On January 15, 2024, YWCA Tri-County Area proudly hosted its annual MLK Day of Service.
The event was a testament to the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together. With dedicated YW staff, passionate volunteers from Giant Food Stores, and the support of the wider community, the day was filled with purpose and inspiration. Together, we tackled service projects big and small, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to service and social justice.
During the gathering, Sarah Stump, the Director of Mission Engagement, reminded everyone of YW’s mission, which is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. A group of more than 50 individuals recited the mission statement together before heading out to complete many service projects.
We kept our mission in mind while working on each service project.
Our service projects are aimed at improving the buildings, classrooms, and program space that we recently acquired. With this opportunity, our team can step into the new year with confidence and a strong commitment to serving our community in 2024. Our volunteers also connected with the community by hosting multiple giveaways, including a soup giveaway on King Street. The soup was prepared by our Dignity Kitchen Staff, and many community members left with a warm homemade cup of soup on that cold afternoon. At the Complex, our volunteers distributed socks, diapers, and other supplies to the community.
“MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.” Sharon Soper, Director of Business Development explained how YW3CA was fortunate to have “volunteers that embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.”
After enjoying a catered lunch from Dignity Kitchen, staff and volunteers enjoyed a presentation from Local History Teacher and Pottstown Native Matthew Reid. In his presentation on the history and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he shed light not only on the inspiring life of MLK but also on the invaluable contributions of other important figures in the Human Rights movement, such as John Lewis.
“At the beginning of Reids’ presentation on the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. he played the song Glory by Common, shedding light on the lyrics ‘It takes the wisdom of the elders and young peoples energy’, while informing us that he encourages his students to use their voice and creates safe spaces in his classroom for them to do so.” Ashley Faison, Mission Initiatives Manager.
Matthew Reid was not the only one presenting. During the day Beth Anspach, Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor facilitated a Conscious Discipline Training for our Early Education teachers and administrative staff. The Conscious Discipline approach allows our teachers to build a classroom community where children feel safe to learn how to deal with feelings and build connections with others; our focus is on relationships rather than behavior.
“It was an engaging and self-reflective professional development opportunity.” Kathleen Seeley, Senior Director of our Early Education Center. “It strengthened each adult’s ability to support young children who have experienced trauma and work through their upset feelings building their skills for their future educational career.”
This year’s MLK Day of Service was reflective of our two most important pillars, empowerment and education. The day was filled with energy as volunteers took pride in helping others and felt connected to Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equality.
We want to express our gratitude to the numerous volunteers and staff members who participated in the MLK Day of Service. The continuous support of the community enables YW to pursue its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
