YWCA of Lincoln

Happy black-owned business month, Lincoln! is here for another week of community shout-outs 🧡 Our goal this month is to empower as many from our beautiful city as possible- celebrating our diversity is important not only for fostering a sense of oneness within Lincoln, but to also drive innovation and economic improvement.

Screamers:
This restaurant and cabaret offers a dining and entertainment experience like no other in Nebraska or the Midwest at large.

Art Bus LNK:
A mobile art studio and organization that focuses on providing charitable and educational art opportunities to youth through free, accessible, and direct community programming.

What black-owned business can YOU support this week?

You’re invited to hang out with us!! Our show is live at Ticket. 11 &O street. Sundays 1:00 pm. Discussing community matters and the impact of YWCA Lincoln. Hottest radio station in town. Can’t come check out the podcast!

August 17th is National Nonprofit Day! Today is a time to celebrate the important impact of nonprofits like YWCA, who work tirelessly to create positive change and empower communities.

Here at , we are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our programs and services make a real difference, from providing support for underserved communities and families in need, to advocating for racial and gender equality in the capitol.

Your support helps us continue this vital work. On this special day, please consider making a donation to help us continue and expand our mission to empower those in need. Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for everyone. 🧡

https://ywcalincoln.networkforgood.com/

WE DID IT! 🎉🎉🎉 Nebraskans will get to vote for their right to earn and use paid sick leave this November. Every one of us needs time to care for our health and the health of our family members. But too many Nebraskans work full-time and get no paid sick days.
With your vote, we can change that.

During black-owned business month, is taking the opportunity to empower local shops! This important observance highlights the vital role Black-owned businesses play in driving innovation and economic empowerment. Please join us in supporting your community by giving these shops a visit or by sharing this post 🧡

Oasis Barbershop:
"Our mission is to provide an atmosphere that is welcoming, and to provide quality service and cuts. Oasis is where lifestyles are created."

Snow Rush:
Authentic fluffy shaven snowballs, great on a hot day!
"Makin' it snow on 52nd and O!"

Check in next week for more great local businesses!

🌟 August is National Black Owned Business Month!

At YWCA Lincoln, we're celebrating and supporting Black-owned businesses this month to uplift and empower our local community. Founded in 2004, National Black Business Month highlights the vital role Black entrepreneurs play in our economy and culture. By acknowledging and supporting these businesses, we contribute to breaking down barriers and eliminating racism.

Join us in championing Lincoln shops and promoting economic equity by visiting one of these businesses today!

Mary Ellen's
(Food for the soul - family owned BBQ restaurant, catering, and food truck)

Roots Collective
(Inclusive hair salon owned by Addis Browne- a safe space for all hair curl patterns)

Stay tuned as we share new businesses each week this month 🧡

Looking for a supportive space where middle school girls can grow and connect? The YWCA's Girls Circle program is here to help!

We work through select Lincoln public schools to offer...
Weekly Sessions: Eight 60-minute meetings with a small group (6-10 girls), led by a trained facilitator.
Creative Activities: Enjoy role-playing, drama, journaling, poetry, movement, and more.
Relevant Themes: Discuss important topics like self-trust, friendships, body image, and goals.
Peer Support: Share and listen in a respectful, confidential setting.

At we understand the importance of through connection, and we aim to promote this through all of our Youth Programs. With Girls Circle we particularly aim to foster self-confidence, critical thinking, and mutual . Girls in this club will reflect on personal values, explore their identities, and make informed choices in a supportive environment.

Be part of a community that values your voice. Join the YWCA Girls Circle and empower yourself and others! Learn more at ywcalincoln.org

Join us in recognizing the National Month for Minority Mental Health Awareness—a pivotal time to confront disparities, empower communities, and combat racial bias in mental healthcare.

It's crucial to acknowledge that (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals often face significant barriers in accessing quality mental health support compared to their white counterparts. These disparities are rooted in systemic inequalities, cultural stigma, and historical mistrust of healthcare systems. By acknowledging these differences, we take a stand against systemic injustices and advocate for equitable mental health services for all.

The origins of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month trace back to grassroots efforts aimed at highlighting and addressing these disparities. Initially championed by BIPOC advocates and mental health professionals, this month has evolved into a nationwide initiative. It serves as a beacon of hope, promoting education, awareness, and advocacy to ensure that every individual receives the culturally competent care they deserve.

Together, let's educate, empower, and advocate for a future where mental health care is accessible, inclusive, and free from racial bias. Join the movement towards equity and support Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

Support our mission of and donate today:
https://ywcalincoln.networkforgood.com/

Returning This Fall!

The YWCA Lincoln SMART Girls Club empowers girls in 4th through 8th grades to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Through engaging activities and projects, girls develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. They use STEM to explore meaningful topics and learn through hands-on, open-ended investigations.

Facilitators provide specific, positive feedback, boosting girls' confidence and performance. In SMART Girls, challenges are embraced as part of learning, encouraging girls to ask questions and think critically. They also benefit from interactions with role models and mentors in STEM fields.

Learn how to empower your child through SMART Girls at YWCA Lincoln. Visit ywcalincoln.org under Youth Development Programs for more information 🧡

During July, YWCA Lincoln is celebrating Disability Pride Month, and today, we wanted to educate you on some laws around disabilities.

From voting to parking, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that protects people with disabilities in many areas of public life. Enacted in 1990 and updated in 2010, this civil law continues to ensure equal access and opportunity.

Disability rights ARE civil rights, reminding us all to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in our communities. Join us in honoring Disability Pride Month by learning more and taking action to support equality for all. What can you do to be an advocate?

This is your weekly reminder that we have partnered with Indigo Bridge to support our Wholesome Hygiene Program! The bookstore is home to a donation bin that will go through YWCA and directly towards women and families in need.

Please consider bringing in unused hygiene products to donate such as: toothpaste, pads and tampons, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes! The donation bin will be at Indigo Bridge until July 23rd 🧡

You can also make monetary donations to YWCA Lincoln Programs at Indigo Bridge if you'd like another way to support our mission of and

Have you heard of YWCA Lincoln's program, Take A Break?

Take A Break offers a much-needed respite program for parents, grandparents, foster parents, and guardians. At YWCA, we understand the challenges you face in caring for children who identify on the autism spectrum or have other access and functional needs. We provide a supportive environment where your children, aged 1 to 12 years (exceptions can be made for older children with special needs or younger siblings), are cared for safely and happily while you take some well-deserved time for yourself.

Join Take A Break and rediscover moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Our program offers a vital break for caregivers who often find themselves tired and over-stressed. It's more than just a break; it's a chance for you to recharge, knowing your children are engaged in enriching activities in a nurturing setting. Take a step towards self-care with Take A Break, where we support you as you care for those who depend on you most.

Visit ywcalincoln.org to learn more 🧡

World Population Day, observed on July 11th each year, serves as a reminder of the global challenges posed by population growth and its impact on sustainable development. Initiated by the United Nations, this day raises awareness about issues like reproductive health, gender equality, and human rights that are crucial for managing population dynamics. By promoting access to education, healthcare, and family planning services, World Population Day emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and communities to make informed choices for a sustainable future.

Coming This Saturday!
Master Your Money: Gain essential financial skills to secure your future and achieve your financial goals with confidence. Taking this free, one-day workshop will empower you to make informed decisions, build wealth, and navigate financial challenges effectively.

Scan the QR code or visit ywcalincoln.org to learn more and sign up!

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!
At YWCA Lincoln we strive to break barriers and promote equity in mental health care for BIPOC communities. Let's stand together to ensure that mental health support is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the unique needs of BIPOC communities.

Black Women's Equal Pay Day symbolizes the additional time a Black woman must work into the new year to catch up to what a non-Hispanic White man earned in the previous year alone.

Currently, the wage gap for Black women compared to non-Hispanic white men is 69 cents for full time, year-round workers. These wage gaps are unacceptable.

This day serves as a stark reminder of the persistent racial and gender wage gap in America, highlighting the urgent need for equal pay and workplace equity for Black women.

Discover CATCH, YWCA Lincoln's inspiring program designed for high school girls. Through mentorship and engaging activities, CATCH nurtures confidence, life skills, and community connections. Join us this fall as we empower young women to lead, engage, and excel!

YWCA Lincoln is hosting a financial literacy workshop THIS SATURDAY, July 13th! Sign up to reserve your free spot for this opportunity to learn banking, budgeting, and how to save for your future 🧡 Visit our website or scan the QR code to sign up!

On the 4th of July, it's crucial to raise awareness about PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), a mental health condition triggered by traumatic events. Individuals with PTSD may experience flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance, often exacerbated by loud noises like fireworks.

Understanding PTSD is essential because it affects many, including veterans, survivors of violence, and first responders. Celebrating responsibly involves being mindful of those who may be impacted.

Here are tips to keep in mind: Educate yourself and others about PTSD; check in with loved ones who may be affected and offer quieter celebration options; create safe spaces and be patient and supportive, respecting their comfort levels and needs during festivities.

Together, we can ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday with empathy and understanding. 🇺🇸🎆🎇

This Disability Pride Month, YWCA celebrates the strength and achievements of individuals with disabilities. It's a time to honor their resilience and advocate fiercely for inclusivity and accessibility.

Join us in taking meaningful action to support the ADA and advance disability rights! Educate yourself on disability issues, champion accessibility in your community, and advocate for policies that ensure equal opportunities for all. Together, let's build a more inclusive society where every person's voice is heard and valued.

Ready to level up your financial game? Join our Financial Literacy program on July 13th and empower yourself with skills for a successful financial journey! This program runs from 9am to 11:30am ensuring you can be productive and still have fun with your Saturday.

🏦 Dive into Banking 101 where we simplify the essentials of banking, ensuring you're prepared for every transaction!

💰 Master Budgeting 101 and learn to craft a solid financial plan that sets you up for success. Budgeting made simple, effective, and empowering!

🎯 Chart your course to financial freedom with our section on Financial Goal Setting. Whether short-term, midterm, or long-term, start paving the way to financial security today!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain practical knowledge that will shape your financial future. Sign up using our website ywcalincoln.org or by scanning the QR code!

Just a reminder: Our Wholesome Hygiene Program has a donation bin at Indigo Bridge until July 23rd!

We're asking anyone who's able, to consider bringing in unused hygiene products to donate such as: toothpaste, pads and tampons, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, and more-

You can also make monetary donations to YWCA Lincoln Programs at Indigo Bridge until the 23rd if you'd like to support our mission of and

Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim is a Nigerian film producer, screenwriter, and filmmaker who creates stories of Nigeria's marginalized LGBTQ+ communities. Through her film production company, Hashtag Media House, she is working to give voice and power to Nigeria's LGBTQ+ community. We are proud to celebrate her and her vision this and we invite YOU to celebrate someone you know and their beautiful accomplishments also 🧡

We're excited to open registration for our next financial literacy workshop on July 13th! Take a Saturday with us to learn banking, budgeting, and how to save for your future 🧡 Visit our website or scan the QR code to sign up!

Thank you to Indigo Bridge for working with us on our recent Hygiene Drive! 🧡

We're happy to be able to say that Indigo Bridge will remain the home of a donation bin for YWCA Lincoln's Wholesome Hygiene program until July 23rd! They will also be a donation site for any monetary support you would like to offer the YWCA and our mission of and :)

We'd like to invite any community members who can spare unused, donatable, hygiene items to consider dropping them off at Indigo Bridge- and don't forget to explore the bookstore while you're there! Indigo Bridge also serves as an inclusive community space for the Lincoln area, where all books and art available are made by artists in underrepresented communities.

The Statewide Arboretum is opening their greenhouses to invite individuals to shop for up to $150 worth of plants per household, completely free of charge.

All you need to do is register for a timeslot on their website, and then shop as you normally would!

Most of their plants and trees are regionally native and all well adapted to Nebraska’s climate, so the plants will be easy to manage long-term. They will provide ecosystem benefits as well as all the health benefits greenery offers to people.