Masq-Up to Empower Local Girls and Young Women

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Des Moines Mom regularly highlights local nonprofits. There are so many amazing organizations in our community dedicated to looking out for the well-being of all who live here. We want to feature them and share ways you and your family can partner with them through volunteering, giving donations, and attending amazing (now, virtual) fundraising events. If you know of a nonprofit we should feature, please email [email protected].

The Young Women’s Resource Center (YWRC) provides services and programs to girls and young women* ages 10 – 24 throughout Greater Des Moines. They provide age-appropriate education about self-esteem, confidence, healthy relationships, and reproductive health in a safe and inclusive environment. YWRC offers pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, and life skills groups, as well as individual support, to young moms. Individual and group counseling with mental health professionals is available to help participants overcome trauma and build resiliency.

To help remove barriers to care, all YWRC programs and resources are offered for free, transportation is provided, and child care is offered during Young Moms groups. The YWRC also provides critical items such as shampoo, menstrual products, deodorant, personal care products, diapers and wipes, meals, snacks, and more.

*YWRC defines ‘girls and young women’ as any persons who have been socialized and/or identify as female. Trans and nonbinary friends are welcome.

Mission Statement

To empower participants to be strong, self-confident, and resilient.

How to Help

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available including preparing meals, sorting donations, organizing personal care items, assisting with database entry and providing child care during Young Moms programs.

In addition, there are several community volunteer committees. Learn more about the YWRC’s volunteer opportunities here.

Ways to Give

Currently, YWRC’s greatest needs include:

  • Pull-ups: sizes 2T/3T and 4T/5T
  • Unscented baby wipes
  • Full-sized shampoo and conditioner (especially for curly or kinky hair)
  • Full-sized body wash
  • Menstrual pads
  • Lip balm

See a full list of their latest needs here. Of course, monetary donations are greatly
appreciated!

Upcoming Fundraising Event

Join YWRC for their annual fundraiser, YWRC Gala: Masquerade.
The online celebration will feature two community awards and two YWRC participant awards, check-ins with folks around Greater Des Moines, an update of all things YWRC, live raffle drawings, wine pull, and live auction.

When: Saturday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
Where: The comfort of your home (virtually)!
Tickets: A range of ticket options are available with a variety of benefits including a limited edition print, three-course meal, party packs, and more. Visit their website for additional information and to purchase tickets.

View the event on Facebook and follow the hashtag #ywrcgala.

Funds raised will go to empower local girls and young women to be strong, self-confident and resilient!

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