Enriching the Community
412 Elizabeth St. Charleston, WV 25311
Center Phone: 304.952.1351
Center Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or By Appointment
The YWCA Charleston's Community Enrichment program is dedicated to building a vibrant and supportive West Virginia community where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. This program focuses on creating a culture that celebrates various backgrounds, promotes fairness, and encourages collaboration among all members of the West Virginia community.
By appreciating varied perspectives, promoting fairness, and fostering a sense of belonging, we can collectively create conditions where all individuals can thrive and contribute their best to the community.
-
West Virginia has a rich history of varied communities. Today, the state is home to people from various backgrounds, contributing to the state's unique cultural landscape.
-
The YWCA Charleston has a long history of working to strengthen community bonds in West Virginia. The Community Enrichment program is a key initiative in this effort.
-
The Community Enrichment program provides educational workshops and seminars, civic-engagement initiatives, and supportive resrouces.
-
Our Center for Community Enrichment is committed to working with individuals and organizations from all walks of life to build a stronger and more connected West Virginia.
Events - April
Join us for our Pre-Race events held each week during April.
*Lunch and Learn
*Fireside Chat
*Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
*Cultural Celebration
Businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals are welcome to attend!
Book Now using the link below, we look forward to having you there.
Celebrate Heritage
Share the culture of our community through these inspiring videos. Join us as we celebrate all heritages and witness firsthand; the passion, talent, and pride of our community residents.
Cultural Celebrations
Events like Black History Month, Juneteenth, and Hispanic & Native American Heritage Months are more than just celebrations; they're opportunities to connect, understand, and appreciate the diverse perspectives that make our community unique.
They're a reminder that every story matters.
If you want to partner with the Community Enrichment program for a cultural celebration, contact Shanté Ellis here.
RSVP here to attend Reflections on Black History and the Road Ahead.
Conversation Cafe
Let's Connect and Converse!
Join us for casual chats to get to know each other better, share our stories, and discuss what matters most. From personal experiences to community issues, we'll create a space for open and honest conversations.
Our goals are to:
-
Celebrate everyone's uniqueness: Create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included.
-
Bridge the gap: Gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives and experiences.
-
Heal and grow: Share stories to foster healing and personal growth.
-
Build stronger connections: Strengthen relationships based on trust, belonging, and authenticity.
Read Aloud Series
Discover the power of storytelling through this read-aloud series. Explore the rich history of Black Americans; celebrate their contributions and learn about the incredible individuals who helped shape our society.
Race to End Racism
Join us for our Annual 5K Run and 1-Mile walk in Charleston's West Side to support our Racial Equity & Inclusion Program.
After the race, stick around for a cultural celebration filled with fun and festivities.
Your Center for Community Enrichment
The YWCA Charleston Katherine "Kitty" Dooley Center for Community Enrichment is the first of its kind in Charleston, Kanawha County, and possibly the State of West Virginia.
This center aims to be a welcoming place where people from all walks of life experience a sense of belonging. It will house the growing YWCA Charleston Community Enrichment program, which aims to increase community education and understanding and empower leaders with the tools to advance positive social change across Kanawha, Boone, and Clay counties.
01
Professional Development and Welcoming Communities
The YWCA Charleston’s Center for Community Enrichment provides programming that creates supportive spaces where open dialogue, shared experiences, and community building can happen for all people, supporting community enrichment initiatives. Specific initiatives will raise awareness and develop actions via speakers, seminars, and training on topics that introduce effective strategies for corporations, organizations, educational, political, and religious institutions at all levels for people at all levels.
02
Programming for Adults and Children
The YWCA Charleston’s Center for Community Enrichment will provide support structures to create a strong sense of belonging for all children in the community. Children’s education will be supported through fun and engaging activities that include; hands-on art activities, read-aloud days, crafts, STEAM events, and more. Community members will have full access to our Center's library, featuring a wide range of books for adults and children that support self-education and promote healthy community conversations.
03
First-Rate Materials
To fully engage with the community, the YWCA Charleston’s Center for Community Enrichment will collaborate with individuals and community partners that include, but are not limited to, local businesses and other local entities to meet all community members’ needs, provide resources and support, share information, and foster advocacy, towards achieving YWCA Charleston’s mission of “empowering women and eliminating racism.”
Participant Testimonials
The YWCA Racial Equity and Inclusion programming has been made possible in part by a grant from UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia, Inc.