The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA works to promote racial justice & civil rights, empowerment and economic advancement as well as, health and safety, of underserved communities with programs, outreach events and advocacy.

Racial Justice & Civil Rights
YWCA Lincoln is a strong advocate in many areas, such as anti-racism, housing, voting rights, anti-poverty and juvenile justice topics. This legislative session YWCA Lincoln contributed to a total of 23 bills.

Empowerment & Economic Advancement 

Family and Community Engagement Programs:
The YWCA also works to promote the financial health of underserved families to increase economic independence and security. The Employ402 program, a job readiness program was created to address barriers and provide resources for community members seeking mobility, stability, and ingenuity surrounding employment, is designed to develop skills and provide the resources needed to enhance job opportunities and wisely manage income. Classes and resources include:

• Financial Literacy – participants learn how to set up and manage bank accounts and monthly budgets, and learn the basics about investing.  
• Job Coaching – participants get one-on-one coaching, resume review, job search assistance, strengths identification, and resource referral.
• Job Outfitters – the YWCA Lincoln partners with Lincoln Goodwill to provide vouchers to individuals seeking or maintaining employment to purchase clothing for interviews and ongoing work attire. For information about vouchers, contact the YW at (402) 434-3494.
• Coming Soon – an entrepreneurship opportunity for minority owned business in the near future.

Find more information and applications on all these programs at this link.

Youth Development Programs

• CATCH – is a mentorship and leadership program focusing on high school girls.  Learn more and apply at this link.
• SMART Girls Club - is an empowerment program for girls in 4th through 12th grades to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (S.T.E.M.)  Learn more and apply at this link. Coming Soon - YWCA Lincoln is excited to host the 2023 SciGirls Camp over the LPS spring break on March 13th-March 17th! This event is open for all 7th-8th grade girls in the Lincoln area, and includes a day trip to Homestead National Park at the end of the week, and guest speakers like a representative from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo! Learn more and register at this link.
• Take A Break - offers caregiver respite for any parent or guardian of children, 1 – 12 years old, who identify on the spectrum or have other special needs.  Learn more. Take A Break will be “taking a break” through the month of January to give staff the chance to complete training, prepare curriculum for the year, and adjust for the new year.
• Girls Circle - Offered at select LPS schools. The Girls Circle model, is a structured support group for middle school girls that integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training in a specific format designed to increase positive connection, personal and collective strengths, and competence in girls. Learn more and sign up at this link.  YWCA Lincoln will facilitate Girls Circle groups in Goodrich Middle School, Irving Middle School, Culler Middle School, and Schoo Middle School in the spring!

Volunteer & Facilitator Opportunities

 The YWCA Lincoln is currently looking for college students who are reliable, compassionate, and dedicated to helping serve youth in the Lincoln community. Several part time opportunities are available in these programs:

• SMART Girls Club -  Learn more and apply at this link.
• Take A Break -   Learn more and apply at this link.  

Health and Safety

The YWCA Lincoln program, Wholesome Hygiene Program, recognizes that basic hygiene needs are essential to both physical and emotional wellbeing.  The program provides basic hygiene items to individuals and families who don't have access to or can't afford these items.

The Circle of Security is an 8-week evidence-based parenting program that teaches parents how to build a strong relationship with their children. The program helps parents give their children a feeling of security and confidence to help build essential skills for life-long success. For questions, email Halea Pacula.

Visit the YWCA website for more about their mission and programs, or email Halea Pacula for Community Engagement Programs and email Ashlee Rowen for Youth Development Programs.