YWCA Black Lives Matter

Dear YWCA Staff, Childcare Members, YWCA Residents and Mental Health Participants, 

With the recent historic making events, coupled with the pandemic ripping through our communities, fear and uncertainty are pervasive. We, the Board of Directors, express solidarity with our black members. There is a need to instill change throughout our community and the nation and we must respond to the actions of injustice and violence against our black peers. We stand with the black community and the tens of thousands of peaceful protesters to demand accountability and justice. We must make it known amongst all that black lives matter. 

We, the Board of Directors, are committed to support our members to work to heal our society to ensure the same rights for everyone. We each have the right, the power, the opportunity and the wherewithal to speak out against injustice, not just for ourselves, but for the victims of violence and racism who don't have the same power and control over their own voices. We salute, and we support the peaceful protesters speaking out on behalf of victims of social injustice everywhere. We support the honorable law enforcement officers who work to protect your rights, especially the right to engage in peaceful protest. 

Please do not hesitate to contact the YWCA staff and/or Board if you have any concerns during these very difficult times. 

Sincerely, 

Grace Bhairo 

Board President 

YWCA of Contra Costa/Sacramento

Nancy J. Atkinson 

Chief Executive Officer 

YWCA of Contra Costa/Sacramento