
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 21, 1994                   TAG: 9408210035
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

YWCA EAGER TO PROVIDE HELP FOR ALL

Founded in 1914, the YWCA of Roanoke Valley operates out of a center in downtown Roanoke, built in 1926, and a center on the Elizabeth campus of Roanoke College in Salem.

The YWCA offers transitional and emergency housing for adult women, pregnant teens and teen mothers with children; child care and leadership development for youth and adult programs focusing on women's issues and wellness; and programs on advocacy, public policy and racial and social justice.

"Our mission is empowerment of women and by extension, the family, and the elimination of racism," Executive Director Wendy O'Neil said. "We're not a machete-in-the teeth organization. But we really believe in respecting individual choice."

Although a membership movement of women, the YWCA reaches out to serve all people, regardless of race, creed, national origin, religious affiliation, gender or socioeconomic background.

In addition to meeting the needs of members and program participants, the YWCA also serves as a center for community activity. More than 100 community groups use the Y facilities for conferences, church functions and health-related seminars and activities.

by CNB