Enriching the Community
412 Elizabeth St. Charleston, WV 25311
Center Phone: 304.952.1351
Center Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or By Appointment
नामांकन आवेदन
अपने बच्चे के लिए नामांकन आवेदन डाउनलोड करने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें।
पूर्ण किए गए अनुप्रयोगों को YWCA मेल वुल्फ चाइल्ड डेवलपमेंट सेंटर, ATTN: निदेशक डार्लिन कैस्टेली में लाया या मेल किया जा सकता है।
Shanté Ellis
Executive Director
The YWCA Charleston's Dooley Community Enrichment program is dedicated to building a vibrant and supportive West Virginia community where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. This program focuses on creating a culture that celebrates various backgrounds, promotes fairness, and encourages collaboration among all members of the West Virginia community.
By appreciating varied perspectives, promoting fairness, and fostering a sense of belonging, we can collectively create conditions where all individuals can thrive and contribute their best to the community.
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West Virginia has a rich history of varied communities. Today, the state is home to people from various backgrounds, contributing to the state's unique cultural landscape.
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The YWCA Charleston has a long history of working to strengthen community bonds in West Virginia. The Dooley Community Enrichment program is a key initiative in this effort.
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The Dooley Community Enrichment program provides educational workshops and seminars, civic-engagement initiatives, and supportive resources.
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Our Katherine "Kitty" Dooley Center for Community Enrichment is committed to working with individuals and organizations from all walks of life to build a stronger and more connected West Virginia.
August 28th
An Evening with Tara Roberts
Date: August 28, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Pre-Event Reception 5:30 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Tara Roberts, storyteller, adventurer, and author of the forthcoming memoir Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand how Tara' exploration connects personal identity with historical truth, and how her book reflects a powerful search for belonging. Don't miss the chance to be inspired by one of today's most compelling voices in storytelling and exploration.
FREE with sign-up required. Register now! Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org
September 4th
Avoiding Fraud and Scams with AARP
Date: September 4, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Join us on Thursday, September 4, from 12–1 PM at the Katherine "Kitty" Dooley Center for Community Enrichment at YWCA Charleston for an empowering session with the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
Learn how to:
✔Spot scams early
✔Protect yourself and your family
✔Gain confidence in fighting back against fraud
This workshop will provide the latest fraud trends, practical tips, and resources you can use right away.
Who Should Attend: Adults ages 60 and older
Extras: Light refreshments will be served
Special Note: We invite all attendees to wear red in support of the event
FREE with sign-up required. Register now! Contact Michelle at mparilac@ywcacharleston.org
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September 16th
EmpowerHer Circles - session 1
Date: September 16, 2025
6:30 PM
We're excited to launch EmpowerHer Circles, a dynamic new space where women come together to grow, lead, and thrive. Part leadership workshop, part support network, EmpowerHer Circles offer a unique blend of skill-building, encouragement, and accountability.
FREE with sign-up required. Register now! Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org
September 20th
Mothers of a Movement: Health, Hope & Healing Series
Date: September 20, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us as we launch Mother's of a Movement: Health, Hope, and Healing, a powerful five-part series dedicated to shining a light on Black maternal health in America. Part 1 sets the stage with powerful conversation rooted in the film Critical Condition, which exposes the deep inequities that shape health outcomes for Black mothers and families.
Target audience: Black mothers and families, healthcare professionals, community advocates, public health leaders, students, and allies who are passionate about advancing health equity. Presented in part by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
FREE with sign-up required. Register now! Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org
Celebrate Heritage
Share the culture of our community through these inspiring videos. Join us as we celebrate all heritages and witness firsthand; the passion, talent, and pride of our community residents.
सांस्कृतिक समारोह
पॉप-अप प्रोग्रामिंग और संचार समुदाय को विभिन्न नस् लों, नस्लों और धर्मों के बारे में जानने और मनाने के लिए (अर्थात ब्लैक हिस्ट्री मंथ, हिस्पैनिक हेरिटेज मंथ, इत्यादि)।
सांस्कृतिक समारोह
पॉप-अप प्रोग्रामिंग और संचार समुदाय को विभिन्न नस्लों, नस्लों और धर्मों के बारे में जानने और मनाने के लिए (अर्थात ब्लैक हिस्ट्री मंथ, हिस्पैनिक हेरिटेज मंथ, इत्यादि)।
Race to End Racism
Thank You for Making the 2025 Race to End Racism a Success!
We’re filled with gratitude following another powerful Race to End Racism—thank you to every runner, walker, volunteer, and sponsor who showed up to move the mission forward!
Your energy, support, and commitment help fuel our work toward equity and justice in our community. Because of you, this year’s race was a resounding success.
And the momentum continues—2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the Race to End Racism, and we’re already planning a celebration worthy of the milestone. We can’t wait to see what we build together next.
To learn more about the race and view photos from this year’s event, please visit: https://www.ywcacharleston.org/race
Your Center for Community Enrichment
The YWCA Charleston Katherine "Kitty" Dooley Center for Community Enrichment is the first of its kind in Charleston, Kanawha County, and possibly the State of West Virginia.
This center aims to be a welcoming place where people from all walks of life experience a sense of belonging. It will house the growing YWCA Charleston Community Enrichment program, which aims to increase community education and understanding and empower leaders with the tools to advance positive social change across Kanawha, Boone, and Clay counties.
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Professional Development and Welcoming Communities
The YWCA Charleston’s Center for Community Enrichment provides programming that creates supportive spaces where open dialogue, shared experiences, and community building can happen for all people, supporting community enrichment initiatives. Specific initiatives will raise awareness and develop actions via speakers, seminars, and training on topics that introduce effective strategies for corporations, organizations, educational, political, and religious institutions at all levels for people at all levels.
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Programming for Adults and Children
The YWCA Charleston’s Center for Community Enrichment will provide support structures to create a strong sense of belonging for all children in the community. Children’s education will be supported through fun and engaging activities that include; hands-on art activities, read-aloud days, crafts, STEAM events, and more. Community members will have full access to our Center's library, featuring a wide range of books for adults and children that support self-education and promote healthy community conversations.
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First-Rate Materials
To fully engage with the community, the YWCA Charleston’s Center for Community Enrichment will collaborate with individuals and community partners that include, but are not limited to, local businesses and other local entities to meet all community members’ needs, provide resources and support, share information, and foster advocacy, towards achieving YWCA Charleston’s mission of “empowering women and eliminating racism.”