YWCA Bethlehem announced it has received a Major Grant in the amount of $10,000 from The Provident Bank Foundation to support their YWCA Empowerment Series for women.

YWCA Bethlehem was selected to receive the grant based on its value to promote economic empowerment and workforce development. The YWCA Empowerment Series, or YES, will provide interactive professional and personal development workshops led by respected leaders in human resources, interpersonal communication, and finance. The monthly sessions will be designed for working women who are early in their careers or are considering a career change.

“There are great professional development opportunities for women in our area, but many of them occur during the work day,” explains YWCA Development Director Jen Wanisko. “Without her employer’s support, it is unlikely that a woman can attend a networking breakfast or get away from work to attend a lunchtime seminar. Our Provident Bank Foundation grant will open doors for women who are on their own to find a path forward.” The YES sessions will be held in the evenings and offered for free or low-cost.

YWCA Bethlehem received the check during a presentation Nov. 19 at their headquarters in Hanover Township. Accepting from YWCA Bethlehem were Mahboobeh Shekari, Interim Executive Director and Jen Wanisko, Development Director.

“The Provident Bank Foundation is honored to help further initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of residents in our local area,” said Jane Kurek, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “We are pleased to support organizations that contribute to a sense of community and offer a diverse set of programs that make people healthier, happier and safer.”

The goal of the Major Grant is to support organizations that have identified an immediate need in the community and for the individuals they serve. The Provident Bank Foundation’s funding directly supports efforts to enhance the quality of life in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania communities served by Provident Bank through three Funding Priority Areas: Community Enrichment, Education, and Health, Youth & Families.

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