The YWCA of Genesee County
Courage
We have the collective strength to face the biggest challenges and work
toward a more just and equitable society that benefits everyone.
Compassion
We believe that impacting lives begins with understanding individual needs.
We listen, we learn and we respond.
Commitment
We are the oldest and largest multiracial women’s organization in the world.
We have always been—and will always continue to be—leaders for racial
justice and women’s empowerment.
Letter from the Executive Director & Board of Directors
It was an exceptional honor for the YWCA of Genesee County to be awarded Agency of the Year by the United Way in June of 2019.
YWCA of Genesee County is a United Way Funded Agency
Greetings from your Executive Director & Board of Directors
The leadership team of the YWCA is excited by the growth of the YWCA of Genesee County in 2019. We have added grants, redeveloped My Sister’s Closet into a thriving boutique, held successful fundraisers, and worked to streamline our internal operations. We have also worked diligently to address our financial challenges, and real progress has been made. However, due to the delay in closing the sale on our North Street property, we were not able to pay in full many of our past, inherited debts. While this delay was due to circumstances beyond our control, it prevented us from fully eliminating these obligations as noted in our 2019 Financial Statements.
We are pleased to announce, however, that the sale closed in September 2020. We look forward to staying on as tenants in the building that has been our home since 1967, and we have renewed confidence in the future of the YWCA of Genesee County. This confidence is only enhanced by the amazing and continuous support we have received from the community. We could not have come this far without each and every one of you! Whether it is supporting our fundraisers, sponsoring our 110-year Gala now scheduled for spring 2021, renovation of the Safe House or the many donations we have received, each contribution has made it possible for us to succeed and has made an invaluable difference in helping achieve our mission. We honor the faith placed in us by all of the individuals, organizations, and businesses that give each year, in a multitude of ways.
Rest assured that, during this period of transition from owner to tenant, our commitment will continue to be to provide the highest quality of service at the highest level of integrity. This is a commitment made by our leadership team to all of the women, men, families, and children served through our programs, and to our funding partners.
Faithfully yours in the mission,
Millie Tomidy-Pepper, Executive Director
Eve Hens, Board President
For those who would like a copy of our 2019 Financial Statements, as prepared by EFPR Group, please contact the YWCA office at 585-343-5808. Thank you.
YWCA Board of Directors
Eve Hens
President
Liz Farmer
Vice President
Linda Rost
Treasurer
Lucille Disanto
Secretary
Ruth Andes
Lorie Longhany
Jill Smith
YWCA Staff
Administration
Executive Director
Millie Tomidy-Pepper
Office Manager
Lindsey Reed
Maintenance
Dennis Stothers
Domestic Violence Program
Program Director
Justina Garner
Coordinator/Counselor
Gary Rolen
Pam Kosmowski
Case Manager
Rowena McCumiskey
Case Manager
Hailee Bane
Children’s Center in the Courts
Children’s Center Coordinator
Jennifer Woeller
Children’s Center Assistant
Stacie Stein
Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Program
The YWCA of Genesee County is the sole provider of Domestic Violence Services in Genesee County.
The graph above shows a comparison of our units of service (the amount of contacts we have had with each client) broken down by month in 2018 and 2019.
In 2019, we saw a 49% overall increase in services provided to domestic violence survivors. This includes our safe dwelling, were we provided 1,048 nights of safety for families fleeing abusive situations.
This year we provided Healthy Relationship training to middle and high school students throughout the county, reaching 189 students. We also distributed domestic violence information and provided resources at 8 tabling events throughout the community.
The YWCA of Genesee County does not discriminate against age, income, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Making A Difference
*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of our clients and their families
“Jennifer” walked through the doors of the YWCA as a last attempt to get help. She and her 9-year-old son met with a member of our Domestic Violence Case Management team. “Jennifer” explained that she had been experiencing both physical and mental abuse from her boyfriend for 4 years. She also said that she was a nurse but that she hadn’t worked in quite some time; she was not allowed to leave the house, socialize with people or even go to the grocery store. Jennifer felt she had hit rock bottom and did not think she could get out of the relationship. She knew her son was affected from witnessing the abuse and she was emotionally weakened. She questioned her parenting abilities and thought her son may be better off with someone else taking care of him– she was quickly assured her son needed her now more than ever! After explaining the patterns and cycles of domestic violence and educating her about the services we provide, she decided to take the first step toward a new life and entered our Safe House. She was assured that she was not alone in this journey and that the YWCA would be there to support her and her son throughout this challenging time.
During her stay in the shelter, our team empowered her to her build a new life through education, advocacy and support. By the time they left the shelter, “Jennifer” had secured a job as a nurse in the community, bought a vehicle, and found her very own apartment. She was finally free of abuse and was living a happy, successful life with her son. “Jennifer” comes back to the YWCA to visit and update us about how well her and her son are doing. She broke the cycle of abuse and built a bright future for her and her son.
While every person’s experience is different, our goal is assisting everyone in navigating their journey to safety and a life free from abuse.
Thank you to our funders, and everyone who supports our program through volunteer work and donations. You make success stories like this possible!
Parenting After Violence
The Parenting After Violence Program educates parents who are survivors of domestic violence understand the impact of abuse on their children and themselves. In 2019, 10 parents graduated from the 8-week course and are now better equipped with the tools to parent and better understand their children’s needs as they heal.
“Service Above Self”
The Motto of the Rotary Club of Batavia was evidenced by their selfless investment of time, talent, and treasures. Rotarians“adopted”our Domestic Violence Safe House and turned it into a warm and welcoming home for families in need of a new start!
The YWCA is forever grateful for the countless hours of labor and love each one of you donated over the course of several weeks.
Before
After
Children's Centers in the Courts
Little Red Coat
This year we received a large donation of coats from The United Way of Genesee County’s Coat Drive and were able to pass along 18 of them to the children we serve. One little girl came into the Center with a coat that looked a bit snug, so we asked her if she wanted to pick a new coat to take home. She looked a little hesitant, so we said she could help choose one for her baby brother too. We asked her if she knew his favorite color and we got a little giggle. She chose a cute little red and black checked coat for him. Again, we asked her to choose one for herself but instead she picked out a pair of fuzzy purple gloves.
When her mom came to pick her up, we explained that we offered her a coat, but she only seemed to want to pick one for her brother. Mom told us that she was just recently given the coat she had on and might not want to part with it yet; with that knowledge, we quickly told her she could keep both coats and her face lit up! She chose a sparkly blue one and off she went with a big smile!
We saw her two more times in the next few months and both times she was wearing BOTH of her coats.
Our lesson that day – children aren’t in control of very much, but there are certainly times we can allow them to be – keeping and wearing two coats was one of those times. 😊
Thank you to everyone that assisted us if fulfilling our mission:
Our Volunteers, The YWCA Board of Directors, Quota Club, The Richmond Library, The Kiwanis Club, The United Way, Northgate MOPS and the YWCA’s My Sister’s Closet Boutique
My Sister's Closet Boutique
My Sister’s Closet Boutique Got a Total Makeover!
The sale of our building required us to move our beloved Closet this year. Staff and volunteers worked tirelessly for 3 months to renovate the area and move it just down the hall to its new location. All space was fully utilized, and the results were amazing! My Sister’s Closet reopened in April of 2019 and made a profit of just over $7,700.00. All proceeds benefited the Domestic Violence Program and our clients and their children continue to be offered clothing and accessories free of charge.
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the amazing women and groups, including Quota International, who volunteered with us during 2019. We would not have been able to keep the closet open without your devotion, care and hard work. We would also like to thank the community who donated items to the closet throughout the year in 2019. Our mission is to empower women to look and feel their best and that is all possible because of all of you!
Dress for Success
My Sister’s Closet Boutique has been helping women for years find clothes for every occasion. We always hope to help find that perfect outfit that someone is looking for. Whether it’s for an interview or a wedding or to replace items left behind in a closet after leaving an abusive relationship.
Recently, we were able to help Nikkita, a woman who came to us for financial assistance to help with a car repair. As we met with her and heard her story, we wanted to do everything we could to help her get back on her feet. Nikkita expressed that she had two interviews coming up and she was very hopeful that she would get one of the jobs to become financially secure again, however, she did not feel she had the appropriate interview clothing and was planning on riding her bike to both interviews on a 90-degree summer day. Hearing her story impressed us so much! The fact that she would do whatever was necessary for herself and her family made it evident to us that she just needed a little support and empowerment. That’s where My Sister’s Closet Boutique comes in!
We told her about the Closet and asked her if she would like to see if we could find her an interview outfit or two. She accepted our offer and after a short time (and a lot of fun) we were able to find her professional attire and even accessories to match! Nikkita, overwhelmed with emotion, began to cry. She said she felt like a totally different person and had never looked so professional. Next, we sat down and helped her prepare for the interviews and also offered her a ride so that she wouldn’t have to ride her bike. She accepted the offer and was so thankful for the afternoon of help and support.
Nikkita did so well at both interviews that she received an offer of employment from both on the spot – in fact, one business even offered her a higher position than she interviewed for!
We might have given her the clothes and the ride, but she walked in there confident and got the job offers all by herself!
My Sister’s Closet Boutique is so much more than a clothing store; we are a family of women who are here for you! Together, we empower women to go after their dreams. We want to empower you to be the best version of yourself. We want to help you to get back up when life throws you a curve ball.
We are all sisters-in-arms in this very difficult world. My Sister’s Closet Boutique is an exclusive resource for the women of our community.
*Name not changed at client’s request
Community Events
2019
GLOW Women's March
GLOW Women's March
January 2019
We gathered in solidarity with our sisters, daughters, mothers and friends to promote equality, justice and freedom for all women and girls.
YWCA Stand Against Racism
YWCA Stand Against Racism
April 2019
We participated in this years “No Hate. No Fear.” National campaign uniting our voices to educate, advocate & promote racial justice.
United Way Day of Caring
United Way Day of Caring
May 2019
Supporting our friends and neighbors by lending our helping hands.
Moms Demand Action Rally
Moms Demand Action Rally
June 2019
Supporting Gun Sense in America for
safe communities & schools.
Spring Fest!
Spring Fest !
June 2019
Families enjoyed Spring Fest while helping to support the mission and programs of the YWCA.
Capitol Hill Day
Capitol Hill Day
June 2019
YWCA in Washington — We joined with YWCA’S from across the nation and advocated for the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
Light for Liberty
Lights for Liberty
July 2019
The YWCA participated in a vigil held to end human detention camps.
Supporting humanity and dignity for all immigrant families.
Healthy Moms Community Resource Fair
Healthy Moms Community Resource Fair
Featuring the Global Big Latch On
August 2019
The YWCA Partnered with UMMC and Oak Orchard Health to support and celebrate breast feeding moms.
Women Build Day
Women Build Day
August 2019
The YWCA worked in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and women of the community to build a new house!
EMPOWER WOMEN
Get Out The Vote
Get Out The Vote
September 2019
We participated in the YWCA – USA Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Future. campaign to register people to vote.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 2019
We participated in a Week Without Violence bringing awareness to the issues surrounding domestic violence.
2019 YWCA of Genesee County Donors
* Reflects contributions made from 1/1/2019 – 12/31/2019 *
Major Gifts $1000+
Brach Machine
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Rotary Club of Batavia
Zonta
Benefactors: $250 – $499
Ruth Andes
Bank of America
Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Toby Cook
John & Barbara Holder
Jessica Jolliff
Lawley Insurance
Quota International
Dorothy Wentland
Patrons: $50 – $99
Alexander Methodist Church
Rafael Alicea-Maldonado
First Presbyterian Church of Byron
JoAnn Hayes
Richard & Beverly Hoy
Mary Silvernail
United Methodist Women
Friends: $25 -$49
Suzanne, Robert & Rachel Beradini
Anna Green
MaryAnn Haigh
James Renfrew
Terry Voorhees
Leaders: $500 – $1000
County Line Stone Company Inc.
Lucille DiSanto
Liz Farmer
Donna Ferry
Esther Leadley
Jerry Reinhart
Linda Rost
Jill Smith
Spiritus Christi Church
Tompkins Trust
Pacesetters: $100 – $249
Tim Abrams
Arctic Refrigeration Co. of Batavia Inc.
Larry & Jerianne Barnes
Ged & Sandy Brady
The City of Batavia
Elizabeth Dexheimer
Peggy Grayson
Larene Hoelcle
Jeanice Howard
Vicki & Dick Mager
Russell & Wendy Marchese
Alan Plath
Laura Scavo
Paula Shaw Radka
Deborah Smith Staebell
St. James Episcopal Church
Judy Thompson
With many anonymous donations through Target, Network for Good, PayPal, Go Fund Me, Etc.
In Kind Donations
Ruth Andes
ARC Recycling & Trash
Batavia Pediatrics – (Dr. Lalit Jain)
Breton Construction- (Rusty Breton)
Robyn Brookhart
Beth Brugger & Kevin Eustice
Lucille DiSanto
Fidelis Care- (Lydia Mosgeller)
First Presbyterian Church of Byron – (Jim Renfrew)
Genesee County Mental Health Association – (Alexandra Koegel)
Matthew Gray
Todd Hackett
Eve Hens
Highway of Holiness – (Alex & Renee Nesbeth)
Jill Kratz
Sharon Kubiniec
Lawley Insurance
Lorie Longhany
Max Pies – (Steve Pies)
Deb McAllister
MCL C/O American Legion Post 332
Northgate MOPS at Night
Anthony Nowak
Mary Alice Panek
RA HAITZ Co. Inc. (Rick Wendt)
Marcia Riley
Linda Rost
Rotary Club of Batavia
Sherwin Williams – (Raime Dieterich)
Jill Smith
Strong West Ambulatory Surgery
SUNY Buffalo State – (Andrea Locke)
Target – (Shawn Murak )
Marilyn Torcello
Toys For Tots/Hanson Brother
Mary Ann Wiater
Olena Wotherspoon
Z-Club / Batavia High School – (Melissa Holsopple)
Night at the Downs
Race Sponsors
Arctic Refrigeration
Bill’s Auto
Brock Machine
The Clinton
Freed Maxick
Gilmartin’s Funeral Home
Gary A. Horton
Liberty Pumps
Merrill Lynch – John & Liz Riter
Red Osier
T.F. Browns
Timothy Hens PE Architect Design and Engineering
Turnbull Heating & Air
Financial
In accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the American Institute of Public Accountants, Freed Maxick, P.C. provided our monthly accounting services. EFPR Group conducted our Annual Audit. A copy of the full Financial Report, along with Form 990, may be obtained by contacting the YWCA office at 585.343.5808 or by email at ywca@ywcagenesee.org