how racial and social injustice impact our communities, and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. Each week covers a different topic related to equity and social justice. Daily activities are not posted on the weekends.
Racial Justice Award Recipients
1995 Sister Lois Sculco 2010 Women in the NAACP
1996 Marcia Pratt 2011 Joyce Clohessy
1997 Peg Honey 2012 Wilda Kaylor
1998 Carolyn Falcon 2013 Multicultural Diversity Awareness Task Force- Seton Hill University
1999 Carlotta Paige 2014 Bonnie Lewis
2000 Carol Calloway 2015 Glenn Buzzard and Ray Charley
2001 Rabbi Perman 2016 Debra Mason
2002 Serendipity Staff- GLSD 2017 Westmoreland Museum of American Art
2003 Ruth Tolbert 2018 WCCC Black Awareness Committee
2004 Marilyn Fox 2019 Keisha Jimmerson
2005 Michelle Toohey 2020 Christopher Kent
2006 Mary Catherine Motchar 2021 Dr. Melissa Marks
2007 Norma Skillings 2022 Ronel Baccus
2008 Gbg Salem Middle School Art Dept. 2023 Jim Galik and Jean Slusser
2009 Carlene Williams 2024 Maria LaVelle
On behalf of the YWCA Westmoreland County, we have a message we would like to share in regard to the images showcased at the Mount Pleasant Borough Halloween parade.
As we continue to champion our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, we look towards promoting peace, justice, freedom, dignity for all. We will continue to work to support our communities and lay out a better path for the generations to come.
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Week Without Violence
Week Without Violence is part of a global movement with YWCAs across the country and around the world to end violence against women and girls.
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Until Justice Just Is
YWCA is launching “Until Justice…Just Is,” a campaign to bring awareness to the pervasiveness of systemic racism and our network’s commitment to eliminating racism in the thousands of communities we serve.
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International Women's Group
The International Women’s Group provides a meeting place for women to meet each other and develop friendships, to share and learn about the United States, improve their English and become a part of a new community.
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English-as-a-Second Langugae
Classes focus on speaking the English language, listening, vocabulary, and writing skills.
YWCA Used Bookstore ↘
The YWCA bookstore offers a wide selection of books for everyone. We also have a fun children’s book selection and play area to enjoy!
We have a wonderful group of volunteers who would love to help you find the perfect book to add to your collection.
STORE HOURS:
Tuesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
First Saturday of Each Month – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
USED BOOKSTORE PRICES:
.50¢ FOR PAPERBACKS
$1.00 FOR HARDBACKS
$5.00 BAG OF BOOKS
.50¢ FOR CHILDREN’S HARDBACKS
.25¢ FOR CHILDREN’S PAPERBACKS
.50¢ FOR AUDIOBOOKS
$1.00 FOR DVD’S
Donations are appreciated! Accepted at all times. During business hours, preferred.
(Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
If dropping off after hours, please leave donations in the red shed.
YWCA Thrift Shop ↘
Proud to be the oldest consignment and thrift shop in the City of Greensburg.
Hidden treasures await students heading back-to-school. Stunning gems are available for that special evening out with friends or a loved one. The surprises don’t end there so stop in and explore our store to find your next diamond in the rough. There are beautiful finds for everyone!
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Thrift Shop
This hidden gem is proud to be the oldest consignment and thrift shop in the City of Greensburg
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Working Women’s Closet
Working Women’s Closet, provided by the YWCA of Westmoreland County, is an opportunity for you to receive clothing to help you succeed in the workplace.
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Consignment Guidelines
Be sure to call to make sure the Consignment Program is open and find out what clothing is accepted.
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YWCA Thrift Shop Schedule
Check out our 2024 schedule for details on consignment and shop closures.