It’s finally here! Almost 20 applications and countless votes, meetings, and discussions later, we are proud to announce that all of the proceeds from this year’s Rochester Twestival will be going to… the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County!

The YWCA is “dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.” According to Kelly Ashworth, Development and Marketing Assistant, the YWCA helps over 1,000 women and children in Rochester each year through their housing and young parent support services, which help to ensure that women and their families have a safe and supportive place to live, as well as the education and direction necessary for a successful future.

One of the strict requirements from Twestival HQ this year was that the receiving charity demonstrate an actual project or specific need for the projected funds, and the YWCA has a great one. The golden number is $6,500. And that will provide homeless women and children in our community with 200 courtesy nights in the YWCA’s Emergency Housing program. The program provides safe and reliable housing for over 300 homeless women and children in the community each year and also offers support services to help women find safe and affordable long-term homes.

Over the next month and a half, you will be learning much more about the YWCA as we get the behind the scenes scoop on their staff, their work, their mission, and where your hard-earned dollars will be headed.  For now, please check out their Facebook and Twitter pages, and help spread the word! Looking forward to seeing you on March 24th!

‘Til next time,
-Kaleigh/@kaleighsimmons