YWCA of the City of New York

The YWCA of the City of New York’s Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN) provides women with the information and resources needed to inspire hope and establish a sense of safety for their families.

Through an extensive package of program offerings, low to moderate income families are provided with:

• Advocacy
• Benefits counseling
• Computer training
• Displaced homemaker program
• Domestic violence support groups
• ESL and GED classes
• Financial literacy workshops
• Free or low-cost child care
• Legal counseling
• Workforce development

Support the Women’s Empowerment Network Today
WEN is operated at the YWCA‑NYC Family Resource Center (FRC), located at 500 West 56th Street between 10th & 11th Avenues in Clinton. Look for the gated courtyard, next to John Jay College.

The FRC is open weekdays 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, call 212.937.8700 or e-mail frcinfo@ywcanyc.org.

Services & Schedules

Benefits Counseling

Do you need clarification regarding eligibility for public funds or assistance applying for benefits? Give us a call to schedule an appointment with our benefits counselor.

Computer Classes

Our eight-week programs offer instruction and self-guided tutorials on typing skills, internet research and Microsoft Office programs. Classes are offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced skill levels.

Tuesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (8 weeks)
Saturday, 10 p.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (16 weeks)

Displaced Homemaker Program

The Displaced Homemaker Program consists of two parts. In the first section, a comprehensive hands-on computer training class, students learn Microsoft Office applications, excellent work habits and the organizational skills necessary to run an efficient office. In the second section, focusing on one’s career development, participants discuss their challenges and concerns about the job search process. In a comfortable and confidential setting, the participant and employment counselor develop a plan for achieving career goals. Resume development, cover letter writing, and successful interviewing strategies are some of the basic tools that are developed through individual assistance.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: New York State resident, 21 years of age, High School Diploma or GED, Displaced Homemaker and resume.

Section 1: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Section 2: Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Domestic Violence Support Group

Domestic violence support groups educate participants on how to avoid abusive relationships. A domestic violence counselor is available to answer participants’ questions through one-on-one consultations. Participants address a spectrum of behaviors found in both healthy and unhealthy relationships, including emotional, verbal and physical abuse. The group stresses the importance of effective communication and how poor interaction and other factors can be early signals of an abusive relationship.

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

GED and ESL classes

Need to brush up on your English? Or maybe get your GED? If you are 21 years or older, the YW’s GED and ESL classes will help you achieve your goal.

ESL Classes: Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
GED Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.

Legal Clinic

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP provides free one-on-one consultations to address legal housing matters. Attorneys are available to answer questions on housing, advise you of your rights and advocate on your behalf. Matters requiring further help will be referred to pro bono attorneys for representation. Participants with housing-related questions should bring all related paperwork, including identification, current address, personal contact information, and lease agreements.

Every last Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Select Partners

Job Assistance

• One Stop Career Center: Job Referrals, Placement Assistance
• Seedco: Job Referrals, Benefits Screening
• Small Business Solutions: Job Placement Services

Mentoring

• American Express
• Barclays Capital
• King & Spalding
• KPMG
• Weil, Gotshal & Manges

Support & Referrals

ACES: Advocacy Counseling and Entitlement Services Support

Bottomless Closet: Clothing Assistance

Dress for Success: Clothes Closet

NYC Department of Education: GED & ESL Classes

NYS VESID: Services for Individuals with Special Needs

Volunteer Faculty

• Citibank: Financial Literacy Workshops
• Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP: Free Legal Clinic
• NYC Commission on Human Rights:  Workshops on discrimination, sexual harassment, housing, and employment
• TV Guide: Communications Training
• School of Visual Arts: Art Therapy
• NYC Department of Education: GED and ESL classes
• ACES: Support Service Referrals

The Women’s Empowerment Network’s success is primarily dependent upon the generous contributions from individual supporters. Please consider making a donation.