YWCA Hosting Week Without Violence Events

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by YWCA Tri-County Area.

How does violence against women and children impact our community? What resources exist for women and children in our community? What can we do to make positive change?

YWCA Tri-County Area will participate in Week Without Violence, Oct. 16-20, a national YWCA movement raising awareness of the devastating effects of violence in our society. 

As a part of its mission to promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, YWCA Tri-County Area works to bring communities together to combat violence and injustice.

According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, since 2006 Montgomery County ranks fourth among Pennsylvania counties in fatalities linked to domestic violence.

YWCA Tri-County Area will host a number of activities during Week Without Violence to raise awareness of violence in our community, and of the inequities, biases and “isms” that lead to violence:

• "Persimmon Purse Bingo" from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Norco Fire Company, 144 W. Schuylkill Road, North Coventry will raise awareness and support YWCA's Teen Dating Violence Awareness program, which helps teens learn about healthy relationships, and how to recognize danger signals from their dating partners. The color persimmon reflects the strength and confidence of YWCA. Register here: yw3caBINGO.eventbrite.com
• YW’s Tri-County Area’s Early Education Center will host an open house and informational event from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at 315 King St., Pottstown. Representatives of the Women’s Center of Montgomery County will be on hand to offer information about gender-based violence prevention, support, and resources.
• Young artists are invited to take part in a Youth Art Contest marking Week Without Violence. All youth grades 6-12 in the Tri-County Area are invited to submit original art celebrating YWCA’s mission of promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
• Children from YW’s Early Education Center will take part in a Clothesline Project, a national project founded to raise awareness of violence against women. The children will create T-shirt- shaped posters promoting YWCA’s mission of peace, justice, freedom and dignity.

Artwork from the Youth Art Contest and the Clothesline Project will be displayed at YWCA Tri-County Area during an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at YW’s Early Education Center, 315 King St., Pottstown, and at the Persimmon Purse Bingo event from 6 to 10 p. m. Friday, Oct. 20, at the Norco Fire Company, North Coventry.

YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YW3CA is a leader in advocacy for women and girls, works to eliminate racism, and empowers women through quality affordable childcare, adult literacy, and a host of programs to support the health and vitality of women, girls, and families.