YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley | News
News
YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. YWCA serves Knox, Blount, Anderson, Roane, Loudon, and Sevier counties in East Tennessee with programs ranging from transitional housing to domestic violence services, youth services, victim advocacy, and more. We welcome the opportunity to speak about YWCA’s work. YWCA Director of Communications, Ally Slavick, can connect you with experts from our organization who serve our community. All media inquiries can be sent to aslavick@ywcaknox.com.
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YWCA in the News:
YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley welcomes Stephanie Burrage as new CEO
YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley has named Stephanie Burrage chief executive officer (CEO), effective March 20, 2023. Burrage will replace interim CEO Martha Buchanan, who has served in this capacity since YWCA Board began a nationwide search in October 2022.
East TN mentoring program on a mission to end violence against women
A mentoring program in East Tennessee is on a mission to stop violence against women and girls. YWCA GameChangers is the only gender-based violence prevention program for middle school boys in the area.
YWCA program mentors middle school boys on preventing violence against women and girls
The YWCA Gamechangers program teaches boys and young men about how to know when a relationship is unhealthy, and how to prevent violence in one.
Ridgeview Pod | YWCA GameChangers
YWCA GameChangers sits down with Michael Yates, Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services' Director of Development, to chat about GameChangers programming and its availability in Anderson County.
'It changed my life' | YWCA employee gives insight into how nonprofit impacts kids
Gabby Mathis went from being a student at the Phyllis Wheatley Center to being on the staff of the YWCA. She knows the importance of the nonprofit.
VFL Curt Maggitt continues to champion YWCA's work as it prepares for 2023 Diversity Day
The Tennessee Football star has not only joined in on the activities, he's also championed the YWCA and its work here in Knoxville.
YWCA collaborates with Drums Up, Guns Down for upcoming Race Against Racism event
Two organizations from East Tennessee, YWCA and Drums Up, Guns Down, are coming together for Diversity Day.
YWCA to host Race Against Racism
YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley will host the 27th annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism Saturday, Jan. 14.
YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley names Dr. Martha Buchanan as interim CEO
YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley has named Dr. Martha Buchanan as interim CEO of the organization while it participates in a local and nationwide search for a permanent chief executive officer.
The announcement comes after the board of directors accepted the resignation of CEO Rachel Haverkamp, who is stepping back to spend more time with her family.
YWCA Tribute to Women Honors Seven
The YWCA held its 37th annual Tribute to Women at the Mill and Mine Event Center on October 6. There were 21 finalists nominated for seven categories. The top seven honorees were announced during the gala, which featured beautiful musical selections and a dance by the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Youth Dance Team.
YWCA Staff Sit Down with East Tennessee Now Podcast to Discuss Domestic Violence Awareness
East Tennessee Now is a community oriented public affairs program designed to address local problems and issues and explore possible or existing solutions. The program features community leaders, representatives of area non-profits, healthcare professionals and other experts in their respective fields.
'We just have a lot of people suffering in our communities' | New initiative aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ domestic violence survivors
YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley are providing new services for the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Support Group Coming to Knoxville
A new initiative in Knoxville is providing support for survivors.
Weekly support groups led by Meredith Moss, a YWCA domestic violence advocate for the LGBTQIA+ population, provide a safe space where survivors of domestic violence can find support and strength.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: YWCA offers multicultural resources to help victims of domestic violence
YWCA Knoxville offers resources for people from all cultures, helping victims get the services they need to heal.
Haverkamp heads local YWCA
Rachel Haverkamp became CEO of YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley last June after eight months of serving the nonprofit in an interim role.
Knoxville YWCA receives $475,000 for transitional housing assistance
The YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is receiving $475,000 to further their transitional housing assistance program for victims of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Learning the signs of abuse
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. One in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
YWCA receives $475,000 grant for housing assistance
The YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley routinely helps people who may not have anywhere else to turn. Soon, they will be able to help even more people when they need it most.
Ribbons across Knoxville mark start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Organizations and government services are trying to shed some light on domestic violence by spreading purple ribbons across the city and beyond. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Knoxville YWCA receives $475K federal grant for housing assistance
A $475,000 grant will soon go to the Young Woman’s Christian Association of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley to support housing assistance for victims of domestic violence.
YWCA in Oak Ridge offers free supervised visitation for families experiencing violence
1 in every 4 children experience violence, according to the Young Women's Christian Association Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley. A new free service at YWCA's Oak Ridge location called Justice for Families Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Program began in August, and allows children to see their mom and dad separately.
YWCA in Oak Ridge looking for 'Gamechangers' mentors
The YWCA in Oak Ridge is looking for mentors for a new program to teach boys about relationships and ending violence against women
Ribbons across Knoxville mark start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Organizations and government services are trying to shed some light on domestic violence by spreading purple ribbons across the city and beyond. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
'A second chance': Boyd family's $1 million gift lifts YWCA and its historic building
When the Boyd family looked into the mission of the YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, there were so many personal connections that a new $1 million gift made perfect sense.
YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center Official Statement to Tragedies at Austin- East Magnet High School
YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is deeply saddened by Monday, April 12th's events at Austin-East Magnet High School.
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott Makes Significant Gift to YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley
YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a significant gift from author and philanthropist, MacKenzie Scott. In the past four months, Ms. Scott has given gifts totaling $4,158,500,000 to 384 organizations across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley was selected to receive funding, alongside other organizations nationwide who were identified as having “strong leadership teams and results, with special attention to those operating in communities facing high projected food insecurity, high measures of racial inequity, high local poverty rates.”
Rachel Haverkamp, Interim Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley, noted, “We are honored and humbled to receive this generous gift, alongside so many outstanding nonprofit organizations. YWCA has been a beacon of hope for women and their families in our community for over 120 years. 2020 has been an especially challenging year for the women and families we serve.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, YWCA has continued to provide safe housing through the Keys of Hope Women’s Program and Scattered-Site Housing Programs across YWCA’s six-county service area; victim advocacy services for individuals fleeing domestic violence; and essential after-school and virtual learning support for students in our East Knoxville community. “We are grateful for this gift to ensure that YWCA continues to carry out its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,” said Haverkamp.
Three other local nonprofits, Goodwill Industries – Knoxville, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, and United Way of Greater Knoxville were also selected to receive support from Ms. Scott. YWCA is honored to be recognized alongside these organizations who are also making a difference in the Knoxville community.