The YWCA's mission

For more than 90 years, the YWCA of Maricopa County has built a tradition of interfaith relationships through our mission to empower women and eliminate racism. We believe in tolerance, inclusiveness, mutual respect and equality.

These principles apply not only to the organization but also to us as individual members of our community.

There has been some confusion and, unfortunately, misperceptions about this organization's position on the situation in the Middle East. As an organization, we stand behind the YWCA of the USA in its opposition to a resolution by the World YWCA regarding Palestine entitled "For Freedom and Dignity in the Middle East." (See story on Page 5 and "Resigning in Protest," Jewish News, Nov. 26.) Through the executive committee of our board, we endorsed a Statement on the Study of Global Conflict developed by the Southwest Delta YWCA Regional Council in September in reaction to the World YWCA resolution. We expect to ratify our position as a full board at our meeting on Dec. 6.

Many people have been hurt or killed as a result of the explosive situation in the Middle East. We deplore violence in all forms. We would prefer to see resolution of the situation by working with all stakeholders to develop a reasonable, practical and useful plan to bring peace, justice and equality to the Middle East. To that end, we are proactively pursuing opportunities for ongoing dialogue with the Jewish community to build broader mutual understanding about these critical issues.

Looking back, we probably should have communicated our position more effectively before now. We did not and we deeply regret any hard feelings this may have caused to our friends in the Jewish community, and for any confusion that may have surfaced regarding this organization's commitment to balance, tolerance and diversity.

What is equally important for this organization is that we continue moving forward to identify and find solutions to issues affecting our own community by staying steadfastly focused on our priority at home: serving the people who need our help - abused and homeless women and their children, the low-income elderly and youth at risk.

We cannot lose sight of those we serve.

Since 1989, when The Thunderbirds Haven House first opened its doors as a refuge for homeless or abused women and their children, we have served more than 800 people. In addition to shelter and clothing, Haven House provides educational support and other services.

Every day, the YWCA home delivers nearly 200 meals - 51,000 a year - to homebound low-income elderly and disabled senior adults and veterans. We serve more than 48,000 group meals annually at four senior centers. And, the YWCA, the Sun Valley Gleaners and Westside Food Bank distribute supplemental foods for the elderly to take home, including almost 8,000 bags of groceries and 21,000 loaves of bread.

For young people, the YWCA's Teen Scene has provided mentoring, recreation and educational development for more than 800 unduplicated at-risk West Valley youth since 2000 in a partnership with the City of Glendale Parks and Recreation Department.

These vital services and programs reflect the value, the mission and the commitment of the YWCA of Maricopa County and represent - in very real terms - how this organization meets the needs of those who cannot do it on their own.

As a social services organization, we rely on the selfless dedication of our volunteers and the generous financial support of our sponsors and donors to make life easier for so many men, women and children who have known only hardship.

And, as we move forward, will continue to fill their plates with food and their lives with hope.

Herb Paine is the interim executive director of the YWCA of Maricopa County.

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