Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Center Opened at YWCA Oak Ridge Facility

YWCA launched the new Justice for Families Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Program at the Oak Ridge facility last month! This program is for families who have experienced domestic violence and need safe and professional supervised visitation or safe exchange services. 

To safely provide this service, space was renovated within the YWCA Oak Ridge building including new security systems, office spaces, kitchenette, accessible bathrooms, waiting rooms for parents, and more to ensure the space is safe for all utilizing YWCA services. 
We are also proud to be expanding GameChangers, YWCA's signature violence prevention program, to Oak Ridge and Anderson County with groups starting in January 2022. If you or someone you know is interesting in mentoring or hosting GameChangers, please contact Eddie Harrison at eharrison@ywcaknox.com

Next Month: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

YWCA's Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Advocacy Commttee has been hard at work planning this year's events to raise awareness around domestic violence. Mark your calendar to join us for these percentage night opportunities to benefit YWCA victim advocacy services: 
  • Cinnaholic- Tuesday, Oct. 5
  • Cruze Farm (Gay Street)- Monday, Oct. 11
  • Papa Murphy's (all locations)- Thursday, Oct. 14
  • Chipotle (Cumberland Ave.)- Tuesday, Oct. 19
Also be on the look-out for purple ribbons hanging around Downtown Knoxville and in Jackson Square in Oak Ridge throughout the month. There will be more information to come about how you can get involved in supporting DVAM this October! 

Home Federal Bank Supporting Phyllis Wheatley Center Reach Interns 

Home Federal Bank is not only a Downtown Knoxville neighbor to YWCA, but also a longtime friend and supporter of our events and programs. 
Most recently, the team at Home Federal Bank generously contributed $5,000 to support stipends for the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center (PWC) Reach interns this semester. Reach is an incentivized internship program for high school students that encourages service learning and teaches hands-on work and life skills.
"Home Federal has partnered with the YWCA for many years and when we heard about Reach, we knew that this aligned with the mission at Home Federal. Reach teaches workforce and academic skills, including soft skills like conflict management, and improves outcomes for young people in our community." 
-David Reynolds
CEO and President, Home Federal Bank 

Food Drive: Collecting Items Until October 4

Our friends at Alliance Brewing and Printshop Beer Co. on Sevier Avenue are collecting non-perishable and canned foods for women in YWCA's Freedom Inside Program until October 4! 
Freedom Inside offers supportive programming, counseling, and crisis intervention to women at the Knox County Detention Center, who have been victims of abuse. 
We invite you to make a donation and grab a beer at one of these local spots! 
REGISTER

Tribute to Women Highlight

The 36th Annual Tribute to Women was a success! Thank you to our sponsors, Honorees, and community members for coming out to celebrate with us! The event was held at the beautiful Mill & Mine and included entertainment from Drums Up Guns Down and Knoxville Opera. Each Honoree was highlighted along with this year's Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Dr. Martha Buchanan!
Dancers and drummers from local group Drums Up Guns Down kicked off the evening with an amazing performance!
Soprano Jacqueline Brecheen and Knoxville Opera's Artistic Director, Maestro Brian Salesky shared two songs with the crowd.
Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Dr. Martha Buchanan received her award earlier in the week, and we shared a video with the crowd! 
Special thank you to Vera Bradley at West Town Mall for donating bags and masks to our residents in the Keys of Hope Women's Program! 

Call for Volunteers

Are you interested in getting more involved with the YWCA? Volunteers make an incredible impact in our agency. 
  • Do you have a heart for children? Volunteer to provide childcare during one of our domestic violence support groups. 
  • Have a special interest such as arts and crafts, technology, or reading? Host a class for our youth at the Phyllis Wheatley Center or with our women in the Keys of Hope Women's Program.
To learn more about how to become a volunteer, please contact Development Coordinator Gracie Herbert at gherbert@ywcaknox.com

Welcome New YWCA Staff! 

Chelsea Smith, 
Anderson County Family Justice Center Victim Advocate
Jorden Goins, 
Justice for Families Visit Supervisor
Meredith Steed,
Knox County Court Victim Advocate
Hannah Kuchers,
Grants Coordinator

We Are Hiring! 

YWCA is seeking energetic individuals to join our team. Some of our open positions include:  
  • Administrative Coordinator (Temporary, Part-Time)
  • Youth Trauma Support Coordinator
  • GameChangers Mentor Coordinator
  • After-School Enrichment Program Counselors (Part-Time) 
  • Evening/Weekend Lifeguard
  • Front Desk, PRN 
See the descriptions and applications on our Careers Page.
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