YWCA is on a Mission

YWCA: Advocacy Update (YWCA National) 

YWCA USA is a strong network nationwide of 194 local associations. Local associations are asked yearly to provide program-level data for collective impact evaluations. In 2022, 135 (68.9%) local associations reported on their programs and impact. Impact data provided throughout recognizes those who submitted and is not the collective 194. Women, girls and families enrolled in YWCA Local Associations nationwide.

Racial Justice and Civil Rights Our 2022 Program Inventory and Impact Survey program survey shows fifty-five percent of associations engaging in racial justice (RJ) initiatives. With 98 programs, local associations are poised to mobilize on initiatives that prevent racial inequities and ensure fairness for all. This RJ Impact Area Summary sheds light on local associations’ activities and trends that can enrich programming.

73 Local Associations

98 programs

Served 76,133 people

Women’s Empowerment Women’s empowerment programs are designed to increase empowerment among Women and Girls. Programming includes but is not limited to economic advancement and leadership development. Local associations who completed the survey were allowed to select which sub-area the program that was being reported on fell into. Sixty-seven associations reported having a Women’s empowerment program, and these associations reported:

147 programs

Served 70,742 people

69.60% of people served were Women and Girls

Health & Safety

The Health and Wellness Impact Area covers an array of activities and programs designed to meet community members’ physical and mental health and well-being. Local associations who completed the survey were allowed to select which sub-area the program was being reported on fell into. Sixty-five associations reported having a health and wellness program, and these associations reported:

109 programs

Served 114,013 people 47.32% of people served were people of color

64.47% of people served were Women and Girls

Childcare Access to quality childcare programming, rising childcare costs, and the lingering impact of COVID-19 concerning staffing shortages make childcare a burden for the people we serve. In the 2022 Program Inventory and Impact Survey (program survey), 60.7% of reporting local associations offered 153 childcare program services to children and their families, of which 31% live at or below the Federal Poverty Level.

Calendar of Events

Meet our YWCA Contra Costa / Sacramento Board of Directors and Staff Members

Childcare Events 

YWCA Childcare Curriculum

In the month of October, we learned the different emotions.

In the month of November, we learned about STEM.

In the month of December, we explored different types of music, dance and art.

Curriculum

Each month has a new theme that will be explored with the children. You can find the weekly lesson plans on the parent board in your child's classroom.

Mental Health

Parenting:

Reasons Routines Are Essential For Children

Children thrive with security and communication and often fear the unknown. Routines are an important part of a child’s life. Whether in the classroom, daycare, or at home, it is important to create routines to help children succeed in their daily lives. Keep reading to learn more about how essential routines are for children and the people that surround them.

All caregivers know that there is a significant power struggle that can accompany getting children to do things they do not want to do, especially when a child is tempted by something fun. Bath time, bedtime, and clean-up time are interruptions to fun and play for a child. One way to combat the temper tantrums that come along with introducing something a child will not want to do is proper transition time with routine. If children know ahead of time that they have to pick up their toys after they play and that they have a nap at the same time every day, they begin to expect and complete activities without fear of sudden change. Children also learn that certain tasks are expected of them at certain times and not at random.

Children’s bodies are like clocks and routines help them function and maintain healthy systems. Having a proper routine with designated task times will help your child:

• Sleep well at night and at nap time
• Eat full, healthy meals that satisfy them for longer periods of time
• Behave calmly during down time throughout the day
• Maintain regular bowel movements which can help avoid stomach aches
• Experience overall mood improvement

If your child becomes accustomed to routine times for these daily activities, their bodies will adjust and give them natural queues, for instance feeling hungry around lunch time or sleepy around nap time.

Children notice what is important and recognize times for family activities and bonding when it’s part of a routine. Families can bond through performing routines together. Some family routines include family meals, walking together, and designated family time throughout the week. Family bonding does not always have to be leisurely. Teaching children to help their siblings with chores or shared responsibilities that must be completed together are great ways for children to bond with their family while learning teamwork and communication skills. 

Rather than needing to be told what to do at each step, routines allow children to build confidence and feel independent. This is especially important for your “do-it-myself” toddlers. When children feel that they have some control over what they must do, they are more likely to do it. Not only will creating a routine teach them how and when to execute tasks themselves, but it will help them feel empowered and learn to take pride in doing what they are supposed to do. Cultivating such confidence and independence can make them less likely to rebel or retaliate.

Change and stress greatly impact a child’s sense of security. Divorce, moving, a new school or daycare, and even a new sibling can be very stressful changes for children. An established routine provides a sense of normalcy. A child will find stability and calmness through that sense normalcy when things around them are changing and can help teach healthy ways of adapting to change.

Mental Health Counseling

Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?

All children are sad, anxious, irritable, or aggressive at times, and many find it occasionally challenging to sit still, pay attention, or interact with others. In most cases, these are just typical developmental phases. However, such behaviors may also indicate a more serious problem in some children.

Many mental disorders can begin in childhood. Examples include anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early treatment can help children manage their symptoms and support their social and emotional well-being. Many adults reflect on how mental disorders affected their childhood and wish they had received help sooner.

Distinguishing between challenging behaviors and emotions that are a part of normal development and those that may be cause for concern can be hard. Consider seeking help if your child’s behavior or emotions last for weeks or longer, cause distress for your child or your family, or interfere with your child’s functioning at school, at home, or with friends. If your child’s behavior is unsafe, or if your child talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else, seek help immediately.

Younger Children

• Have frequent tantrums or are irritable much of the time
• Often seem fearful or worried
• Complain about frequent stomachaches or headaches with no known medical cause
• Are in constant motion and cannot sit quietly (except when they are engaged in an activity they enjoy, such as watching videos or playing video games)
• Sleep too much or too little, have frequent nightmares, or seem sleepy during the day
• Are not interested in playing with other children or have difficulty making friends
• Struggle academically or have experienced a recent decline in grades
• Repeat actions or check things many times (for example, repeatedly checking to make sure a door is locked) out of fear that something bad may happen

Older Children

• Have lost interest in things that they used to enjoy
• Have low energy
• Sleep too much or too little or seem sleepy throughout the day
• Have periods of highly elevated energy and activity and require much less sleep than usual
• Spend more and more time alone and avoid social activities with friends or family
• Diet or exercise excessively or fear gaining weight
• Engage in self-harm behaviors (such as cutting or burning their skin)
• Smoke, drink, or use drugs
• Engage in risky or destructive behavior alone or with friends
• Have thoughts of suicide
• Say that they think someone is trying to control their mind or that they hear things that other people cannot hear