For immediate release ………………..
Contact: Teresa Martinez
Director, Carolyn’s House
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716-278-9662
716-807-1822 cell
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   Lockport, N.Y. (May 3, 2009)  The YWCA of Niagara received the 2009 Hallmark Initiative Award for Economic Empowerment from the YWCA USA for its program at Carolyn’s House.
   The YWCA of Niagara Carolyn’s House program was one of six finalists among YWCA agencies throughout the country recognized for having an exemplary model program in either racial justice or economic empowerment. Awards in the two categories were announced at the YWCA USA National Conference in Washington, D.C. 

   Carolyn’s House is a supportive housing program for homeless women and children. Residents participate in various onsite educational, vocational and life skills programs designed to help them become self-sufficient.  Carolyn’s House provides culinary arts training, GED classes, certified nursing assistant courses, janitorial and maintenance courses, Individual Development Accounts and financial literacy, and a variety of counseling and parenting programs. The YWCA of Niagara also operates a full-service catering business out of Carolyn’s House, The Catering Crew, which employs students and graduates of its culinary training program.
   Kathleen Granchelli, CEO of the YWCA of Niagara, and Teresa Martinez, Director of Carolyn’s House, attended the conference and accepted the award.  
   “It is always gratifying to receive recognition from your peers,” said Granchelli.  “The YWCA focuses on two major areas, economic self sufficiency for women and racial justice.  We were thrilled that the national group looked at the economic program at Carolyn’s House as a prototype model for the nation.  These programs are funded by two local foundations; the John R. Oishei Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, investors who recognize that economic self sufficiency is critical for women as they move toward better futures.”    
   “On behalf of the board of directors of the YWCA, we thank the YWCA USA for this prestigious national award that honors the success of the program at Carolyn’s House, one that reflects the commitment and dedication of the YWCA staff and board members to continue its efforts to create the kinds of programs specific to the YWCA’s mission of empowering women,” said Marty Troia and Dr. Nancy McGlen, co-presidents of the board of directors of the YWCA of Niagara.
   The YWCA USA Hallmark initiatives are designed to have a direct and measurable impact throughout each YWCA as well as beyond the YWCA’s daily programs and services. These impacts are achieved by first ensuring that YWCA policies, practices and program curricula reflect the priorities of racial justice and women’s economic advancement. The YWCA agencies then expand their efforts by designing and implementing specific programs.
   For more information, contact the YWCA of Niagara at 716-433-6714 or www.ywcaniagara.org.