Celebrating YWCA Employees: Advancing to Support Our Community
At YWCA, we are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our employees, whose dedication to growth and professional development is truly remarkable.
Each of them is making a meaningful impact on our organization and the communities we serve. From completing specialized cer
tifications to participating in leadership development programs, their ongoing pursuit of excellence empowers us to continue making strides toward a better future for all.
Bravo to Jessica, Rhonda, Ranessa, Yukali, Leida, Cathy, Kimberly, Teresa, Mustapha, Jessica, Chelsea, Carla, Tehia, Rochelle, Melanie, and Catherine!
We can’t wait to see what you will accomplish in your careers and for our agency as you continue to grow, lead, and inspire others with your dedication and hard work.
Jessica Burt, Mission Impact Coordinator, Community Engagement Center
Jessica has recently completed both the 20-Hour Homeless Provider Certificate Program by Partners Ending Homelessness & Huther Doyle Memorial Institute (HPC Program) through Coordinated Care Services (CCSI) and the NYS TINRC Instructor's Edition: Tending the Roots Training (TINRC stands for Trauma-Informed Network & Resource Center).
The HPC Program provides a broad overview of services and trauma associated with serving the homeless population, addressing the unique challenges they face. The TINRC Training is essential for our response to those we serve, fostering a strong community trust and bond. These certification and training programs will also enable more frequent training opportunities for our staff, enhancing our overall service quality.
Rhonda Cald, Team Lead for SWIFT Community Housing (Rapid Rehousing)
Rhonda participated in a three-week African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP) through United Way. This unique program identifies, trains, and promotes the placement of African Americans in policy-making positions within community organizations, broadening their participation in leadership roles. For Rhonda, completing this program is crucial as it empowers her with the skills and knowledge needed to influence policy and drive positive change within her community. It enhances her leadership capabilities, enabling her to advocate more effectively for the needs of the homeless population she serves.
Having Rhonda complete the AALDP is invaluable for SWIFT Community Housing, as it ensures the agency is led by a culturally competent leader who understands the unique challenges faced by African Americans, thereby enhancing their support services and fostering a more inclusive community.
Ranessa Sutton, Family Case Manager, Emergency Housing
Ranessa is involved in the Hope585 Reimagine Design program, a year-long initiative where area providers collaborate to redesign how Child Protective Services (CPS) interacts with families. The program focuses on reducing CPS calls for families experiencing extreme poverty by providing them with necessary resources, rather than involving CPS.
Ranessa will develop crucial skills, expand her professional network, gain leadership experience, and deepen her understanding of the challenges faced by families in extreme poverty. For the agency, this involvement promises improved outcomes, enhanced reputation, optimized resource use, and increased community trust by focusing on providing necessary resources to families rather than involving CPS.
Yukali Okkotsu, Development Coordinator
Yukali’s participation in the three-week Emerging Leaders Development Program (ELDP) with United Way is a fantastic opportunity for both her and the agency. The program offers her invaluable training and networking opportunities, covering essential topics like Board Leadership, Cultural Perspectives, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Leadership Self-Awareness, Leadership Wellness, and Volunteer and Community Engagement.
This comprehensive curriculum not only enhances Yukali’s leadership skills but also prepares her for influential roles within the community, positioning her as a key player in driving positive change. For the agency, having Yukali in the ELDP means gaining a well-prepared leader who brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to boards, committees, and community projects, ultimately strengthening the agency’s impact and reach in the region.
Phyllis Lukenbill, VP of Operations and Facilities
Phyllis is currently enrolled in the eCornell Project Management Certification Program. This online program, which spans three months, is helping her gain valuable skills in project scoping, time management, and resource allocation. She is expected to complete the program by February 2025.
For Phyllis, this isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about making a real difference in how we manage projects at YWCA. Her dedication to learning and improving inspires all of us to keep striving for excellence as we work to support and uplift our community.
Finance Department Accounting System Training
Vice President of Finance
Leida Martinez
Accounts Payable/Receivable, Payroll, and Billing
Cathy Foran, Kimberly Gordon, and Teresa Ward
Our finance department recently completed a week-long training on the agency’s new accounting system. This training is crucial as it ensures that our team is well-equipped to manage our finances efficiently and accurately. By mastering this new system, we can enhance our financial reporting, streamline processes, and ultimately provide better support to our programs and services. This commitment to excellence helps us maintain transparency and accountability, which are vital to our mission.
Long-Term Housing Certification Training
Long-Term Housing Supervisor
Mustapha Berhan
Long-Term & Affordable Housing Team Leads
Jessica Zelazny and Chelsea Chatman
Long-Term Case Managers
Carla Bennett, Tehia Bumbry, Rochelle Bradford, Melanie Davis, and Catherine Kelsey
Our Long-Term Housing team recently completed ten-week; comprehensive training provided by Coordinated Care Services (CCSI). This program covers essential topics such as understanding the complexities of homelessness, trauma-informed care, and effective service coordination. Participating in this training is crucial for our staff as it equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to better serve our homeless population. By enhancing their expertise, our team can provide more compassionate and effective support, ultimately fostering a stronger, more resilient community.
We are inspired by the dedication and hard work of our employees, who are committed to enhancing their skills to better serve our community. Their achievements not only benefit our clients but also strengthen the overall mission of YWCA.