YWCA South Hampton Roads

06/19/2026

Annually, YWCA South Hampton Roads intentionally honors Juneteenth through the Conference on R.E.S.T. — Racial Equity and Social Transformation. In its fifth year, we experienced a powerful gathering as community members, advocates, leaders, students, and change-makers came together to honor the legacy of Juneteenth while engaging in courageous conversations about equity, justice, and transformation.

This year’s theme, “Where Is Your Fire?”, challenged each of us to reflect on our responsibility to advance racial equity not only in moments of crisis, but through sustained action, advocacy, and leadership. We celebrated the resilience of those who came before us, acknowledged the work that remains, and recommitted ourselves to building communities where freedom, dignity, and opportunity are accessible to all.

A highlight of the conference was an inspiring fireside chat with Tarana J. Burke, founder of the “me too”. Movement, whose groundbreaking work has transformed conversations around healing, survivor advocacy, accountability, and justice. Through a candid and thought-provoking discussion, Burke reminded attendees that movements are sustained not simply by moments of visibility, but by communities willing to do the daily work of truth-telling, healing, and collective action. Her message challenged us to examine where our fire originates, how we sustain it, and how we use it to create lasting change for future generations.

As we reflected on the significance of June 19, 1865, we were reminded that freedom delayed is freedom denied, and that the pursuit of justice requires vigilance, partnership, and purpose. Through inspiring speakers, meaningful dialogue, and collective learning, Conference on R.E.S.T. continues to serve as a catalyst for social transformation across Hampton Roads and beyond.

Thank you to every participant, sponsor, volunteer, presenter, and community partner who helped make this milestone year a success. Together, we are keeping the fire of equity burning and moving closer to a future where peace, justice, freedom, and dignity are realities for all.

The work continues. The conversation continues. The movement continues.

“Where is your fire? And more importantly, how will you use it to light the way for others?”

Rise up!!!! https://loom.ly/z46axLA

06/16/2026

Dude….No, you’re not!

🕴🏾🔟🦶🏾👎🏾 on this one!

06/15/2026

Today on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, YWCA South Hampton Roads stands with older adults across our region and the Commonwealth.

In Virginia, nearly 46,000 reports of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation were made in FY 2024, resulting in more than 12,800 substantiated cases requiring intervention. Financial exploitation remains one of the fastest-growing concerns, with older Virginians reporting more than $106.5 million in fraud losses in 2024 alone. Elder abuse can happen to anyone and often occurs behind closed doors. As a matter of fact, it's one of our fastest-growing service populations.

Know the signs. Check in. Speak up.
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult, report it to Virginia Adult Protective Services.

Together, we can help ensure older adults in Hampton Roads live with the dignity, safety, and respect they deserve.

This is why "theWMakestheDifference"! ywca-shr.org

06/14/2026

Before we R.E.S.T. more, we are excited to partner with Medicine and Music on its 1st Circle of Care honoring the incomparable Jayne Kennedy Overton and others in our community.

A trailblazer in journalism, she has broken barriers as one of the first Black women in national sports broadcasting and television, creating visibility for women in media and sports.

Jayne’s influence in advocacy for women and families aligns with and YWs across the country as we honor our mission daily.

Friday’s VIP event was amazing and we can’t wait for today’s celebration! Congrats to our partners, ⚕️and🎵.

06/04/2026

🔥 Men in the Movement. Responsibility in Action. 🔥

What does it mean for men to show up as leaders, advocates, and partners in the work of equity and social transformation?

Join us for "Forged in Responsibility: Men in the Movement," a powerful panel discussion at the Conference on R.E.S.T. featuring community leaders, educators, counselors, and advocates exploring accountability, emotional literacy, community, leadership, and the evolving role of men in social justice work.

This conversation goes beyond talk—it’s about building stronger communities, challenging harmful norms, and creating pathways for collective change.

📅 June 10, 2026
📍 Virginia Wesleyan University
🎟 Register today: https://loom.ly/27Q1Neo

Come hear honest dialogue, gain new perspectives, and be part of a movement rooted in responsibility, connection, and action.

06/03/2026

🔥 WHERE IS YOUR FIRE? 🔥

The countdown is on! We're 7 days away! Join us on June 10 for the Conference on R.E.S.T. (Racial Equity & Social Transformation) — a powerful day of learning, healing, justice, culture, and community.

Start your morning with our Legacy Awards Breakfast (8:00–9:30 AM), where we'll celebrate incredible changemakers making a difference across our region and engage in a special fireside chat inspired by the work of Tarana Burke and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equity.

Then the conference begins! From conversations on housing justice, climate resilience, faith and activism, media and movement-building, restorative justice, community storytelling, leadership, joy as resistance, and even interactive cultural experiences — this year's sessions are designed to challenge, inspire, and ignite action.

✨ Whether you're an advocate, organizer, educator, artist, nonprofit leader, student, or community member, there's a place for you at R.E.S.T.

🎟️ Registration Options:
☕ Legacy Awards Breakfast Only – $60
🔥 Conference Only – $100
⭐ Breakfast + Conference – $150
Register here- https://loom.ly/h7KdjwQ

The question isn't whether change is possible. The question is: Where Is Your Fire?

06/02/2026

🔥 The fire is already burning. Will you be in the room? 🔥

Join us at the Legacy Awards Breakfast Ceremony, part of the 2026 Conference on R.E.S.T. (Racial Equity & Social Transformation), as we celebrate the leaders, changemakers, and organizations whose work continues to advance justice, equity, and transformation throughout our region.

We're honored to welcome Tarana Burke, founder of the "me too." Movement and New York Times bestselling author, for a powerful fireside chat that is sure to inspire, challenge, and ignite action.

Together, we'll recognize:
🏆 REACH, Inc. – Corporate/Nonprofit Legacy Award
🏆 Michelle Reed – Individual Changemaker Award
🏆 Monique Gatling – Chainbreaker Award
🏆 Brenda Andrews – Laura Etta Davis Titus Transformation Award

📅 June 10, 2026
📍 Virginia Wesleyan University

🎟️ Choose your experience:
☕ Legacy Awards Breakfast – $60
🔥 Full Conference on R.E.S.T. – $100
✨ Breakfast + Full Conference Bundle – $150

Whether you join us for breakfast, the full day of transformative sessions, or both, you'll be part of a powerful gathering focused on equity, healing, leadership, and community impact.

Register today - https://loom.ly/h7KdjwQ
Join the movement. Honor the legacy. Be the fire. 🔥

06/01/2026

Be part of the count…Survey Day is coming!!

Save the date! 🕗 NNEDV's 21st Annual Domestic Violence Counts survey day will take place on September 9, 2026.

Each year, documents the number of people who sought services in a single 24-hour period, as well as the types of services requested, the number of service requests that went unmet due to a lack of resources, and the issues and barriers domestic violence programs face in providing services to victims.

Policymakers, journalists, national experts, and advocates at every level rely on Domestic Violence Counts to understand survivors’ urgent needs, the issues and barriers domestic violence programs face, and the funding and policy changes that can make a difference. 🧡

Share this post if you're counting with us this year!

[Image description: Over a teal image of a clock, white and orange text reads: "Save the Date! 21st Annual Domestic Violence Counts Survey Day. September 9, 2026." NNEDV logo above text. The NNEDV logo consists of 66 small house shapes arranged in a large house shape, and text reading: "NNEDV National Network to End Domestic Violence."]

06/01/2026

Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognizing the influence LGBTQ+ people have had around the world.

05/29/2026

🔥 Have you gotten your ticket yet?! 🔥

The 2026 Conference on R.E.S.T., is more than a conference. It’s a call to action! A space for changemakers, advocates, organizers, artists, educators, survivors, and community leaders to gather around this year’s powerful theme: “Where Is Your Fire?” Hosted by YWCA South Hampton Roads, this transformative experience will center courageous conversations around racial equity, social justice, healing, advocacy, and collective liberation; especially in a time that calls for both resistance and restoration.

We are honored to welcome activist, author, survivor advocate, and founder of the “me too.” movement Tarana J. Burke for a fireside chat! Don't miss this powerful conversation centered on empathy, truth, justice, shame resilience, and empowerment.

📍 Virginia Wesleyan University
📅 June 10, 2026

Come ready to be inspired, challenged, restored, and ignited.
Your fire matters. Your voice matters. Your presence matters.

🎟️ Register today before tickets are gone: https://loom.ly/h7KdjwQ

We want to see you here!