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
YWCA Board of Directors
Eve Hens
President
Liz Farmer
Vice President
Linda Rost
Treasurer
Lucille Disanto
Secretary
Ruth Andes
Nicole Davis
Jill Smith
YWCA Staff
Administration
Executive Director
Millie Tomidy-Pepper
Administrative Support Managers
Lindsey Reed & Debra Crossett
Grants Manager
Robin Markle
Maintenance
Dennis Stothers
Domestic Violence Program
Program Director
Justina Garner
Counselors
Gary Rolen & Christina Dadey
Case Managers
Rowena McCumiskey
Hailee Bane
Eva Graham
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 below shows a comparison of our units of service (the amount of contacts we have had with each client) broken down by month in 2019 and 2020.
This includes our safe dwelling, where we provided 587 nights of safety for families fleeing abusive situations.
A decrease in services occurred through July when Covid-19 first quarantined our community and the world.
As Covid-19 restrictions decreased, the need for our services increased and surpassed 2019 monthly numbers.
The COVID-19 Pandemic swept the nation in March of 2020, and domestic violence survivors experienced a new level of isolation, financial abuse and increased domestic violence within the home. They were unable to reach out for help when the shutdown occurred because they were trapped at home with their abusers.
Our program provided outreach to active clients and provided information to the community on how to access help. Our program offered text messaging and an option to private message on social media if they needed help but could not call. We also offered phone counseling and virtual assistance.
Our number one goal through the pandemic was seeking out new ways to allow survivors to have access to our services and to stay safe.
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
Jessica arrived at the YWCA to speak to a case manager about the abusive situation she was living in. She had been convinced by her abuser that if she reached out for help her children would be removed from her care, or worse, he would take them, and she would never see them again. Jessica was panicked and did not know what to do.
Our case manager made Jessica feel welcome and spoke with her about her situation, including what to expect going forward and assisted her in obtaining an order of protection for the brutal attacks that she had suffered at the hands of the abuser. A full stay-away order of protection was put into place and a custody petition was completed and submitted to the court for further proceedings.
Jessica was provided support and encouragement throughout the court process to help her feel safe and comfortable. She was offered mental health counseling, educational information and a full array of case management assistance. Jessica’s abuser was removed from the home, and she is finally safe and living a life free from abuse.
We are a phone call away to help others who find themselves in a similar situation.
Parenting After Violence
Parenting After Violence educates parents who are survivors of domestic violence understand the impact of abuse on their children and themselves.
In 2020, accommodations for Parenting After Violence classes were made so it could continue to be offered to clients. Classes were offered weekly by phone and clients were given “homework” to watch videos pertaining to the curriculum. Three clients completed the program successfully in 2020 and were able to implement learned techniques and skills for the betterment of their families.
Helping Our Clients Through the Pandemic
Our goal throughout the pandemic was to make sure our families were safe and their basic needs were being met. Many families lost jobs and income, making supporting and providing healthy meals for their families extremely difficult.
Staff at the YWCA assisted at weekly food distributions throughout 2020, assuring families did not have to worry about putting food on their tables.
-18 households were helped with food distribution continuously throughout 2020-
Children's Centers in the Courts
The Children’s Center in the Courts Program opened in 1999 and has been making a difference for 21 years. New York State Unified Courts system saw a need to provide safe, reliable, free childcare for caregivers attending court proceedings and developed this vital program. The center provides a safe, literacy – rich environment and an opportunity for positive interventions in the lives of vulnerable children and families. Due to the global pandemic the Children’s Center temporarily closed in March of 2020 and remains closed as of this writing. Prior to the closure, the Center served 125 children and 90 families.
Our staff found new ways to stay connected to the children in our community, learn how they helped in the ” Busy Box” tab.
Busy Box
The Children’s Center temporarily closed due to Covid-19 in March, 2020 and we wanted to find a way to stay connected to the children and families in our community. Although it looks a bit different than our typical service, we offered a “Busy Box” for children that included age appropriate activities and books.
The box was available 24/7on the porch of the YWCA from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It was accessed by families walking, biking and driving by. Some families made it a weekly destination and the children loved getting to choose a new treasure each time. There were items for all ages including infants. We offered books, puzzles, chalk, games, bubbles, stuffed toys, balls, rattles etc.
My Sister's Closet Boutique
My Sister’s Closet Boutique
In 2020, like most other businesses, My Sister’s Closet had limited business due to the pandemic. We temporarily closed from March through July, 2020, and reopened by appointment only.
Profit for the year was the lowest in its history, totaling just $2,781. 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 who volunteered with us during 2020. We would not have been able to keep the closet open without your devotion and hard work.
We would also like to thank the community who donated items to the closet and Quota International for working in partnership with us. Our mission is to empower women to look and feel their best and that is all possible because of all of you!
2020 Side Walk Sale’s
My Sister’s Closet Boutique hosted two sidewalk sales this year, one in July and September. Several food trucks and craft vendors joined us for a great day.
Janice M. Kalicki
Always Remebered
Janice M. Kalicki, 94 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 6th, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
She was born April 22nd, 1926 in Batavia NY, a daughter of the late Edgar and Oloween Burbee Domm.
Janice began her working career as a telephone switchboard operator and quickly moved up to the position of supervisor. More recently she was well-known for her 20 years of volunteer work at My Sister’s Closet which is part of the YWCA, overseeing the jewelry display and donations. She received recognition from President George W. Bush for her many years of selfless volunteer work. She always enjoyed shopping for antiques and spent many years attending auctions. She was a devoted mother and wife, a talented seamstress and loved to cook and bake pies and other treats for her family and friends. In later years she became known as “the crossword queen” as she was a whiz at solving crossword puzzles. She enjoyed many meals at Settlers and Sport of Kings, local diners where everyone knew her and she would browse the newspapers for the puzzles.
She will always be remembered here at the YWCA of Genesee County as a vital part of My Sister’s Closet’s Boutique.
Financial Assistance Programs 2020
In 2020, a partnership between the United Way of Greater Rochester, Inc. and the YWCA of Genesee County was agreed upon to administer and distribute funds for housing stability from the ESL Charitable Foundation. The Housing Stability Project’s goal was to provide assistance to individuals and families in Genesee County by helping with a one time rent, mortgage, or utility payment. This project was a great way to help our community in time of need.
We also partnered ESL Charitable Foundation through the United Way of Greater Rochester on Project Uplift Innovation and Project Uplift Extension Funds. This funding assisted those in need with a wider variety of financial needs.
Both Housing Stability and Project Uplift Funding helped ease financial burdens caused by Covid-19.
Total for the Year 2020
Number of families assisted: 36 families
Amount of funding distributed: $22,712.00
Housing Stability Project 2020
Number of families assisted: 19 families
Amount of funding distributed: $10,323.00
Project Uplift 2020 Part 1
Number of families assisted: 7 families
Amount of funding distributed: $4,500.00
Project Uplift 2020 Part 2
Number of families assisted: 10 families
Amount of funding distributed: $7,889.00
Community Events
2020
Moving Beyond White Fragility-Workshop & Book Discussion
April 2020
Nanette Massee facilitated an eight week “honest conversation about race” of best seller, Me and White Supremacy. This was made possible through a collaborative partnership between the YWCA and GLOW Women Rise.
Juneteenth by Just Kings
June 2020
Celebrating FREEDOM !
YWCA hosted the “Just Kings” for the first Juneteenth event in Batavia ! This two day celebration provided the community entertainment but most importantly, education around the Juneteenth holiday.
March for Justice
June 2020
The YWCA joined community members in a peaceful march to end racism and police brutality following the death of George Floyd.
Mall Without Walls
June – July 2020
Springfest was cancelled due to Covid -19 but the YWCA got creative and hosted 35 vendors online for a virtual shopping experience.
Black Lives Matter Vigil
July 2020
Black Lives Matter Vigil was held on the front lawn of the YWCA. The event was well attended and hosted several speakers.
Batavia Jaycees Labor Day 5K+ for the YWCA!
September 2020
Batavia Jaycee’s Hosted a Virtual 5k event to benefit the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Program.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
September 2020
We gathered with community members at the Genesee County Courthouse to honor the life of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Get Out The Vote
September 2020
We participated in the YWCA – USA Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Future. campaign to register people to vote.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 2020
We participated in a Week Without Violence bringing awareness to the issues surrounding domestic violence. Miss Batavia Diner supported us by donating 30 percent of all dinner sale proceeds to benefit the our Domestic Violence Program. Harrington’s Produce helped us by letting us set up a table at their business to promote awareness.
110-Year Anniversary Gala Breakfast
November 2020
The YWCA hosted an appreciation breakfast at Batavia Downs & Gaming for all of our 110-year anniversary sponsors and Frances G. Francis Empowerment Award recipients. Due to the pandemic, we had to reschedule the 110-Year Gala Celebration originally scheduled for September, 2020.
This Year We Celebrated Our 110-Year Anniversary!
Our 110-Year Anniversary Sponsors
Frances G. Francis Empowerment Award Recipients
This award is presented annually to women or organizations who have made a significant contribution in the lives of others by eliminating racism and/or empowering women through their professional and/or community involvement.
Dorothy (Cricket) Avery
Rotary Club of Batavia – Rosalie Maguire, Jane Scott, Laurie Mastin, Susie Ott
Jill Kratz
Nancy E. Brach
2020 YWCA of Genesee County Donors
* Reflects contributions made from 1/1/2020 – 12/31/2020 *
Major Gifts
$1000 +
Arctic Refrigeration Co.
Batavia Downs & Gaming
Brach Machine
County Line Stone Co., Inc.
ESL Federal Credit Union
Peggy Grayson
Lawley Insurance Company
Liberty Pumps
Spiritus Christi Church
Turnbull Heating & Air
The WNY Foundation
Leaders
$500 – $999
Batavia Jaycee’s
Jolene Beckman
Charles & Toby Cook
Gordon & Peggy Lamb
Esther Leadley
New York State Police – Troop “A” Headquarters
Oliver’s Candies
Alisa Pastecki
PathStone
Sara Vacin
WBTA
Benefactors
$250 – $499
Bills Auto
Nancy Brach
Diana Martino
Millennium Computers
Quota International
Dorothy Wentland
The YNGodess Shop
Pacesetters
$100 – $249
Rafael Alicea – Maldonado
Ruth Andes
Larry & Jerianne Barnes
Batavia Lions Club
Batavia Middle School
George & Sandy Brady
Susan Briggs
Jim & Leslie DeLooze
Kim & Mark Dewey
Lucille DiSanto
EFPR Group
William & Joann Hayes
John & Barbara Holder
Beverly Hoy
Jessica Joliff
Benjamin Kabel
Mary T. Kane
Elizabeth Raponi
Linda Rost
Beth Stich
St. James Episcopal Church
Judy Thompson
Patrons
$50 – $99
Patti Chadwick
Jill Kratz
Beverly L. Maniace
Anthony & Kitty Nowak
Jill Porter
Laura Scavo
Sarah Thompson
Upson-Maybach, Inc.
Friends
$25 – $49
Anna Green
Janet Lee
Paul Douglas Minor
Patti Pacino
Alan M. Plath
Reverend James Renfrew
Nora Sands
Cindy Zarcone
The YWCA of Genesee County wishes to thank everyone who has so generously supported our programs and mission.
Please accept our sincere apology if we have inadvertently omitted any names from this list.
Miss Batavia Diner
Thank you to Miss Batavia Diner for hosting two fundraising nights in 2020 and your generous donation to the YWCA of Genesee Domestic Violence Program!
We appreciate all you do for our community!
Shout out to The Batavia Jaycee’s for hosting a virtual 5k this year and selecting us as the fundraiser recipients.
Thank you for supporting the YWCA!
We received many anonymous donations through Target, Network for Good, PayPal, Go Fund Me, Front Stream Etc.
In Kind Donations
Dorothy Avery
Ruth Andes
Fidelis Care
Nicole Davis
Lucille DiSanto
Liz Farmer
Reverend Susan Firestine
Judy Fuller
Genesee County Emergency Management
GLOW Women Rise
Eve Hens
Jill Kratz
Collen McHale O’Conner
Quota International
Linda Rost
Salvation Army – Batavia
Jill Smith
St.Marks /St. Paul Episcopal Church
Bob Swinarski
Stephanie & Scott Williams
WBTA
Financial
YWCA OF GENESEE COUNTY, INC.
Statement of Activities
For the years ended December 31,
2020
(Reviewed)
2019
(Audited)
Net assets without donor restrictions:
Revenue and other support:
Contributions:
Government Awards
Public Support
Paycheck Protection Program (Note 9)
Program Fees
Special Events
Rental
Gain on sale of property
Other
Total Revenue and Other Support
Expenses:
Program
Management and general
Fundraising
Costs of Direct Benefit Donors
Total Expenses
$168,410
$120,682
$57,300
$100,732
–
$8,860
$266,762
$4,115
$726,861
$354,788
$53,515
$1,859
–
$410,162
$197,268
$96,070
–
$125,530
$12,783
$16,774
–
$9,603
$458,028
$364,938
$62,506
$2,586
$4,050
$434,080
Change in Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions
$316,699
$26,948
Net Assets With Donor Restrictions:
Contributions
$25,000
–
Change in Net Assets
Net Assets – Beginning
Net Assets – Ending
$341,699
$29,679
$371,378
$23,948
$5,731
$29,679
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. Lumsden McCormack LLP, Certified Public Accountants conducted our Annual Review. 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