Heroes in a Season of Gratitude
In this season of gratitude, we are so grateful for our community. In the past two months, we have seen our community pull together to give aid and support to one another as we all try to get our lives and our region back to some normalcy. YW staff, members, families, other community organizations, and friends both near and very far away have made a huge impact as we work to recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene.
From installing "mighty sinks," to unloading supplies, to making alternate lesson plans, and more, our Early Childhood Education teachers made it happen. The YWCA was one of the first childcare providers in the area to reopen, without potable water, and our ECE teachers moved mountains to support WNC families as they went back to work and school. We’re grateful for FedEx employee Heather who went above and beyond to help us locate the wayward portable sinks that were the last missing piece to put in place before we opened up our child care center.
Once we did get the child care center open, we had to make sure the water was where the child care staff needed it, when they needed it. That’s when our special “Strength and Serve” class sprang into action. These members moved boxes and boxes, gallons and gallons, of water from gym hallway to fitness room to ECE hallway and back again to ensure that ECE had water on hand.
For almost two months, our Distribution Center volunteers and YW staff showed up every day to unload trucks, meet the National Guard, process deliveries and stock shelves. All this while checking in on each other, and on their neighbors.
We have also been overwhelmed by the swift support from our sister YWs and YWCA USA. Thanks to YWCA Central Carolinas and YWCA High Point Aquatics & Wellness Family for welcoming our displaced members during evacuations. Special thanks also to YWCA Lower Cape Fear, YWCA Mid-Peninsula and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago for stepping up with disaster relief, and to YWCA USA and our regional partners for offering both financial and staff support. So many sister organizations checked in, lifted us up, and reminded us of the strength of our YWCA family.
In the aftermath of Helene, this incredible sense of community is a bright light! Wishing you all a peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving.
