Board of Directors and Advisory Council

2021 YWCA of the Niagara Frontier Board of Directors

Co-Presidents

Val Cronin
Dianne Cross

Jackie Davis

Patricia Barry

Secretary

Christine Weeks

Treasurer

Joan Aul

Board of Directors

Kristin Grandinetti
Julie LaForest
Gay Molnar
Jeniifer Murphy
Mary K Nassoiy
Kellie Nickerson
Karen Root
Jessica Sadler

Barbara Strzyz
Martha Troia
Frances Waldriff
Whitney Walker
Christine Weeks
Mercedes Wilson
Patricia White
Deborah Workman

Emeritus

Catherine Braniecki
Mary Knotts
Nancy McGlen, Ph.D.
Mary Murphy

Young Women’s Advisory Council

The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier’s Young Women’s Advisory Council is be made up of young, dynamic women in their 40s and under dedicated to volunteering their time, talents, and energy to raise the profile of the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Members have the unique opportunity to serve as advocates for YWCA’s important work to empower women and girls, raise funds for critical projects and advance their personal, professional, and leadership goals. Members will also work towards the growth of this group and the sharing of new ideas and perspectives with the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier regular board and staff. An important goal of this council is to foster the community perspective and input of young women through volunteering.

2020 YWCA of the Niagara Frontier Young Women’s Advisory Council

Nicole Dunlap
Rebecca Coleman
Christine Savoia
Amanda Souliske

Whitney Walker
Deborah Workman, Liason YWCA BOD and Advisory Council
Sarah Wright

If you are interested in applying, please complete the Application Packet and return it, along with your updated resume, to:

Click here to download the Application Packet

YWCA Niagara Frontier
32 Cottage Street
Lockport, NY 14094
Attn: Jean Mullett-Hosey

If you have any questions, please contact Jean at (716) 433-6714, ext. 226.

Watch Our Progress!

The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier is on the brink of opening the doors of yet another innovative project that will enhance the lives of women and the community in which they reside. It is the latest in a series of life-altering programs and projects introduced by the YW over the years, with a goal of improving the lives of women living in WNY.

The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier and its forerunners have a 125 year history of engagement in and with their communities, evolving with the needs of the times and consistently supporting the mission of empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. A result of the 2015 merger of the YWCA of Niagara and the YWCA of the Tonawanda’s, the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier has strengthened its portfolio, increasing its effectiveness within the broader geographical footprint.

Building on its recognized history and experience of providing shelter for victims of domestic violence and transitional and permanent housing for women (and their children) without a place to call home, the YWCA is now constructing a 12 apartment permanent housing complex with a social enterprise component to help women avoid homelessness and escape family valence. It will be the YWCA’s first supportive housing enterprise for single women.

Each resident will have their own (approximately 500 sq. ft.) furnished apartment, with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and sitting area. There will be communal laundry facilities, exercise, and relaxation space. A protected garden green space and patio will provide respite during more user-friendly outdoor months. Equally important are the services available to the residents and also to area low income women who would benefit from them, such as case management, trauma informed individual and group counseling, safety planning, court accompaniment, life and/or job skill training with on-site employment opportunities, financial literacy advocacy, responsible tenant and homeownership counsel, and client-specific information and referrals.

The ground floor of the historic, refurbished building will feature a café/coffee shop, providing refreshment for the community and residents at the Tremont apartments. YW’s commercial enterprise will also provide residents with on-site workforce training and employment opportunities, a model that has proven successful for the YW and its clients, as it also indirectly supports businesses by enhancing the NT shopping experience. The café will feature seasonal-appropriate outside seating.

The YWCA is currently seeking sponsors to help meet the funding needs for the Café, programs and residences. Please contact CEO, Kathleen Granchelli, for more information about sponsorship opportunities at Granchelli@ywcanf.org or 716 433 6714 ext. 212.