The goal in creating a formal, long-term partnership is to expand and strengthen programming for women and girls in Pasadena and Glendale. This decision was made through a thoughtful year-long exploration process funded by the Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative. Joining forces allows us to build upon our distinct strengths and pursue new collaborative opportunities. We are proud of the work that we have done this past year – jointly  offering girls empowerment programs – by streamlining our operations, we believe we can accomplish even more for our communities.

YWCA Glendale and YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley share a common mission under YWCA USA of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This mission is urgent. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact in the lives of women and girls and the need for our safety and empowerment programming has never been greater. By streamlining our management, operations, and programming, we can effectively and efficiently reach more women and girls with our signature programs.

YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley will become a subsidiary of YWCA Glendale, and as the parent organization, YWCA Glendale has changed its name to YWCA Glendale and Pasadena. The two organizations will have fully integrated leadership, operations, and programming under Tara Peterson, Chief Executive Officer.

YWCA Glendale as the parent organization will change its name to YWCA Glendale and Pasadena.

Both YWCA Glendale (instituted 1926) and YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley (instituted 1905) have robust histories of service by women, for women and girls in their communities. We will continue to honor the women who have come before us, whose brave initiatives uplifted women and girls and addressed the most pressing issues of their time: voting rights, affordable housing, violence against women, quality childcare, access to education, and more. By formalizing our partnership, we bring 211 years of service and the collective wisdom to move into a future informed by the struggles and the victories of the past.

YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley’s legacy Board members will continue to plan and raise funds through its signature Women’s Racial Justice Breakfast (WRJB). The WRJB will continue to be held annually in October and honor women and organizations from the Pasadena community committed to our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. This year’s event will be virtual, and planning is underway.

YWCA Glendale and YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley have been jointly operating girls’ empowerment programs for the past year, including Camp Rosie, Girls Circle and TechGYRLS. We aim to continue and expand those programs. All of YWCA Glendale’s current programs serving domestic violence survivors throughout Los Angeles County and local girls’ empowerment will continue, as will their racial justice, education, and outreach activities, with an interest in exploring the future expansion of these programs in Pasadena. YWCA Glendale and Pasadena will continue to offer the following programs on site: Domestic Violence, Girls’ Empowerment, and Racial Justice. YWCA Pasadena will continue to offer Girls Empowerment Programming on site.

Federal tax ID numbers will remain the same for both organizations, so your automatic donations will continue
uninterrupted unless redirected by you.

Funds donated to YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley will support programs and operations in the Pasadena
community. Gifts to YWCA Glendale and Pasadena will support the overall mission and joint programs and
operations. Donor restrictions and allocations are always honored with the highest regard for our supporters
and their philanthropic intentions.

Please contact Heather Masterton (heathermasterton@ywcagp.org/585-687-8319) with any questions about this announcement.

YWCA Glendale’s 24th Annual Heart & Excellence Awards will take place virtually on April 14, 2021 from 12PM-1PM. This year’s event theme is Rise to Recovery and will recognize women from Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena who have demonstrated tremendous leadership in navigating the many challenges of COVID-19 and have answered the urgent calls for racial, gender, and social justice. Please join us! (https://heartandexcellenceawards.swell.gives/)