Our Programs
LEAD (Leadership, Empowerment and Development)
The LEAD program is designed to empower pre-teen and teen girls by focusing on three areas:
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Leadership – Building leadership skills that support self-respect, self-control and positive decision-making skills.
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Empowerment – Challenging girls to explore their world and current issues through engaged and creative learning.
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Development – Guiding and developing character and confidence that will encourage and promote effective communication skills, positive goal setting, and a strong foundation for a successful adulthood.
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The LEAD curriculum is trauma-focus and covers topics such as: self-respect, healthy relationships, goal setting, cultural competency, drug and alcohol abuse awareness, personal, social media and online safety, and effective communication skills.
LEAD is offered at Caddo Parish middle and high schools, as well as community centers and non-profit organizations in the Shreveport/Bossier area.
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LEAD runs the Teen Advisory Council (TAC), for more information click here!
Nurturing Parenting Program
The Nurturing Parenting program provides family-centered trauma-informed classes designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting parenting and child-rearing practices.
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Session topics include: stress and anger management, positive discipline, understanding feelings, building self-worth in children, and communicating with respect. A Teen Moms parenting program is also offered through the Nurturing Parenting curriculum for all teen girls who have children or who are expecting a child.
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Session topics include:
nutrition, self-awareness, developing nurturing routines, CPR, ways to reward behavior and positive discipline techniques.
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YWCA staff are trained Nurturing Parenting facilitators and classes are free and available in-person or virtually.
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Click here to register for the program!
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Trauma Counseling Services
Professional individual counseling is available for women and teen girls who are or have been victims of crime and may be experiencing trauma. Licensed professional counselors who are trauma trained and have EMDR training provide these services free of charge. Sessions are available in-person or virtually.
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Senior Women Victim Advocacy
Advocacy and support services are provided to women 62 and older who have been victims of crime. Services include emotional support, information and referral, legal and court system advocacy, linkage with local resources for seniors, assistance with personal needs and access to services. Educational programs are also available focusing on personal safety, crime prevention, elder abuse, and local resources and services that are available.
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Racial Justice Program
The YWCA offers Dialogue on Race groups on an ongoing basis as part of its Racial Justice Program. Dialogue on Race is a 6 week educational program bringing together a diverse group of up to 15 persons led by trained facilitators utilizing a curriculum of Dialogue on Race Louisiana. Groups meet virtually or in-person and the fee for the program is $25 for the 6 week series.
Community and online forums on various topics relating to race and racism are also led by the YWCA and local trained facilitators and experts on a quarterly basis.
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Restart Program
The Restart Program is designed to empower women impacted economically or women who are looking for a better job. The program helps women prepare for and create strategies for enhancing their work-related skills to re-enter the job market or secure higher paying jobs. Program sessions include a personalized assessment and an empowerment strategy plan that facilitates a smooth transition back into the workforce. Services also include instructions on completing online applications, networking, agency referrals, resume writing, social media recruiting, and comprehensive career guidance. Virtual and in-person options available. Click here to register for the program!
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YW Strive works in conjunction with the Restart program and builds on traditional economic empowerment programming to provide women with the basic digital skills needed to gain sustainable employment. This program helps participants define career goals, gain confidence, and expand income earning potential. The goal of the program is to increase employment opportunities by providing digital and workforce skills. This is a curriculum-based program that uses a hybrid model to deliver modules that are trending and relevant in today’s workplace.
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