Who We Are
The YWCA Westmoreland County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
A Brief History of the YWCA Westmoreland County Building
The house was designed in 1900 for Mr. and Mrs. William Huff by the noted architect, Ralph Adams Cram. Mr. Cram designed very few houses and is known mainly for his ecclesiastical buildings. Greensburg has two of the Cram’s buildings: the Huff houses now owned by the YWCA Westmoreland County, and the First Presbyterian Church on South Main Street. The original clippings of ivy were brought from Westminster Abbey in London, England.
Some changes to the building had to be made to meet city and state safety regulations for use as a public building. The dedication and hard work of many volunteers enabled the YWCA to turn the house into an appropriate headquarters for the YWCA.
The building was dedicated on September 12, 1970. The Program Center incorporates a new reception room which links the two structures, a large multi-purpose room with a cathedral ceiling and dormer windows, and a handicapped accessible restroom on its upper level. Outside, a walkway links the lower level to the Used Bookstore and fenced playground and then connects to the sidewalk going to the front of the original headquarters building, the Huff house.
YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world.
Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 106 countries and one of 191 associations across the United States.
We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women’s rights and civil rights in Congress.
Women come to us for job training and career counseling. They come to learn English-as-a-Second language. They come for health and fitness. They come for a variety of reasons. But they come. And they leave with a renewed spirit, new skills, and stronger lives.
Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.
YWCA MISSION
Our Values
A Compassionate Community
Respect
A Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle
Honesty and Integrity
Non-Violence
Collaboration
Justice and Fairness
The Dignity of All People
Our Team
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Carol H. Palcic
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Carol is the primary leader, strategist, and brand ambassador for the organization.
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Bekah Garland
MARKETING COORDINATOR
SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE
Bekah is responsible for executing the organization’s marketing needs and community outreach.
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Maggie Bodeep
ADMIN. ASSISTANT
DIGITAL NAVIGATOR
Maggie is the technology instructor as well as the digital navigator contact to community members.
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Mike Demilio
FACILITIES COORDINATOR
Thrift Shop Staff
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Mariah Huff
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Cierra Forsyth
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Frances Piesetzkie
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Noreen Turkowski
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Diane Ohler
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Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for YWCA Westmoreland County.
2024 - 2025 Officers
Patti Buhl, President
Cassie Ellson, Vice President
Michele Fischer, Secretary
Sonya Brajdic, Treasurer
Members
Jim Bendel
Cheri Cavanaugh
Shelly Castillo
Pat Cummerick
Tara Gandy
Mary Jo Haffner
Paula Maloney
Erica Nuckles
Carol Palcic, Executive Director
Jennifer Ritz
Sarah Thompson
Toni Wilson
Dear YWCA Westmoreland County Members,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bonnie Beth (Boak) Lewis, former YWCA of Westmoreland Executive Director, whose unwavering support and dedication to YWCA Westmoreland County left an indelible mark on our community.
During her twenty-four years as the leader of the YWCA, program attendance grew from over 13,000 to nearly 60,000. She was instrumental in developing a Before and After school program, a summer daycare program for middle school girls, a community-based technology center, the Westmoreland Sportswomen of the Year Awards, and much more. The YWCA Racial Justice Study Circles program was formed with Bonnie’s guidance, and the International Women’s Group was expanded. During her tenure she spearheaded a number capital campaigns, enabling the organization to raise nearly three million dollars and build two new buildings, including the YWCA Thrift Shop.
She was a member of the National YWCA Reorganization Task Force and the National YWCA Operations Committee. She also was President of the Pennsylvania Council of YWCAs and Co-Chair of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council. In 2002 she represented the YWCA of the USA at the World YWCA International Training Institute in Geneva, Switzerland where she served on the Steering Committee and presented a strategic planning seminar. In 2005 Bonnie represented the YWCA USA at the YWCA quadrennial meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.
Prior to joining the YWCA Bonnie worked for the American Red Cross as a national instructor in the Art of Helping. She was the recipient of the Westmoreland County 2000 Athena Award, a nationally acclaimed honor recognizing individuals for their business and professional accomplishments and their mentorship of other women.
Following her retirement from the YWCA Bonnie became a member of the Westmoreland County Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and was also involved in volunteering for several other organizations.
Bonnie’s steadfast commitment and generous spirit helped shape our mission and inspired all who had the privilege to work alongside them. We are profoundly grateful for her contributions and will honor their legacy by continuing the work she so passionately believed in.
In lieu of any service flowers, the family encourages you make a financial contribution to the YWCA of Westmoreland to support our ongoing work of eliminating racism and the empowerment of woman.
Key Dates in YWCA History
Annual Reports
YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and we’re committed to accountability and transparency in everything we do. Below you will find resources that illuminate our financial position, outline how we allocate our resources, and showcase the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we welcome your support of our mission!
2021
2020
FAQs
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YWCA Thrift Shop
YWCA Used Book Store
Technology Classes
English-As-A-Second Language Classes
Health and Wellness
Racial Justice
International Women Group
New Choices Program
TechGYRLS
Girls Field Hockey
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$200+ Honor Circle Member*
$100 Century Friend Member*
$50 Patron Member
$30 Supporting Member
$20 Basic Member / Associate
$10 Teen Member