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GREENWICH, Conn. — The Greenwich YWCA provides programs to help women of all ages in both body and spirit, President and CEO Adrianne Singer says.
At the Y for nine years, she has helped many of those programs to grow and diversify. “The mission of the leadership program is to empower women and eliminate racism,” said Singer, a Greenwich resident. “We bring in speakers throughout the year. They cover a wide variety of topics from the economic advancement of women to careers to nutrition.”
The program is supported by organizations throughout Greenwich, including banks, the JCC and the junior league, she said.
The YWCA also has childhood education offerings, which are available for preschool-age children and up and include after-school, summer and vacation options.
The aquatics program offers multiple instruction services as well as a master’s team. “We have a nationally ranked swim team,” Singer said. “There are well over 200 kids on it.”
She admires the team’s dedication as members begin practice at 5:45 a.m. “They come in rain, snow, sleet or hail. Some participate in events nationally and internationally.”
The other athletic programs include dance, gymnastics and soccer. The YWCA is the sole provider of domestic services in Greenwich, and all the services are free, Singer said.
“We are happy to keep people safe. It is a 24/7 service,” she said.
“We spend about $2 million a year for adult and child counseling as well as court advocacy," she said. “Last year, we served about 4,000 adults and well over 700 children in that program.”
The center also sponsors a high school program that fights violence. The peer-to-peer program allows students to act as educators and help to prevent dating violence.
“In Connecticut, the problem is one of the highest in the country, she said. "Twenty-five percent of all women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. It is prevalent.”
The next event for the Y is called Brava and will be held in February, Singer said. It honors professional women who are successful in their careers and give back to the community.
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