Affordable Housing Creates a Foundation for Positive Change

Having taken part in the YWCA's Affordable Housing program for over a year, Yolanda, discovered Jeannette Wall's autobiography, The Glass Castle, at the library, not knowing Jeannette was going to speak at the YWCA's 2010 Empowering Women Luncheon.  

After reading the description of The Glass Castle, Yolanda started reading the book to her two pre-teen children because she felt Jeannette's story had many similarities to her own and she especially wanted to pass on the message that if you work hard, you can make positive changes in your life.

Reading The Glass Castle to her children, Yolanda talked with them about how Jeannette and her siblings overcame many challenges they faced growing up.  She drew parallels to her family's own recent experiences, noting how their situation had improved since they came to the YWCA and how, with hard work, they will continue to overcome any challenges that they may face as a family.

After finishing the book, thanks to the generosity of event donors, Yolanda was able to attend the 2010 Luncheon with other YWCA program participants and even meet Walls after the event.