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The YWCA will celebrate 20 years of  Women of Achievement in Quincy with a celebration on February 12 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the State Room at 434 South Eighth Street.

The YWCA started the WOA award to recognize and honor the achievements of women who, through their volunteer efforts or professional position, have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life in the Quincy community.

The YWCA Women of Achievement Award is the oldest, ongoing program in the area whose sole mission is to honor and recognize the volunteer efforts of women. It serves both as a thank you to its recipients and as an inspiration to others.

The region has benefited immeasurably during these 20 years from the efforts of these extraordinary women. 

Since its inception, the Women of Achievement Award has been awarded to nearly 200 women from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds, reflecting their wide range of interests, careers and ages.

The February 12th celebration’s theme is “Razz, Jazz and Pizzazz – a step back into the speakeasy atmosphere of the roaring 20’s”.  The event features musical entertainment by Ben Bumbry and the Messengers, appetizers throughout the evening, silent auction, raffle and entertainment by Jen’s Dance Academy.  Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling the YWCA at 221-9922.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the YWCA Supportive Housing Program that lends a hand up to homeless women with disabling conditions and their children. SHP provides the most high-risk homeless population of Quincy with safe, affordable housing plus the supportive services needed to address the root causes of their homelessness so they may become self sufficient. 

Women receive assistance with education; employment hard and soft skills; financial literacy; parenting education; health and nutrition; mental health counseling; domestic violence counseling; substance abuse counseling; childcare; and transportation while under the supervision of a case manager.  Children in the SHP are provided services that link them to appropriate medical care; enrollment and attendance in school, advocacy in the school system; licensed childcare and transportation to vital services. 

The vision of the YWCA SHP is to empower women so they can overcome the obstacles that created their homelessness situation.

You may remember that both KHQA's Carol Sowers and Nora Baldner have been recognized with the Women of Achievement Award.