For ideas about how to include YWCA-GCR in your estate plans or to explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact Director of Development & Marketing Jamie Crouse by calling (518) 274-7100 or by sending email to jamiec@ywca-gcr.org.

YWCA-GCR surrounds all of the women we serve with 360° of Support- a range of services customized to meet each woman's individual needs, and this can only be done with the generous financial support of good friends like you who share our commitment to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Every gift -- no matter how small -- makes a difference!

The Star Fish Story by Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a young girl picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the young girl, he asked, "What are you doing?" The young girl replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die." The man said, "Don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!" After listening politely, the young girl bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then smiling at the man, she said, "I made a difference to that one!"

Donate online: Click here to use our easy and secure online donation form to make a donation via credit card or google pay. Your donation will help ensure women and children have access to critical programs and services.

Donate by mail: Please make checks payable to YWCA-GCR. You can address your envelope to:

YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc.

21 First Street, Troy NY 12180

Donate by phone: You can call us at (518) 274-7100 to personally speak to a YWCA-GCR staffer to make your credit card donation.

Bequests and other gifts: The YWCA-GCR has a rich legacy of providing critical services for women and children in our community for over 125 years. Your planned gift can help ensure the agency will continue to serve women and children for generations to come. For more information, please call Jamie Crouse at (518) 274-7100 or email jamiec@ywca-gcr.org.

In-kind donations: We are always in need of the following items:

• Twin size blankets

• Twin size sheet sets

• Twin size waterproof zip-style mattress covers

• Towel and washcloth sets

• Toiletries: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

• Hats, scarves, gloves or mittens

• Gift cards: Price Chopper, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.

• Diapers (Size 2,3,4,5)

Behind Wilhemina’s winning smile and sunny disposition lies one of the saddest stories that you might have ever heard. Yet, she exemplifies the true meaning of self-determination and triumphing over adversity. Wilhemina’s journey to the YWCA-GCR began in 2008. It was this year that she experienced the most profound loss of her life – the tragic and unexpected death of her child.

 Feeling alone and at the lowest point in her life, she turned to Unity House for help. With their support she learned that accepting what she could not change and looking ahead to the future were what would allow her to move on and get her life back together. Acceptance and looking ahead allowed her to heal not only herself, but her family as well.

 This was a big turning point for Wilhemina, and she wanted to continue working on improving herself and providing a better life for her children. Department of Social Services Project Hire sent her to the YWCA-GCR, where she met the staff of the Jamison-Rounds Ready for Work Program. The program was filled at the time, but she continued to show up every day to prove how serious she was to get her life back on track. The staff could see this, and she was admitted into the next session.

 “I needed to do something for myself. I had fallen down, but I was ready to get back up. This is why I was determined to join the Jamison-Rounds Ready for Work Program. The support from Bonnie, Sue, Jenn, and the rest of the staff taught me that not everyone means you harm in this world – something I had never really experienced before. Instead I learned there are actually people out there that are pulling for you, and really want you to succeed,” says Wilhemina.

 While participating in the Jamison-Rounds Ready for Work Program, Wilhemina experienced another setback when she lost her housing. However, once again, she was happy to find out that the YWCA-GCR was there to help. About six months ago, Wilhemina and her family became part of the YWCA-GCR’s off-site apartment program, and she couldn’t be happier. “I want other women to know that the YWCA-GCR and the Jamison-Rounds Ready for Work Program can be a beginning point to change your life. There are women here to help support and guide you, but you must be ready, and you must be motivated enough to accept the help.”

 Today Wilhemina is the Employment Training Instructor at the YWCA-GCR. She also designed and runs a monthly women’s support group for the residents to help them build self-esteem and to stay motivated and on the right path. She hopes her children see her as a role model and don’t follow down her early paths. She wants them to value themselves and succeed. Wilhemina says her greatest wish would be to see them all graduate high school and college. “I want them to get to a high level in life where they have a good job and are successful. I know that if they stay motivated and focused, they will succeed.”

 Wilhemina is just one of the many success stories we celebrate each year at the YWCA-GCR. Please consider making a gift to help us continue to provide cutting-edge programs that make an impact on women’s lives every single day.