If you’re a single woman on a limited income, finding housing in the Madison area can be a challenge.
Some turn to the YWCA, which provides dormitory type housing near bus lines just off the Capitol Square.
Maggie Porter Kratz from the YWCA talked about that organization at the June 8 Waunakee Rotary meeting.
Maggie has a background in working with housing and homeless, and moved into the position from a previous job in Detroit. She explained that the YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower woman. As a whole, the organization stands up for social justice.
The YWCA tries to end systemic injustices that have caused poverty, Maggie said. It also works on race and gender equity.
Some of the programs focus on job training and transportation that are vital to families seeking sustainable wages. Clients can receive training in construction, customer service and web development, and the training teaches both hard and soft skills for the workplace.
It is also the largest housing provider for single women in Dane County.
YWCA also does restorative justice work within the school system in an effort to stop the school-to-prison pipeline. The process recognizes hurt but also brings justice, and has a 90 percent success rate, Maggie said.
New YWCA efforts include a supportive housing project for families with a member who has disabilities or addiction problems. That provides affordable housing with case management to help families remain in a permanent home.
YWCA is also moving its training center closer to bus lines so that clients can more easily access it.
The organization relies on a diverse number of individuals and government agencies for funding, Maggie said.
 
Other News:
–The club also heard from longtime member Bill Erickson, who joined Rotary in the 1970s. Bill is from Loyal, Wisconsin.
–The club presented scholarships to four members of the 2017 graduating class. They were Shelbie Carson, Carson McFarland, Vivian Wilhelms and Kallie Ziegler. Congratulations to the scholarship recipients!
–The club has another exchange student, thanks to a Rotary Club who could not find host families for him. His name is Harold, and he is coming from France.
–The club also presented $500 donations to three quilting groups – the St. John’s Piecemakers, the Peace Quilters and Project Linus.
–Joe Baer invited the club to an open house for his new Edward Jones office on June 14 from 4-6 p.m. It’s upstairs from the Lone Girl.
 
Guests: Doris Ast, Sue Hineline, Evie Schuetz, Kallie Ziegler, Bridget Ziegler, Carson McFarland, Ann McFarland, Shelbie Carson, Rick Carson, Tammy Carson, Vivian Wilhelms, and Dee and Kaitlyn Wilhelms, guests of the club; Liz Diehs, guest of Allison Feldbruegge
 
Visiting Rotarians: None
 
Birthdays: June 18, Dan Statz; June 20, David May.
 
Anniversaries: June 15, Bob and Jody Pulvermacher; June 16, Joe and Heather Olson; June 21, Mark and Regina McFarland; June 21, Tom and Beverly Kennedy.
 
 
Greeters: June 15, Jonny Buroker and Kathy Cefalu; June 22, Tasha Chambers and Scott Cochems; June 29, John Cullen and Al Dassow.
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