Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.

YWCA Westmoreland County News

2026 NEWS

Highlights of programs impacting the community of Westmoreland County

Just For You Box Campaign

Thank you for YWCA members and supporters for the generous support of the Just For You Box campaign. Created in recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, this initiative was an outstanding success because of your contribution. Together with members of the YWCA and local organizations, we exceeded our goal, collecting more than 165 donated boxes.

These thoughtfully decorated boxes were delivered to organizations across the county including Beverly’s PGH, Blackburn Center, The Father’s Heart Ministries, Feeding the Spirit, Good Samaritan Center, Hearts and Hands Helping Seniors, Mosaic Community Development Center, Pershing Square, and Welcome Home Shelter that work tirelessly to support women facing difficult circumstances. Now in its third year, this project has grown significantly and built on the strong foundation established during its inaugural launch.

We truly appreciate your involvement. With each effort, we move closer to making a meaningful impact in our community and ensuring that all women are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Thank you again for your generosity and continued support of this YWCA initiative.

4th Annual Women of Achievement Awards

The YWCA Women of Achievement Awards is proud to honor an inspiring group of young women whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact across Westmoreland County.

Each year, the YWCA Westmoreland County celebrate individuals who exemplify the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The 2026 honorees represent a wide range of giving back and have demonstrated exceptional commitment to strengthening their communities. A total of 50 young women were nominated for the various categories.

The 2026 Women of Achievement Award Winners Are:

  • Annalyse Bauer – Greater Latrobe High School - Athlete

  • Humna Anzaar – Franklin Regional High School - Community Service

  • Julia Choby – Norwin High School – Faith

  • Emmi Diehm – Valley High School – Obstacle

  • Alexia Meeks – Central Westmorland CTC/Greensburg Salem – Minority

  • Julia Choby – Norwin High School – Overall Winner

Until Justice Just Is Campaign
Democracy in Progress:
Voting Rights at 250

In honor of the Until Justice Just Is Campaign, Seton Hill students offered a voter registration and information drive during the week of April 13 on campus. To close out the campaign, students from SHU’s Taylor Swift & Feminism class hosted at the YWCA a Taylor Swift themed discussion of voting rights and democracy at 250 this was held on April 25, 2026.The students organized and facilitated a community program where they presented on non-partisan issues of democracy and civic engagement through the lens of Taylor Swift. This event sparked a lively, intergenerational conversation about how to get more people politically engaged.

Bingo Fundraiser

This year’s Bingo Fundraiser was a resounding success, bringing together community members for a night of fun, prizes, and philanthropy. Thanks to generous participants and sponsors, we raised over $16,000 in support of YWCA Westmoreland County. The event not only exceeded our fundraising goals but also strengthened community engagement. Special thanks to our volunteers and donors who made the evening memorable!

The Latrobe BPW Prize Patrol was out spreading smiles and surprises the night of the YWCA Bingo as the group delivered a Random Act of Generosity, a $300 donation to the YWCA Westmoreland County.

2025 NEWS

The Accomplishments were “Unlimited”

The 20th Annual Girls in Pearls Emerald Anniversary Fashion Show was a huge success! This year’s theme, “Wicked” was selected not only because 2025 is the Emerald anniversary of the Fashion Show, but also because the story of the Witches of Oz so closely parallels the mission of the YWCA. This event is a celebration of strength, diversity, and empowerment. Our vision is that all women and families can achieve their full potential in a world where everyone belongs.

This event will help fund programming offered to individuals residing in our county including Computer Literacy, Adult Education, English-as-a-Second Language, Racial and Social Justice, Health and Wellness, Girls Field Hockey, and New Choice Program. We greatly appreciate the overwhelming amount of support we have received from donors, members, and the community. Just think of what we can do together…together we are unlimited, we are a formidable team that will achieve peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, because, as someone told us lately, everyone deserves a chance to fly.

Crowning Confidence:
Black Haircare Workshop ↘

In October, MCDC hosted a Hair Care Event that truly captured the heart of what the community looks like here in Jeannette. Parents and students sat side by side, asking questions, learning about different hair textures, and discovering how to care for their hair in healthy, affirming ways. It was a space filled with laughter, curiosity, and pride.

As shared by Kiaira Perdue Jackson, MCDC Board Member and Community Liaison to the School District, the workshop, led by Tamiah Bridgett-Alexander, was amazing. She made everyone feel comfortable and valued while teaching with care and compassion. The kids were so excited about their gift bags and seeing their transformations. It was beautiful to watch their confidence grow.

Events like this remind me how representation builds confidence that carries into our schools and community.

Special thanks to Jeannette Initiative, Mosaic Community Development Center - MCDC and the many volunteers and donors for making this event possible.

2nd Annual YWCA Literacy Children’s Fair

To kick-off the school year, we offered a Literacy Children’s Fair where over 50 kids join us for an afternoon of fun-filled activities all while sharing in our love for literacy. This event aligns with the YWCA’s mission as the YWCA has long been a champion for literacy and education as it increases access to economic opportunities, leadership roles, and self-sufficiency.

Thank you to our sponsors we could not have done this without your generosity, dedication, and support to our community.

  • University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg - Student PSEA Group

  • Seton Hill University students

  • Saint Vincent College - Women’s Leadership

  • Otterbein United Methodist Church

  • Salvation Army of Delmont

  • Greensburg Hempfield Area Library

  • Gracefully Bloomed Creations

  • Private Industry Council

  • Graeter's Ice Cream

  • Local authors: Linda Guest-Peters,

  • PageTurner Productions - Michelle Jones, and Kristina Rugh

  • YWCA Bookstore Volunteers

Just For You Box Campaign ↘

This campaign was orchestrated to honor International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025. The project well exceeded our goals as over 150 boxes were donated by members of the YWCA and local organizations. The beautifully decorated boxes were distributed to various organizations who tirelessly serve women suffering hardships throughout our county. This was the second year such a project has been initiated locally.

Addressing Cyberbullying and Mental Health in Youth ↘

YWCA partnered with Mosaic Community Development Center to bring awareness to cyberbullying to help combat online bullying and support those affected. This program was offered for both teens and parents, through a collaboration with Penn State Extension and Big Brothers Big Sisters. This event explored the impact of social media on cyberbullying and its potential effects, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and school dropout. It also equipped participants with strategies to navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop positive coping skills.

EMPOWER HER WORKSHOP - MAY 8

We were grateful to have 70+ participants at our first annual Empower Her Workshop, co-sponsoring with Charlie Health where we focused on self-awareness, graciousness, and self-empowerment. We heard stories of loss, grief, and struggle, but we also heard stories of persistence, determination, and the strength to move forward when it feels impossible.

2024 NEWS

OCTOBER - Girls in Pearls Fashion Show

SEPTEMBER - YWCA Used Bookstore Children’s Fair

APRIL - 2nd Annual Women of Achievement Awards

APRIL - WALK FOR A CAUSE: YWCA Westmoreland County 2024 Racial Justice Challenge

The Racial Justice Community and other members of the community joined together to WALK FOR A CAUSE. This kickoff event launched our 2024 Racial Justice Challenge. We would like to offer our appreciation to our generous sponsors University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Community Outreach, PFLAG Greensburg, Westmoreland County Food Bank and Westmoreland Museum of American Art for making this day such a huge success.

JANUARY - Greensburg YWCA marks 65th anniversary

The Greensburg YWCA is marking 65 years, and the recent anniversary celebration was just the start of the party, according to its executive director.

The 65th anniversary celebration kicked off with a reception Jan. 26, capped off by attendees taking a group photo with sparklers, drawing celebratory honks from passers-by on North Main Street. Staff also recognized longtime volunteer Carolyn Falcon, of Greensburg who has been a member of the YWCA since its founding and is a regular at its bridge group.