What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

YWCA Genesee, 301 North Street, Batavia, NY (2026)

08/31/2026

Meet The Team Behind the Mission: Jamie Rada

1. Coffee or tea? Dunkin’ Donuts XL with French vanilla swirl and cream

3. Favorite place in Genesee County? Right now, the Oakfield/Elba football field.

4. One word your coworkers would use to describe you? Determined.

5. Favorite inspirational quote? “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same.”

6. Favorite way to relax after work? Spending time with my family—a cup of tea with my dad, playing outside with my son, or curling up with a good book and a blanket.

7. Something people would be surprised to learn about you? I can get nervous in social situations and sometimes need time to recharge my social battery.

8. What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are ever the same! My day can include supporting staff and meeting with community partners to reviewing budgets, fundraising and solving whatever unexpected challenge comes through the door. I spend a lot of my day thinking about how we can grow, strengthen our programs, and better serve our community.

9. What do you love most about your job? It doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like a purpose.

10. What motivates you every morning? The amazing team I am a part of and the people we support. There is so much good in the world—we just need it to shine brighter than the negative that floods our everyday lives. I truly believe we can help create that change.

11. Why did you choose to become involved with the YWCA? I was a Case Manager for the YWCA in 2005. It was my first professional job out of school, and throughout my life I repeatedly said it was the most rewarding job I ever had, but also the one with the highest burnout. When the Executive Director position was posted, I felt a pull to go back. The work done within—and outside—these walls is truly life-changing. I knew returning to the YWCA would feel like going home, to where I belong.

I am honored to work alongside people who truly embody compassion and have such a strong drive to change our community.

12. What inspires you to continue this work? The work is never truly done. Sadly, there will always be people who need help and people at risk of falling through the cracks. But if we can reach them before they fall—or be there to help them back up—we have the opportunity to change the course of their situation. Sometimes the right support at the right moment can change everything.

13. What makes the YWCA different? Grit.

We help people through some of the darkest and most difficult moments of their lives, but as an organization, we’ve faced our own difficult days too. Almost ten years ago, the YWCA could have closed its doors. We could have folded, but under Millie’s leadership, we chose to rise to the challenge.

We fought for this organization. We rebuilt. We learned. And we came back stronger. We understand resilience because we’ve lived it. We know what it means to struggle, get back up, and build something better—and that same grit is at the heart of how we serve our community.

14. Can you share a moment that reminded you why this work matters?
There are simple moments and more profound ones. Sometimes it’s a family picking up food from our pantry with tears in their eyes, telling us that without it, they would have had to choose between feeding their family and keeping the heat or electricity on.

Then there are moments that stay with you forever.

A family comes to us while escaping abuse—with no money, no job, no clothes and nowhere safe to call home. They may be sleeping in their car, terrified they will be found or harmed. Then months later, you see that same family living safely in their own home, free from abuse, with a job, heat, food in the refrigerator and beds for their children. That is why this work matters.

15. What impact have you seen the YWCA make? The YWCA is not only changing the lives of survivors—we are changing the way our community views domestic violence. This isn’t just a job. It’s a purpose. And I’m incredibly proud to be part of it.

08/28/2026

tonight is the big night! Come join us for dancing, a baked goods raffle and booze barrel raffle.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ywca-silent-disco

08/26/2026

Meet The Team Behind the Mission: Theresa Osborn

1. Coffee or tea? I love either, especially enjoying it with others. It allows a time of conversation, to slow down our busy day, even just a little, to enjoy the real purpose of life, making connections.

2. Favorite place in Genesee County? My favorite places in Genesee County are our parks and all the places I volunteer for. We really do have wonderful people in our County when we allow ourselves to say hi and share a smile.

3. What's one word your coworkers would use to describe you? There are many words they would say, but I hope AUTHENTIC would be their choice. Being authentic means I am genuine, true to myself, and honest in my relationships with others.

4. Favorite inspirational quote? I love Dr. Suess. "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose."

5. Favorite way to relax after work? I choose to garden as much as possible. Working in the dirt and creating a beautiful space gives me time to decompress from a busy life.

6. What's something people would be surprised to learn about you? I travel the United States with AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) to volunteer to coach and deliver soccer programs to underprivileged youth as my second career. It feels like Christmas each time we provide more soccer for more kids.

7. Why did you join the YWCA Board? I was nominated by a current board member who felt I was a "perfect fit" for the organization. After a bit of research, I agreed that the mission of the YWCA aligns with what I am passionate about.

8. Why do you choose to give your time? Making a difference in the life of one person, even if it is one at a time, is my passion. Making a difference directly impacts the community in which we choose to live in. Healthier people + healthier lifestyles = a healthier community. Volunteering spreads love, kindness and compassion.
9. What has surprised you most about serving on the board? The group of women that surround me on the board are dynamic, talented, compassionate and loyal. We all place people first in the jobs we hold. We are not seeking power, we are in it for the right reasons. We want to better the lives of our community by using our longsuits together. There is no I in this TEAM.

10. What makes you proud to represent the YWCA? So much has changed over the years. I truly feel a strong bond with our goals for our community and see the YWCA differently. Its leadership is healthy and the staff is passionate. Therefore, the future looks brilliant and something to be proud to be involved in.

11. Why should others invest in this campaign? Investing through time and or monies is so important for our community to become stronger. The bonds we build to bring a brighter and healthier future for children and their mothers will only bring "wealth" back to the community. Wealth isn't just money. It reflects how we live our lives in mind, body and soul. When our mothers prosper in health our children have a better chance to prosper themselves.

12. What would you tell someone considering making a gift? Find it in yourself to give toward the YWCA. There are so many options to choose where your gift goes. I believe everyone has been touched by violence in one way or another. Let's work together to provide a place for safety, education, prevention and prosperity.

13. What does the YWCA mean to you personally? It is a place of personal growth where its members believe in your abilities, love you where you are at and nurtures you toward prosperity.

14. What makes this organization different? I have been involved in many organizations. Many I have removed myself from, due to its unhealthy workplace culture. The YWCA is a thriving, safe, people-first culture. It encourages the sharing of ideas without fear of embarrassment; prioritizes the health, happiness and work-life balance of team members; encourages continuous growth and a willingness to adapt to new challenges; and focuses on clear shared goals, rewarding excellent work while providing the support they need to avoid burnout.

15.What impact have you seen the YWCA make? There are too many positive impacts to mention. The fact that they rely on open, honest communication between leadership, staff and board members so everyone understands and collaborates toward the company's goals is outstanding to me. Seeing their mission of being dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all is shown in every event they hold and every service they provide.

08/26/2026

Meet The Team Behind The Mission: Samantha Hawley

1. Coffee or tea? Matcha with oat milk!

2. Favorite way to relax after work? Baking a loaf of sourdough or running around outside with my son.

3. Favorite place in Genesee County? The farmers market! It brings together growers and creators in our community, and it’s also become a place where my family meets up once a week.

4. Something people would be surprised to learn about you? Growing up, I used to switch classes with my twin sister!

5. What does the YWCA mean to you personally? Giving back to women in my community. I’ve always been passionate about empowering women to advocate for themselves, and I love that women on both sides of my family were part of the YWCA before me. Being part of this community allows me to carry on that legacy.

6. Why do you choose to give your time? I’ve spent the last 13 years helping women online, and I wanted to make a bigger impact closer to home.

7. What makes the YWCA different? So much passion and purpose goes into everything we do. It’s a true community effort to uplift the people around us.

8. What would you tell someone considering supporting the YWCA? Your gift directly impacts the lives of women and families seeking help. When you invest in the YWCA, you become part of their success story.

9. Favorite quote: “Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s feeling the fear and doing it anyway.”

We are so grateful for the people who give their time, talents, and hearts to strengthening women, families, and our entire community.

08/26/2026

At the YWCA of Genesee County, empowering women is at the heart of who we are. We believe every woman deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, safety, independence, and a voice that is heard.

Today, Women's Equality Day, we celebrate the women who paved the way, the women creating change in our community right now, and the generations who will carry that work forward.

Equality isn’t just something we celebrate. It’s something we work toward every day.

08/25/2026

Question: Will tickets for the Silent Disco be available at the door?

Answer: YES!! Tickets will be available at the door for $30.

Want to save a little? Purchase your tickets in advance for just $25!

Buy early, save $5, and get ready to dance the night away while supporting the YWCA of Genesee County!

08/24/2026

Meet the Team Behind the Mission:
Meet Christina Hess | Assistant Director of Domestic Violence

1. Coffee or tea? Iced coffee!

2. Favorite place in Genesee County? Bourbon & Burger.

3. One word your coworkers would use to describe you? Comforting.

4. Favorite inspirational quote? “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” — Albus Dumbledore

5. Favorite way to relax after work? In the summer, you’ll find me in my hammock reading a book. In the winter, I’m curled up in front of the fireplace—also reading a book. Basically, I love escaping reality through books!

6. Something people might be surprised to learn about you? I would love to live completely off-grid one day.

7 . What does a typical day look like? I start by checking in with my team about overnight hotline calls and what everyone’s day looks like. Then it’s emails, texts and voicemails—followed, of course, by coffee and saying good morning to everyone in the office.

Throughout the day, I help answer hotline calls, assist walk-in clients and check in with our safe house. Whether it’s helping with groceries or supporting someone as they take their next steps, my focus is helping survivors work toward a safe new beginning.

8. What do you love most about your job? The relationships and connections. We have such a great team at the YWCA, and I’m thankful to have coworkers I can turn to for advice, emotional support or simply a laugh.

I also value the connections I build with clients. Coming to the YWCA can be a difficult first step, and I’m always grateful to be part of making that first connection.

9. What motivates you every morning?
Every day is a new adventure, and you never truly know where that adventure will take you. I’m excited to meet new people and keep learning.

10. Why did you choose to become involved with the YWCA?
The world can be a very dark place, but joining the YWCA allowed me to help shine light in the lives of others.

11. What does the YWCA mean to you personally? A safe space. My coworkers can attest that I probably say, “This is a safe space,” three times a day! The YWCA is a place where people can feel comfortable and safe enough to ask for help.

12. What inspires you to continue this work? The spoken—and sometimes unspoken—“thank yous.” An appreciative email from a client or even a quick “you’ve been so helpful” over the phone can absolutely make my day.

13. What makes the YWCA different? The staff. We are all so different, but we share the same compassion for the people we work with.

14. A moment that reminded you why this work matters? About two weeks after a client moved into their new apartment after leaving the safe house, they called me just to say thank you for helping them gain confidence in being independent. It was one of those moments that stays with you.

15. What impact have you seen the YWCA make? Helping put smiles on people’s faces. That leaves the greatest impact on me.

08/21/2026

The YWCA of Genesee County will host

08/21/2026

Two events one great cause!

08/20/2026

Meet the Team Behind the Mission:

We’re excited to introduce you to Anita Strollo, a member of the YWCA of Genesee County Board of Directors! Anita brings incredible energy, experience, humor and heart to our mission.

1. Coffee or tea? Coffee. Always coffee. But I’ll never turn down a good cup of tea!

2. Favorite place in Genesee County? Genesee County Park. I love it there—I just don’t get there nearly enough.

3. One word others would use to describe you? Energetic.

4. Favorite inspirational quote? I have two:
- “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
- “You can easily judge the character of a person by how they treat those who can do nothing for them.”

5. Favorite way to relax after work? Phone conversations with my daughter. Best times of the day—many times, every day.

6. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? I pray all day—for peace, for people, for whatever comes to mind. And St. Anthony gets called on big time because I’m always losing things!

7. Why did you join the YWCA Board? Jamie Beedham-Rada. ’Nuff said! Seriously, I saw her passion for helping victims of domestic violence and her vision for what the YWCA could be. I believed in it, and I wanted to be part of making it happen.

8. Why do you choose to give your time? I’m at a point in my life where my time is mine. When I was raising my daughter, I wanted her exposed to community, service and all kinds of people and experiences. At the same time, I was going through a divorce, caring for my aging parents and reinventing myself. Now I can take all that energy—and trust me, there’s still plenty of it!—and focus it on one truly great cause. I want to use my experience, my story and my time to help and encourage other women. This is exactly where I’m supposed to put my energy right now.

9. What has surprised you most about serving on the Board? How amazingly cohesive we are! I’ve been around a lot of boards and organizations, and I have NEVER seen a group mesh like this one. Different personalities. Different experiences. One common purpose. It just works.

10. What makes you proud to represent the YWCA? We don’t just talk about helping people. We do it. When someone is frightened, vulnerable or doesn’t know where to turn, the YWCA is there—with safety, dignity, support and hope. I’m incredibly proud to be part of an organization that can say: “You are safe here. You are not alone.”

11. Why should others invest in the YWCA’s campaign? You may think you don’t know anyone who has needed the YWCA. I’d venture a guess that you do.
People don’t walk around announcing that they were in an abusive relationship or that their family needed food because they lost their job. These are deeply personal experiences. So give because someone you know may have already walked through those doors. Give because someday someone you love may need to. And if neither ever happens? How wonderful—but give because making the world a little gentler can never be a bad thing. A gift helps guarantee something every human being deserves: A safe place where they know they will not be hurt. You can’t put a price on that.

12. What would you tell someone considering making a gift? Do it! Don’t hesitate!
Think about covering your child with a blanket when they’re cold. You don’t debate it. You see someone who needs warmth, and you cover them. That’s what your gift can do. You may never meet the person you help. You may never know their name. They may never be able to thank you. Do it anyway.

13. What does the YWCA mean to you personally? My history with the YWCA goes way back. I worked here many years ago, and leaving was hard because I remembered the great place it had once been. Coming back to serve on the Board feels like coming home to a completely renovated house. It’s familiar, but wow—look what they’ve done with the place! Now I get to help write its next chapter. That means more to me than I can adequately put into words.

14. What makes this organization different? Passion. Period. The people in these offices don’t simply come to work. They live and breathe this mission. I have worked and volunteered in MANY places, and I have NEVER seen this level of commitment. These people genuinely care about the human beings who walk through the doors. It’s not just their job. It’s personal.

15. What impact have you seen the YWCA make? Impact isn’t just numbers on an annual report. Impact is people. It’s someone having a safe place to sleep. It’s a woman realizing she has choices. It’s a child learning what safety feels like.
It’s someone walking through the door terrified and hearing: “We believe you. We’re here. We’ll figure this out together.” Every life changed creates a ripple through families, workplaces and our entire community. Violence takes things away. The YWCA gives them back: hope, dignity, safety and a future.
That’s impact.

YWCA Genesee

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

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08/21/2026

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08/20/2026

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm