YWCA office opens

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EATON — Public officials and local social service representatives came together on Wednesday, Aug. 24, to celebrate the grand opening of the new Preble County YWCA business office.

The YWCA joins the Preble County United Way and the Mental Health and Recovery Board offices in the MHRB facility at 225 N. Barron St., Eaton.

Prior to a ribbon cutting recognizing the special day, Preble YWCA Manager Courtney Griffith welcomed those in attendance, and introduced Dayton YWCA CEO Shannon Isom.

According to Isom, the YWCA has been serving the Dayton area for over 150 years. The agency is dedicated to “eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”

“Preble County boasts a population that’s 50 percent women, with ¼ having children 18 and under,” Isom said. The YWCA has been providing services in Preble County for a little over five years, and with a local office, the goal is to continue to expand services. This is coming to fruition thanks to federal grant funding, according to Isom, who said the YWCA is excited to join the other agencies “all to strengthen Preble County.”

PC United Way Director Amanda Kopf, who sits on the YWCA board, called this a “very exciting time for the YWCA.”

“I know this is the start of great things to come for Preble County,” Kopf said.

Preble County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Matt Owen, Rep. Jeff Rezabek, Mayor David Kirsch, Commissioner Rodney Creech and other public officials welcomed the YWCA office to Eaton prior to a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

“The YWCA will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life in the area,” Rezabek read from a proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives.

The YWCA’s vision is to “lead the way for every woman to become a driving force behind her own success in a community free of racial and economic barriers. The YWCA works toward the elimination of racism, empowers women to be educated leaders, and supports women in need to be safe and independent.

In Preble County, the YWCA operates the domestic violence shelter. Griffith plans to bring the Girls Inc. program to the area. According to officials, Girls Inc., for teen girls, provides resources and information regarding conflict resolution, healthy relationships, teen dating violence, bullying prevention, interpersonal communication and more.

City, county and state officials attend a ribbon cutting for the YWCA in Eaton on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/08/web1_ywca3.jpgCity, county and state officials attend a ribbon cutting for the YWCA in Eaton on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Eddie Mowen Jr. | The Register-Herald

Rep. Jeff Rezabek presents Courtney Griffith (left) and Shannon Isom (center) with a proclamation during the YWCA’s ribbon cutting and open house Wednesday, Aug. 24, in Eaton.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/08/web1_ywca4.jpgRep. Jeff Rezabek presents Courtney Griffith (left) and Shannon Isom (center) with a proclamation during the YWCA’s ribbon cutting and open house Wednesday, Aug. 24, in Eaton. Eddie Mowen Jr. | The Register-Herald

Dayton YWCA CEO Shannon Isom speaks during the grand opening of the YWCA’s new Eaton office on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/08/web1_ywca18.jpgDayton YWCA CEO Shannon Isom speaks during the grand opening of the YWCA’s new Eaton office on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Eddie Mowen Jr. | The Register-Herald

By Eddie Mowen Jr

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Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4056 or on Twitter @emowen_RH

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