The YWCA Mentoring Program identifies at-risk teenage girls and matches them with women of achievement from the community. These one–on–one partnerships give young girls positive role models while fostering the following objectives:

	Healthy social values
	Personal responsibility
	Good citizenship
	Educational growth
	Cultural growth

We also offer additional monthly educational activities including:
	Workshops
	Lectures
	Field Trips
	Conflict resolution exercises
	Job planning
	College planning

This program serves girls from both the city and the county schools to promote graduation and post high school education. Our goal is for 100% of the girls to graduate with clear plans for the future and with the skills to reach their goals.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please indicate your interest on the contact form or call the YWCA for information.

The National YWCA has a very impressive and expansive history in the Civil Rights Movement, and the National YWCA has established two national imperatives one of which is the elimination of racism.  The YWCA of Central Virginia is committed to the work of racial justice.  We believe that the economic, social, and emotional consequences of racism and discrimination are too severe for individuals, families, employers, and communities to face alone.

Our hallmark event for our Racial Justice Program is our Side by Side for Racial Justice and Harmony Community Walk. This event is held every spring on or near the date of the National Day to Eliminate Racism, and is an opportunity for members of the community to show support for each other and to help build a better society. This year the YWCA’s Side by Side for Racial Justice and Harmony Community Walk will be held on Friday, April 30th at Noon.

This year we began to take steps towards expanding the Racial Justice Program. We added several events to help take a proactive stance against racism. The YW held on February 25, 2004, a facilitated film viewing on They Closed the Schools for Black History Month. We also held a facilitated book club event on March 10, 2004, for the book: The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother.

We are planning for another facilitated film viewing on July 1, 2004 on Covered Girls and are planning for another facilitated book club event July 22, 2004 on Nine Parts of Desire. Please continue to look out for dates and more information on this expanding program.