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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।

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Shanté Ellis
Executive Director
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The YWCA Charleston's 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.

  • 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.

  • The YWCA Charleston has a long history of working to strengthen community bonds in West Virginia. The Community Enrichment program is a key initiative in this effort.

  • The Community Enrichment program provides educational workshops and seminars, civic-engagement initiatives, and supportive resources.

  • 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.

June 12th 

Join us for a meaningful and fun-filled event as we shine a light on the importance of protecting and respecting our elders.  Enjoy free food, fun activities, bingo, and giveaways while learning how to work together to build a safer, more compassionate community for all generations.

*This event is intended for adults 60 years of age and older.

All attendees are encouraged to wear purple. 

Date: June 12, 2025

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: 412 Elizabeth Street

Charleston, WV 25311

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June 21st 

AJoin YWCA Charleston for the annual "Juneteenth Freedom Ride" from the YWCA Katherine "Kitty" Dooley Center for Community Enrichment to the Gauley Bridge. 

Date: June 21, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM 

Starting Location:

412 Elizabeth Street

Charleston, WV 25311

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June 12th 

Join us for a meaningful and fun-filled event as we shine a light on the importance of protecting and respecting our elders.  Enjoy free food, fun activities, bingo, and giveaways while learning how to work together to build a safer, more compassionate community for all generations.

*This event is intended for adults 60 years of age and older.

All attendees are encouraged to wear purple. 

Date: June 12, 2025

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: 412 Elizabeth Street

Charleston, WV 25311

Elder Abuse Awareness Month (4).png

July 10 

ZOOLOGY ZONE SCIENCE

Thursday, July 10

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Ages 6–12 | FREE – Sign up required


Get ready to explore the amazing world of animals in this hands-on, fun-filled science workshop! Designed especially for young explorers ages 6–12, this event gives kids a chance to interact with real animals and learn exciting zoology facts in an engaging environment. Space is limited—sign up early!

FREE with sign-up required
Register now!

Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org

June 12th 

Join us for a meaningful and fun-filled event as we shine a light on the importance of protecting and respecting our elders.  Enjoy free food, fun activities, bingo, and giveaways while learning how to work together to build a safer, more compassionate community for all generations.

*This event is intended for adults 60 years of age and older.

All attendees are encouraged to wear purple. 

Date: June 12, 2025

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: 412 Elizabeth Street

Charleston, WV 25311

Elder Abuse Awareness Month (4).png

July 15 

WV STARBASE CHARLESTON

Tuesday, July 15

Two Sessions
Ages 9–12 (3rd – 5th grade)

FREE – Sign up required


Join us for a high-tech, hands-on STEAM experience like no other! STARBASE Charleston is bringing an inquiry-based science and technology adventure to kids ages 9–12. Through exciting simulations and interactive activities, kids will learn through exploration and imagination.

FREE with sign-up required
Register now!

Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org

STARBASE.png

July 15 

WV STARBASE CHARLESTON

Tuesday, July 15

Two Sessions
Ages 9–12 (3rd – 5th grade)

FREE – Sign up required


Join us for a high-tech, hands-on STEAM experience like no other! STARBASE Charleston is bringing an inquiry-based science and technology adventure to kids ages 9–12. Through exciting simulations and interactive activities, kids will learn through exploration and imagination.

FREE with sign-up required
Register now!

Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org

STARBASE.png

June 12th 

Join us for a meaningful and fun-filled event as we shine a light on the importance of protecting and respecting our elders.  Enjoy free food, fun activities, bingo, and giveaways while learning how to work together to build a safer, more compassionate community for all generations.

*This event is intended for adults 60 years of age and older.

All attendees are encouraged to wear purple. 

Date: June 12, 2025

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: 412 Elizabeth Street

Charleston, WV 25311

Elder Abuse Awareness Month (4).png

July 15 

WV STARBASE CHARLESTON

Tuesday, July 15

Two Sessions
Ages 9–12 (3rd – 5th grade)

FREE – Sign up required


Join us for a high-tech, hands-on STEAM experience like no other! STARBASE Charleston is bringing an inquiry-based science and technology adventure to kids ages 9–12. Through exciting simulations and interactive activities, kids will learn through exploration and imagination.

FREE with sign-up required
Register now!

Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org

STARBASE.png

July 19 

THE FUTURE IN ART EXHIBIT

Saturday, July 19

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Ages 13 and up

FREE – No registration required


Celebrate the vision and voices of our local youth at The Future in Art Exhibit! This inspiring showcase features artwork, photography, and interactive displays created by young adults ages 13 and up. Come support the next generation of artists and creatives!

FREE with sign-up required
Register now!

Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org

Future In Art Exhibit.png

June 12th 

Join us for a meaningful and fun-filled event as we shine a light on the importance of protecting and respecting our elders.  Enjoy free food, fun activities, bingo, and giveaways while learning how to work together to build a safer, more compassionate community for all generations.

*This event is intended for adults 60 years of age and older.

All attendees are encouraged to wear purple. 

Date: June 12, 2025

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: 412 Elizabeth Street

Charleston, WV 25311

Elder Abuse Awareness Month (4).png

July 15 

WV STARBASE CHARLESTON

Tuesday, July 15

Two Sessions
Ages 9–12 (3rd – 5th grade)

FREE – Sign up required


Join us for a high-tech, hands-on STEAM experience like no other! STARBASE Charleston is bringing an inquiry-based science and technology adventure to kids ages 9–12. Through exciting simulations and interactive activities, kids will learn through exploration and imagination.

FREE with sign-up required
Register now!

Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org

STARBASE.png

July 30 

LIFE, MONEY & CHOICES

Wednesday, July 30 

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Ages 13–18

FREE – Sign up required


Teens ages 13–18 are invited to join Truist and the Dooley Center for a unique personal finance workshop. Participants will move through simulation stations to explore real-life financial scenarios, build skills, and gain the confidence to make smart money choices.

FREE with sign-up required
Register now!

Contact Shanté at shante@ywcacharleston.org

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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 नस्लों, 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)।

Outdoor Seating

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.

01

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.

02

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.

03

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.”

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