The Waunakee Rotary Club learned more about YWCA’s mission and programs during its Feb. 6 meeting. Taylor Raether, the donor relations manager, talked about its programs to eliminate racism and promote equity for people of color and women, while promoting peace, social justice and freedom for all.

At its building on the Capitol Square, the YWCA offers low income, permanent housing for single women, while offering housing and shelter for women with children, along with educational tenant programs and rental assistance to promote stability. Rapid housing programs are offered for those trying to avoid the shelter system. Most of the units are for single women. 

The YWCA also offers race and gender equity programs for organizations to build collaboration skills and equitable workplaces. Events such as the Racial Justice Summit, set for Sept. 25-26 this year, attracts about 1,000 people who learn personal and professional practices. 

Its restorative justice programs are aimed at ending the school-to-prison pipeline, providing alternatives to school suspensions and expulsions. With restorative justice coordinators at middle schools throughout Madison, the programs are operated in circle groups where the kids can talk and begin to take accountability for their actions. The groups are also offered at community centers and after school programs. Kids can also learn to become circle-keepers to lead groups. 

As part of the restorative justice programs, a municipal citation process allows youths ages 12-16 receiving a citation to choose between going through the court system or a restorative justice process. If they successfully complete that process, the citation can be dropped. 

Other programs, such as transportation options, are geared to help women and people of color improve their family wealth. 

One of Taylor’s favorites is a YWCA web career opportunity that trains women and people of color to become web developers. The three-months of classes are free. To improve graduation rates, participants are now paid a stipend of $15 an hour so they can take time off of their jobs. It’s meant to increase diversity in the technical field. 

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Other News: 

-The club wishes Phil Willems a speedy healing process after he fell and broke his arm on the icy Feb. 6 morning.

-The club welcomed back Bob Klostermann who is recovering. 

-Max Ujdak and Ken Pesik have a design created for the arch over Waunakee Village Park with identifying icons unique to Waunakee. 

-If you want to help pack items for shipping at Chet’s Car Care, show up there at 4:30 p.m. Friday or 8 a.m. Saturday.

Guests: ??

Birthdays: Feb. 11, Phil Willems; Feb. 12, Ryan Walsh - Happy belated birthday, Phil and Ryan!

Anniversaries: None. 

What’s for Lunch: February 6: Pork chops w/ green beans; February 13: Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo w/ bread; February 20: BBQ Beef Sandwiches with chips; February 27: Spaghetti & Meatballs w/ bread.

Greeters: Feb. 13, Jen Tasker and Tracy Graber; Feb. 20, Leah Abeyta and Paul Knutson; Feb. 27 ??

To sign up to greet or to find out if you are greeting, visit: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/