Programs and Events
Want to participate in 2022’s MLK Day of Service but have no time? Why not support a local Social/Racial Justice initiative like YWCA Hanover’s Acceptance Library?
YWCA Hanover’s Acceptance Library is stocked with books for non-readers, students of all ages, and adults.
Ways to donate Amazon Wishlist or monetary donation.
Click here for the Amazon Wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3J97IC1PVY62J?ref_=wl_share
Donations are accepted below.
SAVE THE DATE: The annual Adams County Giving Spree will be held this year on November 2nd, 2023. The Giving Spree is vital to so many non-profit organizations in Adams County. We look forward to seeing you there!
Celebrate Black History Month by participating in an African Dance Workshop on Saturday, February 18, 2023. The workshop is presented by Imani Edu-Tainers African Dance Company from Lancaster, PA.
There are two workshops:
- 12:00-12:30 Mommy/Daddy and Me (ages 4-10)
- 12:45-1:30 Adult/Teen/Kids (ages 11+)
- The cost is $5 per person
- Registration is required! See below.
By supporting the YWCA Hanover Annual Giving Campaign you will:
Contact Janise Bankard for more information!
E-mail jbankard@ywcahanover.org or call 717-637-2125
Create sustainable financial support for vital programs such as Safe Home domestic violence services,
educational programs on domestic violence prevention and cessation, and early learning programs as well as
school-age child care programs for students year-round.
Protect children, women, and men from the tragic results of domestic abuse and violence and educate the
public on ways to end the cycle of violence.
Build bridges to connect community resources through collaborations and partnerships that will decrease
duplicated services and increase efficient and effective services for all people.
Improve the health of hundreds of people, families, and our community by eradicating domestic violence.
Provide opportunities for building life skills, developing self-esteem, self-respect, and growth. Invest in a movement that is dynamic, thriving, and making lives richer, making a mission come alive.
Leverage resources to grow greater awareness and support of YWCA programs and services.
The Banned Book Club will meet on Thursday, March 9, at 6 pm at Something Wicked.
Register below. Seats are limited. If, after registering, you are unable to attend, please let us know so we can open the seat.
Amanda Stuckey will be leading our discussion for the evening. Amanda Stuckey is an assistant professor of English at Central Penn College in Harrisburg, PA, where she teaches writing, literature, and humanities classes. Along with pursuing antiracist, inclusive, and student-centered teaching, she is active in St. Mark Lutheran Church, the Southwestern School District, and other local community initiatives.
All Boys Aren’t Blue covers topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, structural marginalization, consent, and Black joy. Johnson’s emotionally frank style of writing will appeal directly to adults.
Register below. Seats are limited. If, after registering, you are unable to attend, please let us know so we can open the seat.
Register here: https://www.ywcahanover.org/blog/2023/01/09/the-banned-book-club/
Beginners Home Repair for Women
If you want to learn how to do simple repairs around your house, sign up for our free Home Repair for Women series.
- Wednesday, 1/25/23: Plumbing (sink & toilet repair and clogs)
- Wednesday,2/8/23: Basic drywall repair and electrical fixes
- Wednesday, 2/15/23: Troubleshooting other issues
Instructor: Walt Graves from WFX Fire, Lock & Security.
Free but limited to 10 people per session. Register below.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Elementary Classroom: Click here
For more information call 717-637-2125 or e-mail dsmith@ywcahanover.org
Diversity: Employing a team that’s reflective of the society in which it exists and operates. It incorporates all of the elements that make individuals unique from one another.
Inclusion: Inclusion refers to the behaviors and social norms that ensure that people will feel welcome. Creating an inclusive culture will improve productivity and engagement in the workplace.
YWCA Hanover offers the following workshops:
- Fostering an Inclusive Climate
- Unconscious Bias
- Custom Workshops
Instructor: Deb Smith
YWCA Hanover’s Social/Racial Justice Coordinator
After 34 years, Deb retired from the Hanover Public School District as a music/theatre teacher. She holds a BS in Music Education from Millersville University, MA in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Gratz College, and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
For more information call 717-637-2125 or e-mail dsmith@ywcahanover.org
- Basic Women’s Rights
- Definitions of Abuse
- Why It’s Hard To Leave
- Families and Children
- Healthy Boundaries
- Coping with Emotions ofGrief, Fear, Guilt, and Anger
- Assertiveness Skills andTechniques
- Healthy Relationships
- Building Self-Esteem
- Self-Evaluation of PersonalNeeds in -Relationships
PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)
Contact Janise Bankard for more information!
E-mail jbankard@ywcahanover.org or call 717-637-2125
Your company can invest in our community while improving your bottom line. Earn state tax credits while contributing to the YWCA Hanover by participating in Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.
EITC is a PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) program that provides state tax credits to eligible businesses for charitable contributions made to YWCA Hanover.
You are eligible if you do business in Pennsylvania and pay any of several corporate taxes.
Simply visit the PA DCED website and look for the EITC Guidelines for businesses. You will then be able to access DCED’s electronic Single Application system. Upon approval from DCED, you can make your contribution to YWCA Hanover within 60 days.
Applications are approved on a first-come-first-serve basis by date received and approved until available tax credits are exhausted.
Tax credits equal to 75% of your contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year and can be increased to 90% of your contribution if your company agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive years.
Your tax dollars are building little scholars!
We look forward to seeing you for Emerge 2023
Save the date: Friday, October 13, 2023
Click Here for Emerge Home Page
Emerge – The Hanover Area Conference for Women is a one-day professional and personal development event for women that will feature engaging speakers sharing inspirational stories and leading seminars on the issues that matter most to women, including health & wellness, career development, leadership, work/life balance, and more. The conference will offer incredible opportunities for business networking, professional development, and personal growth.
Make sure to subscribe to our email updates to get the most current event information as it is released.
Join us on the following dates as we present YWCA Hanover’s Enlightened Conversations Series with Lisa Smith
Like and follow us on Facebook to keep informed on all of our programs, events, and progress as we grow: https://www.facebook.com/YWCAHanover/
February 9 at 7 pm – Black History Past and Present – with Mayor Rita Frealing
As the first black female mayor in Gettysburg, Mayor Frealing knows about creating history today. She also is well-versed in the stories of black men and women of long ago and how they helped shape the world we share.
March 30 at 7 pm – Climate Change with Dr. Jennifer Pomeroy of York College
Global warming, greenhouse effect, carbon footprint… we hear these terms frequently, but do we fully understand how they impact our daily lives? Or how much our daily habits impact these crucial issues? We will explore that relationship in this discussion.
April 25 at 7 pm – I still can’t get in there! ADA and Accessibility with Rocco J. Iacullo, Staff Attorney with Disability Rights PA
Mention ADA and many of us immediately think of physical access- ramps, wider doorways, elevators instead of steps. Then, why are so many sidewalks, doorways and businesses so hard to access? Join us as we explore both sides of the issue.
May 16 at 7 pm – The most difficult conversation to have with your aging parent with Cathy Bollinger of Embracing Aging
“Mom is sick, and Dad can’t take care of her by himself. Now what?” “I don’t know if my 80-year-old parents even have life insurance, much less funeral plans. They’ve always been very private about such things. How do I get them to talk?” These are sensitive topics for adult children to broach with parents. How do you start? Where do you find information? Listen in to find out!
Spring 2023 dates: January 14th – March 4th 2023
- Program Date: Meets Saturdays
- Program Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Program Location: YWCA Hanover
Register for Spring 2023 here: https://www.ywcahanover.org/girls-loving-life-registration/
Girls Loving Life is for girls grades 2-8 & youth mentors for grades 9 -12. This program seeks to inspire, encourage, and motivate young girls in our community to love themselves and value each other! Girls Loving Life was created by YWCA Hanover.
This is a free program and space is available for:
Girls in grades 2-8 participate in activities, friendships, and fun.
Girls in grades 9-12 participate as mentors, role models, and youth leaders.
Girls Loving Life focuses on five tenets to build self-esteem, encourage kindness, and help girls develop resiliency, grit, and compassion:
Love your body: living your best healthy life
Love your soul: valuing and accepting yourself
Love others: being kind, accepting, and contributing to the community
Love to learn and grow: taking risks, facing challenges, and being a lifelong learner
Love life: celebrating and enjoying each day
Girls Loving Life is made possible through a generous grant from the Allstate Foundation and in partnership with the UTZ Women’s Mentoring Group
“Teaching the girls of today to be the leaders of tomorrow.”
Save the date!
Friday, May 5th, 2023
Contact Janise Bankard for more information!
E-mail jbankard@ywcahanover.org or call 717-637-2125
Why should you give to Give Local York 2022?
We understand that this is an unprecedented time for our entire community, filled with a lot of uncertainty. We also understand that the services these organizations provide have become even more essential to all of us. Our community is hurting and it’s time for us to show that we’ve all got each other’s backs.
For more information, contact Janise Bankard: at jbankard@ywcahanover.org or 717-637-2125
Sit in the comfort of a living room and watch The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks with 4 other people. Following the movie, you will discuss the film and how it impacts the world today.
Register below. There are only 5 spots. Once you register, you will receive the address of our movie host.
Participants should bring a snack to share.
Our first get-together is on February 28 at 6:00 pm.
YWCA Hanover is hosting a Malala Workshop on Saturday, March 18, from 9 am-11 am. Girls in grades first thru sixth will learn about Malala, create art projects, learn basic Spanish, play games, have snacks, and more. Space is limited, and the cost is $15. ALL money will be donated to the Malala Fund, which advocates for girls’ education. Register below.
As a young girl, Malala Yousafzai defied the Taliban in Pakistan and demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education. She was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in 2012 but survived. In 2014, she became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
As part of Black History Month, Deb Smith will give a Marching Down Freedom’s Road presentation. This will include highlights of her Civil Rights trip with the Classrooms Without Borders group. The presentation starts in Atlanta and ends in Memphis. Some sites include the Legacy Museum, the Rosa Parks Museum, the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
Join us on Tuesday, February 7th at 7:00 pm at YWCA Hanover.
On MLK Day, YWCA Hanover’s Upstanders Youth Council will offer a free workshop for students in 7th-12th grade.
Stay tuned for 2023 Day of Service Camp details
Movie Showing Reckonings-The First Reparations
- Tuesday, January 24, 2023
- 6:00 PM
- Guthrie Library
- FREE!!
They met in secret to negotiate the unthinkable — compensation for the survivors of the largest mass genocide in history. Survivors were in urgent need of help, but how could reparations be determined for the unprecedented destruction and suffering of a people? Reckonings explores this untold true story set in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Roberta Grossman, Reckonings recounts the tense negotiations between Jewish and German leaders. Under the constant threat of violence, they forged ahead, knowing it would never be enough but hoping it could at least be an acknowledgment and a step towards healing.
YWCA Hanover Music in the Morning with Deb Smith
Music in the Morning will be offered on Saturday, March 25th, from 9 am -11 am.
Students ages 5 thru 10 are invited to play musical games, make an instrument, and enjoy a snack. Cost is FREE, and space is limited to 12 students. Register below.
Proud Families – YWCA Hanover in partnership with Pride Hanover
Connect with other LGBTQIA+ families in the Hanover Area, share resources and advice, and create a more welcoming environment in the Hanover community, Safe Space for learning & growing.
For information call 717.637.2125 or e-mail Deb Smith at dsmith@ywcahanover.org
Free Event for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-21 and their allies. Families welcome.
For information call 717.637.2125 or e-mail Deb Smith at dsmith@ywcahanover.org
For information call 717.637.2125 or e-mail Rosemary Cintron at rcintron@ywcahanover.org or Deb Smith at dsmith@ywcahanover.org
Become part of a growing movement to raise awareness for Human Trafficking Victims and Survivors who “fall through the cracks of our social, economic, and political systems, or those of our personal consciousness”.
Please join Safe Home and more than 1 million participants all over the world for an act of remembrance for victims and survivors of Human Trafficking in our communities and around the world.
RSVP TODAY to: Rachel Wonder (717)637-2125 rwonder@ywcahanover.org
January 27, 2023
- 10 AM: 18 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg PA
- 1 PM: 23 W Chestnut Street, Hanover PA
Upload your Red Sands Project pictures here: tinyurl.com/ywcahanoverredsands
Coming in January 2023

Shero Referral Form
The goal of YWCA Hanover’s Social/Racial Justice Program is to create a more inclusive and welcoming community. Through education and discourse, we hope to foster sustained civic engagement leading to positive change on issues related to racial and social inequity.
Our Social/Racial Justice pages can be found here: Click Here to get involved
On sale at YWCA Hanover 23 W Chestnut St, Hanover PA 17331
YWCA Hanover Acting Troupe
This group will perform plays locally in the Hanover community.
For more information, please contact Deb Smith at dsmith@ywcahanover.org
Children ages 5-10 years are invited to spend once a week working with puppets, playing theatre games, acting basics, improvisation, and performing skits. Snack is also included. The cost for the class is $45.00 per child.
Mondays: March 6, March 13, March 20, April 3, and April 10.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED Click Here
Questions? Contact Deb Smith at 717.637.2125 or dsmith@ywcahanover.org
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Bus Trip
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Federal support guarantees the Museum’s permanent place on the National Mall, and its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors.
The trip is Sunday, March 5th, and will leave YWCA Hanover at 7:45 am and return by 5:00 pm.
The cost is $50 per person, which covers the cost of transportation.
Please register below, as seating is limited.
Are you looking to get out of the cold and have some fun?
YWCA Hanover Upstanders is inviting any children in K thru 4th grade to come to YWCA Hanover on Saturday, January 28, from 1:00-3:00.
Enjoy games in the gym, music activities, art activities, and snacks. Bring a friend, meet a new friend.
FREE, but registration is required. See below.
YWCA Youth Leadership Council
Upstanders Leadership Council is open to any individual in grades 7 – 12 who has an interest in creating positive change in our community. The supervisory board is comprised of YWCA Hanover staff in partnership with area school district teachers, administrators, and volunteers.
Questions? Contact dsmith@ywcahanover.org
In 1920 women won the right to vote.
Don’t waste it.
For Voter registration and information follow one of these links:
PENNSYLVANIA VOTER Services
YWCA Hanover Safe Home
The community support for what we do is inspiring, and for that, we thank each and every one of the walkers, donors, sponsors, and supporters.
Save the Date!
Friday, August 11th, 2023
The International Men’s March To Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® asks men to literally walk one mile in women’s high-heeled shoes. It’s not easy walking in these shoes, but it’s fun, and it gets the community to talk about something really difficult to talk about: gender relations and men’s sexual violence against women. By wearing women’s shoes, participating gentlemen symbolically put themselves in place of women for the purpose of raising awareness about the dire effects of sexual and domestic assault in our community. Funds raised will help to provide services for survivors of domestic violence.
January 11th, 2023
To raise awareness of human trafficking, we invite everyone to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and share them on social media – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – Tag us and use #WearBlueDay!
Upload your Wear Blue Day photos here: tinyurl.com/ywcahanoverwearblueday
YWCA Hanover is once again hosting this unique networking opportunity. Connect with women in the Hanover area! Learn more about the resources in the Hanover community and strengthen professional relationships!
Stay tuned for new dates!
As a program of YWCA Hanover, the Women of Hanover Network (WHON) serves as Hanover’s leading resource to inspire and empower women in business and the community. WOHN provides opportunities for professional women to make meaningful connections that encourage support, enrich, and encourage both professionally and personally. WOHN is committed to representing the broad spectrum of diverse and talented women in Hanover and surrounding areas.
Women’s Power Breakfast
YWCA Hanover Women’s Power Breakfast events will feature empowering keynote speakers focused on inspiration, motivation, transformation, and activation.
YWCA Hanover is pleased to announce the availability of applications for the “YWCA Hanover Scholarship”. Applications are also available at YWCA Hanover, 23 W. Chestnut St., Hanover, PA 17331, and online here: YWCA Hanover Scholarship Instructions and Application
Applications are now being accepted for this award and are due March 1, 2023, by 5 PM at YWCA Hanover. A selection committee will review the applications in light of the criteria for this award. Applicants for this scholarship should carefully review page one of the attached documents to ensure requirements are met prior to application submission.
The purpose of introducing the YWCA Hanover Scholarships is to provide support to students desiring to pursue higher education. The scholarship aims to grant financial benefits to qualified students. The scholarship empowers and encourages Hanover area youth to believe in hard work, achieve success, and overcome various hurdles of life.
For full consideration of the YWCA Hanover Scholarship, all applications and supporting documents must be submitted to YWCA Hanover by March 1, 2023, by 5 PM at YWCA Hanover.
For all inquiries, please get in touch with Jody Shaffer, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Hanover at jshaffer@ywcahanover.org.