We were privileged to spend time with the YWCA of Tonawandas.  While a relatively small YWCA, we were amazed by the wide array of programs offered by this YWCA, including domestic violence programs, housing support programs, and childcare services including school aged care programs.  We were able to visit these school aged care programs, and toured the beautiful old building which houses a number of the programs run by this YWCA.  While a small YWCA, it is actively involved in regional YWCA activities, and member Joelle Logue is the President of the Northeast Regional Council, which links local YWCAs to the national movement.  We are very grateful for Joelle who is hosting our visit to this region, and has opened her home and her heart to us during our stay (and no doubt beyond).  It is also fantastic to be out of the big city and get a taste of another America, with our visit to a more rural / regional part of the country.  It is a very beautiful part of the world, with snow on the ground and on roof tops, and a community very interested in our visit.  We had a wonderful dinner with Executive Directors of the YWCAs around the region, and once again we were struck by the similarities in the types of work we do, the challenges we face, and the YWCA spirit that prevails to ensure that great programs are delivered no matter what the constraints are.

We are quite excited to be going to Niagara Falls tomorrow, to visit the local YWCA there, and will also be able to quickly cross the border into Canada and also see Niagara Falls.  Tomorrow night we will be attending a Reception with regional YWCA members including  members of the regional board which will be fantastic.

We continue to be amazed about the experience we are having, and grateful that the YWCA provides opportunities such as these to connect, learn and share with our sisters in this part of the world.