“In diversity, there is beauty and strength.” – Maya Angelou.
Traditions Bank appreciates all of the nonprofits leading the charge to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. These organizations have worked exceptionally hard this year as they’ve fought to meet our community’s needs through the COVID-19 pandemic. During our 18th anniversary month celebration, we are donating to 18 organizations that do important work in the communities we serve.
This week, we highlighted five nonprofits who are making our community stronger by ensuring that diversity is celebrated while working towards equity for all. Each of the organizations below received $1000 to support their missions in honor of our customers.
Day of Giving #10
Rainbow Rose Center/ York Equality Fest
The Rainbow Rose Center is all about community – they believe that every person in our community should feel safe and welcome to live their truths without fear. They believe that all people should have their identities respected. The Rainbow Rose does not discriminate in any of their activities or operations, especially regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. They provide resources and referrals, information and advocacy, training, and workshops, in addition to special events.
The Rainbow Rose Center hosts several annual community-connecting events enjoyed and celebrated in York since 2014. These events include Equality Fest Jr., their Youth Pride event; Equality Fest, York’s Inclusive Answer to Pride; Coming Out Day Celebration, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community; and Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil, remembering the lives tragically lost to violence. The Rainbow Rose Center also hosts monthly peer-support group meetings for the transgender and gender non-conforming community of York County. They are looking to expand their support programs in the coming year.
Day of Giving #11
Latinos Unidos of York
Latinos Unidos of York empowers the Latino community and strengthens bonds to promote social, civic, and economic integration of Latino families in the York area. They see a vibrant, connected Latino community that reaches its full potential, achieves educational and economic success and develops skills to transform lives.
Recently, Latinos Unidos of York assisted a York County family that lost their home in a fire. Latinos Unidos worked with the New American Welcoming Center and other York County nonprofits to get the family temporary housing, translation services, and assistance with the essentials they needed.
Day of Giving #12
The Program “Its About Change”
The PROGRAM, “It’s About Change,” Inc., is committed to providing resources and encouragement to individuals reentering our community. Because the first days, weeks, and months of freedom for returning citizens are the most critical to their success, The PROGRAM, “It’s About Change,” is determined to provide resources to individuals looking to re-establish a productive life after incarceration. Their programs include housing assistance, workforce development, mentoring, and family reunification. They are committed to helping those returning to our community and their families in any way they can.
Day of Giving #13
Pride Festival of Central PA
Since 1992, the Pride Festival of Central PA has held an annual festival each summer to promote awareness and showcase organizations and businesses available to the LGBTQIA+ and straight-ally community. Pride Festival weekend provides a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ and straight-ally community to celebrate their diversity and support local economic growth by partnering with the community and attracting individuals to Central Pennsylvania.
Day of Giving #14
YWCA Lancaster, Racial Equity Institute
The YWCA Lancaster remains committed to advocacy against the oppression that many marginalized groups and individuals endure. During these unprecedented times, everyone is trying to understand and respond as quickly as possible. The YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women is more crucial now than ever before.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, the YWCA Lancaster invested in the Racial Equity Institute to update, reimagine, and reform the program. Balancing the urgency of our current national dialogue and the health concerns of COVID-19, the program now includes 12 hours of in-person training over 3 days (utilizing physical distancing), with approximately 2 hours of “at your own pace” online participation, all during a 5-day period.
The YWCA Lancaster is committed to meeting the need for information by providing this deeply impactful and life-changing material to the community every month at an affordable rate. They provide public offerings, including a social justice book club, Racial Equity Lunch and Learns, community discussions, and more.
We continue our 18 Days of Giving next week by highlighting nonprofits addressing Homelessness/ Housing Stability.
Learn how we partner with our community, ‘Beyond Banking’