Pittsburgh YWCA announces plan supporting race and gender equity

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh has announced a new organizational strategy focusing on programs supporting race and gender equity, especially for women of color, officials said.

The organization’s renewed mission also is focusing on child development and education, and basic needs resources such as housing and youth services aimed at eliminating race and gender disparities.

“By using our existing community platform, YWCA will be a true champion of social and racial justice, by taking deliberate actions, and fighting for deliberate and systematic change,” said Angela Reynolds, CEO of YWCA Greater Pittsburgh.

“As we move forward, we will be focusing our program and advocacy lens on race and gender equity and working collaboratively with strategic partners to make a difference in our region.”

Reynolds joined YWCA in late February and is implementing its new strategic plan that was commissioned by the organization’s board prior to her hiring.

YWCA’s plan includes connecting four main components – a Resource Center which supports basic needs like housing, Early Learning Center, Youth Services , and the Center for Race and Gender Equity.

“We’re streamlining our internal operations for better service to the community, and we’ll be focusing on race and ways to reduce gender disparities, especially for women of color,” said Melanie Gefert-Azur, YWCA board president.

Gefert-Azur said the Center for Race and Gender Equity will augment its advocacy agenda and racial justice training program by publishing regular “Issue Action Plans.” The plans are designed to bring to light relevant and timely racial and gender issues and propose policy changes that specifically address systematic racism and gender inequality.

Reynolds said the number of people helped by YWCA services is increasing as it is expands its housing program to assist more families in need of housing stability and food security.

“And we’ll continue working to make the Pittsburgh region welcoming and equitable for all women,” said Reynolds.