Team YPC

Here's a look at what Young Professionals Connection (YPC) members have been up to over the past week!

Olympics Opening Ceremony Social

The 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies may have been a bit confusing, but at least more than 50 people got the chance to question them together at the YPC Opening Ceremonies Social last Friday. Hosted by the YPC Diversity & Culture Committee at Saints in Beaverdale, some familiar and new faces got together to enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a little friendly competition.

Many attendees were dressed to impress in costumes representing different countries like Japan, India, Mexico, South Africa, and — of course — USA.  As the ceremonies got started, everyone was split into teams to compete in various competitions. YPs bonded over naming countries, designing flags, playing charades, and choreographing some sweet dance moves. It was a great way to break the ice and spend time with people you might not otherwise have socialized with.

I had a great time with my friends, but also met some new faces. And while my team, “Hot, Hot, Hot” did not come away with the victory, we still had a blast getting to know each other.  Overall, it was one of my favorite YPC events this year!

Alyssa Cashman

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Volunteering at Young Women’s Resource Center

Last Saturday morning, I had the opportunity to volunteer with 13 other YPC members at the Young Women’s Resource Center (YWRC), an organization that believes every girl deserves a life of possibilities. They serve more than 2,700 young women each year.

We helped YWRC on a number of projects in their new building, including organizing in-kind donations and storage spaces, cleaning their childcare room, and putting together bulletin boards for display.

Before we started volunteering that morning, we met a few of their YP members and had a tour of the facility YWRC moved into just more than a year ago. I discovered how large this organization is and the impact they have on young women in the community.

With a mission to embrace and inspire young women to become strong, self-confident and successful, YWRC helps young women ages 10-21 through more than a dozen prevention and perinatal programs, including support groups, individual counseling, and in-school and after-school programs. The YWRC utilizes education and support to create a safe environment for girls where they experience acceptance, compassion, knowledge, and commitment. 

If you’re interested in learning more, getting involved, or volunteering, it’s a great opportunity to give back and do more for young women in the community. We enjoyed our morning and the opportunity to network with and help the Young Women’s Resource Center.

Kristin Schaaf