Kristin Drake the Director of Economic Advancement at the YWCA spoke. She previously worked as an Employment Specialist for Thresholds and New Foundation Center, Inc., and the Concierge Specialist at CIBT, and the Intensive Learning Program Specialist at National Heritage Academies. She earned a B.A. in International Political Economy from Carthage College. YWCA Evanston/North Shore has been an essential part of the fabric of this community since 1931, providing a safe place for women and girls in which they can reach their fullest potential. Over the years, our programs and services have changed to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Everything we do at YWCA Evanston/North Shore is based on the belief that all women have the right to be safe and choose the direction of their lives. Our programs address the fact that far too many women experience violence, and lack economic security, and these issues disproportionately impact women of color. If we want to empower all women, we must also tackle racism. We work proactively to transform individual lives through direct service and education and to change institutions through training and advocacy. All of our programs address three overlapping areas of focus: Racial Justice and Civil Rights, Economic Empowerment of Women, and Health and Safety for Women and Girls. Economic Advancement Program: YWCA Evanston/North Shore is committed to economic advancement so that we can make our communities places in which women and girls can thrive. We provide opportunities to become empowered, confident and competent through education, training, and engagement. What we do: One of the most important things we can do is support women’s economic advancement by providing classes, workshops, and job training like YW Tech Lab and YWCulinary that help women across the life cycle develop the skills they need to build financial security and stability. Why this is important: People living in poverty, who are disproportionately people of color, are the victims of many predatory financial products like payday loans, title loans, pre-paid debit cards with monthly fees and per-use fees. Access to information about alternatives is the first step in our work. Participants in our Economic Advancement Program learn about budgeting and credit, receive individual coaching to create and work through a financial plan and gain access to banking institutions who work with us. And we’re there by your side when you need employment and housing assistance too. Because when women are safe, stable and self-sufficient, their families are too. That helps our communities thrive. Our Economic Advancement Program consists of: Basic Money Management, YW Tech Lab, YW Culinary Program, Financial Coaching, and Savings for Success, as well as some other timely workshops.