The YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

Did you know? 1 in 3 teens experiences some form of dating violence. As we wrap up Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we want to help teens and parents recognize the signs of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. Healthy relationships should include: ? Respect – Your feelings and boundaries matter. ? Trust – You shouldn’t have to “prove” your love. ? Communication – Talking openly, without fear. ? Support – Encouraging your goals and well-being. Warning Signs of Unhealthy Relationships: ? Control over who you see and talk to. ? Constant jealousy or put-downs. ? Pressuring or guilting you into things. If you’re a parent, educator, or mentor, start the conversation early. Teens deserve relationships that uplift, not harm. Know someone who could use this info? Share this post! #TDVAM #HealthyRelationships #Respect #EmpowerTeens #YWCA

Black history is American history. This Black History Month, we honor the trailblazers and changemakers who paved the way for justice and empowerment. From?Sojourner Truth to Tarana Burke, Black women have long led the fight against racism, gender-based violence, and inequality. #BlackHistoryMonth #YWCA #BlackExcellence #EmpoweringWomen

???As Human Trafficking Awareness Month comes to a close, we reflect on a milestone of hope and healing: Croghan Cottage. Opened last year, Croghan Cottage is Maryland’s?only residential program specifically designed for trafficked youth. A partnership between the YWCA and TurnAround Inc., this safe haven provides survivors aged 12-18 with: ?? Safe lodging ?? Trauma-informed therapy ?? Education and life skills training ???? Job training opportunities ?? 24/7 support from dedicated staff At Croghan Cottage, young survivors reclaim their futures in an environment of care, respect, and empowerment. ?? Join us in raising awareness about trafficking and support programs like Croghan Cottage. Together, we can make a difference. #EndTrafficking #HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth #CroghanCottage #YWCA #EmpoweringSurvivors

Thanks to supporters like you, 2024 has been a year of growth and progress. Here are just a few of the accomplishments your generosity has made possible: ?? Provided critical services to more than 7,500 women and children, including emergency shelter, counseling, and legal representation. ?? Opened Croghan Cottage, a trafficking safe house for youth in partnership with TurnAround Inc. This is the only program of its kind in Maryland, offering safety and specialized care to survivors. ?? Earned re-certification for the Maryland Standards for Excellence?, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of ethics and accountability. ?? Expanded our Rapid Rehousing Program to help clients move from crisis to independence by supporting them in their own apartments. ?? Hosted racial justice, self-care, and agency value retreats for all staff, reaffirming our dedication to mission-driven service. Your support offers more than shelter—it provides safety, hope, and the opportunity for a better future. ?? Let’s continue to make a difference in 2025, together. Give today by clicking the donate link at annapolisywca.org. ?? Happy New Year! ?? #EndDomesticViolence #SupportSurvivors #YWCA

???Angel Tree 2024??? This holiday season, YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County is calling on our amazing community to help bring joy to women and children in need. Our “angels” have requested?gift cards?to shop for the holidays at stores such as: ?? Target ?? Amazon ?? Uber/Gas ?? Giant/Safeway ?? Chick-fil-A ?? Visa Here’s how you can make a difference: ?? Drop off gift cards along with the donor slip at our office (1517 Governor Ritchie Hwy, Ste 201, Arnold, MD) on weekdays between 9 AM and 4:30 PM. Deadline: Monday, December 16. ?? Purchase items directly from our wish lists: ???Amazon?Wish?List ???Target?Wish?List See links to the wish lists in the comments. Together, we can make this holiday season special for those who need it most. Thank you for your support! ?? #AngelTree2024 #GivingSeason #YWCA #CommunitySupport

Today is Giving Tuesday—a chance to transform lives. At YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, we see women arrive in their darkest moments—fearful, exhausted, and unsure of what the future holds. But thanks to supporters like you, we also see hope return to their eyes. As Kendra, our Case Manager, shares: "Every day, I see what happens when a woman is given a lifeline—the chance to rebuild her life and create a brighter future for herself and her children." Your gift allows us to: ?? Provide safety and shelter to women and children fleeing violence. ?? Offer trauma-informed therapy for survivors. ?? Equip women with life skills to achieve independence. Let’s continue to be the spark of hope they need. Make your Giving Tuesday gift today and change a life tomorrow. ?? ?? Give today by clicking the donate link at annapolisywca.org or scanning the QR code. #GivingTuesday #EndDomesticViolence #SupportSurvivors #YWCA #MakeADifference

?? Congratulations to?Sarah Elfreth, on her congressional win! Sarah’s unwavering support for the YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County and our mission to empower and protect women and families in our community makes this victory all the more meaningful. Alongside champions like?State Senator Pam Beidle and our own CEO Molly Knipe, Sarah is truly making a difference. We are excited to see her commitment and vision amplify at the national level! ?? #YWCAAA #WomenSupportingWomen #CommunityLeaders #CongressionalWin

Earlier this week, The YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County joined incredible local leaders and organizations at the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s Celebration of Philanthropy. It was inspiring to see so many remarkable groups recognized for their commitment to our community’s well-being. Our community thrives because of these dedicated supporters and leaders! Thank you, Senator Sarah Elfreth, our CEO Molly Knipe, and all YWCA staff and board members who attended to honor these partnerships. #CelebrationOfPhilanthropy #CommunityFoundationAAC #YWCA #Philanthropy #CommunityImpact #AnneArundelCounty #YWCAEmpowers

?? We’re thrilled to announce The YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County has received the Maryland Standards for Excellence? certification—a symbol of dedication to quality, ethics, and accountability in the nonprofit sector! With over 36,000 nonprofits in Maryland, only 160 have earned this seal, and we are proud to join this prestigious group. Congratulations to our incredible team for their commitment to excellence through this rigorous process to enhance our services and strengthen our community impact. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for all. ?? Pictured: Heather Iliff, CEO of Maryland Nonprofits; Molly Knipe, CEO of YWCA; Stacie Gold, COO of YWCA #StandardsForExcellence #MarylandNonprofits #YWCA #NonprofitExcellence #CommunityImpact #Annapolis

The YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County was honored to join our program partner TurnAround Inc. in celebrating at their incredible 45th Anniversary Gala at the Hunt Valley Country Club. Pictured are Charlene Gordon, Shadae Wallace, Molly Knipe, and Bianca Genao. ? #PartnershipInAction #YWCAandTurnaround #SupportSurvivors #CommunityImpact #EndViolence