YWCA Southwestern Illinois

09/09/2026

Because the people we elect make decisions that affect our everyday lives.
Illinois legislators vote on issues involving education, state funding, transportation, public safety, health and human services, economic development, taxes and much more.
The Madison County Clerk plays an important role right here at home, including responsibilities for voter registration and elections and maintaining vital county records.
On September 22, you can hear directly from the candidates asking for your vote.
YWCA and the Alton Section of NCNW will host candidates for:
Illinois State Senate – 56th District
Illinois House – 111th District
Madison County Clerk
Tuesday, September 22
7:00 p.m.
YWCA Gymnasium, 304 E. Third St., Alton
FREE and open to everyone
An informed vote is a powerful vote. Join us!

09/03/2026

Gloria Steinem reminds us that progress happens when people find their voices, stand together, and refuse to accept inequality as inevitable.
We honor her lifetime of advocacy for women, equality, and justice—and the generations she inspired to keep pushing for change. 🧡

For decades, Gloria Steinem stood at the forefront of the movement for women's rights, helping transform public consciousness and expand opportunities for generations of women and girls. Her connection to the YWCA was both profound and enduring, rooted in a shared commitment to equity, justice, safety, and opportunity for all. Read our full statement here: https://bit.ly/4gLnoNZ

08/14/2026

📚✨ The school day doesn't have to end when the bell rings!

Give your child a safe, fun, and enriching place to start and end their day with the YWCA Child Enrichment Program!

🎒 Before & After School Care
📖 Homework Help
🔬 STEM Activities
🎨 Creative Art Projects
🍎 Healthy Afternoon Snack
🏃 Active Play Every Day
❤️ Caring, Experienced Staff

Serving families in the Alton, Wood River, Hartford, and Roxana School Districts with convenient locations.

✅ Full-Time & Part-Time Options
✅ BrightPoint & DCFS Assistance Accepted

Spots fill quickly for the new school year! Enroll today and let your child learn, play, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

For More Information and to Enroll: https://www.ywcaswil.org/child-enrichment

08/09/2026

📚✨ Enrollment for 2026-2027 School Year is Currently Open!

Give your child a safe, fun, and enriching place to start and end their day with the YWCA Child Enrichment Program!

🎒 Before & After School Care
📖 Homework Help
🔬 STEM Activities
🎨 Creative Art Projects
🍎 Healthy Afternoon Snack
🏃 Active Play Every Day
❤️ Caring, Experienced Staff

Serving families in the Alton, Wood River, Hartford, and Roxana School Districts with convenient locations.

✅ Full-Time & Part-Time Options
✅ BrightPoint & DCFS Assistance Accepted

Spots fill quickly for the new school year! Enroll today and let your child learn, play, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

For More Information and to Enroll: https://www.ywcaswil.org/child-enrichment

08/08/2026

📣 We’re Hiring! Join the YWCA Team!

YWCA Southwestern Illinois is looking for passionate, organized, and community-minded individuals to join our team. We currently have three exciting opportunities available:

📱 Communications Coordinator
Help tell the YWCA story, promote our programs and events, and strengthen our connection with the community.

🌟 Programs Coordinator
Help coordinate meaningful programs and activities that support youth, families, and our community.

📋 Administrative Coordinator
Help keep our organization running smoothly by providing essential administrative and organizational support.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to put your skills to work while making a difference in the community, we’d love to hear from you!

👉 Apply today or help us spread the word by sharing this post!

❗ View more details and apply on Indeed, or email [email protected]!

Administrative Coordinator: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=fd4def377afc6ad9&

Communications Coordinator: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=13796559ead3b2b0&

Programs Coordinator: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=bdfa51766e270a2c&

07/31/2026

We have space for birthdays, bridal showers, Girl Scout meetings, and more. Need some quiet working space? Our conference room comes with free wi-fi! Call 618-465-7774 or email [email protected], or just drop by and we'd be happy to help you find the best space for your needs.
Check out our event spaces on our website: https://www.ywcaswil.org/event-space
Our rentals are available 9am-9pm all week long. Schedule your time during office hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
We offer discounts to people who would like to schedule regular meetings or events in our space. Let us know what's affordable for you!

07/30/2026

Meaningful conversations begin with stories.

During a recent DiverStory Session facilitated by Becky Cowart, participants gathered to read "Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas" and engage in thoughtful discussion about race, resilience, creativity, and the importance of recognizing Black history and achievement.

The story of Alma Thomas—who broke barriers of race, age, and gender to become a nationally recognized artist—provided a powerful starting point for conversations about equity, representation, and the experiences that shape our communities. Participants reflected on the ways stories can deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and inspire meaningful dialogue.

YWCA's DiverStory Sessions are part of our ongoing Racial Justice programming, creating opportunities for people of all ages to come together, explore diverse perspectives, and have honest conversations about racism in a welcoming and respectful environment.

Thank you to Becky Cowart for facilitating another engaging discussion and to everyone who participated in making the session a meaningful experience.

07/24/2026

100 Black Men of America, Inc. will be holding a blood drive at YWCA! Please join us in donating lifesaving blood on Friday, July 24th from 12pm-6pm.

07/21/2026

The countdown is on!

The cast of Andy, The Dreamer is ready to take the stage after weeks of rehearsals, creativity, and teamwork. Under the direction of Leah Becoat, the young performers of the Three Purple Coats Youth Summer Performing Arts Program have poured their hearts into this production, and they're excited to share it with you.

Whether you're a longtime supporter of community theatre or looking for a fun outing with family and friends, this is a show that will leave you inspired. Come celebrate the incredible talent, confidence, and dedication of our local youth.

Performance Dates:
🎭 Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.
🎭 Saturday, August 1 at 7:30 p.m.
🎭 Sunday, August 2 at 3:00 p.m.

Your applause means the world to these young actors. Make plans to join us and experience the magic of live theatre!