QUINCY, ILL. -- The following is a news release from the Quincy YWCA:
The YWCA Quincy announced today that Executive Director Melissa Holden is stepping down from the position effective June 30, 2010. Holden reported that she will be pursuing personal goals and cited her husband’s extensive employment travel as factors in her decision.
“The YWCA Quincy is an amazing organization with 105 years of history in Quincy. I am certain a new leader will emerge who embraces the mission just as I have done. We’ve been working on strengthening our Board governance, establishing best practices and have just completed the creation of a new Strategic Plan, so the YWCA is set to move forward from a position of strength.”
Holden has seen the organization come a long way. The YWCA Supportive Housing Program for formerly homeless women with children has a solid eight year track record of success and operates at full capacity year-round. The program housed its first family in 2002 and to date had helped 117 mothers and 245 children onto a path to recovery and increased financial independence. “The Opening Doors, Providing Opportunities Supportive Housing Program is essential in helping the most vulnerable members of our community,” she said. “The YWCA helps moms turn their lives around and achieve their full potential when they’ve run out of options. We do it for them, but also for their children. No child should have to be homeless in Quincy.”
Highlights from her tenure include increased advocacy on housing discrimination issues and strengthening the organization’s racial justice programming. This includes a partnership with the Quincy Human Rights Commission and the Many Voices, One Goal Study Circle on Racism Program and the introduction of the monthly YWCA movie and discussion series. Nearly 700 people have participated in YWCA programming and events over the past year.
“Institutional racism still has a firm hold on our country,” She said. “There are a lot of challenges but I believe when given the opportunity to learn more about our shared history and the hidden ways in which racism impacts our lives, people will choose to do the right thing and work to eradicate racism.”
“I’m very proud of the accomplishments of the YWCA and the difference we’re making in Quincy,” Holden said. “I’ll be anxious to watch the association’s continued success.”
“Melissa has done an excellent job as Executive Director and we are sorry to see her go,” said YWCA Board President Pauline Upper. “Her passion and enthusiasm for the mission of the YWCA has been commendable. We are currently seeking qualified applicants to continue promoting the mission of the YWCA.”
The YWCA’s Board of Directors will provide oversight of the organization until an executive director is hired. Individuals interested in being considered as candidates for the Executive Director position should submit a resume, cover letter and references to: YWCA Quincy, Attn: Pauline Upper, 1400 N. 30th St., Suite 6 Quincy, IL 62301 by May 26, 2010.
For more information on the YWCA, visit: www.ywcaquincy.org
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