Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Kay Ertel Salutes Diane Glenwright's Work at the YWCA

According to former director Kay Ertel, one award not given during the ceremony was one honoring Diane Glenwright, the organization's executive director.

"One of the best things to happen to us is being able to have Diane Glenwright as our executive director," Ertel said. "She's so shy, but she's turned that place around."

Ertel discussed landmark programs that have occurred at the YWCA since it was founded locally in 1893. In 1912, the first area's first Girl Scouts unit was started by the organization. In 1913, it started a nursery for mothers, opened a cafeteria and began a visiting nurse program. In 1926, it opened an employment bureau for women.

According to Ertel, the organization has remained vital because it has been able to adapt to the changing needs of the community.

When Wise Options for Women - now known simply as Wise Options - was started in 1977, "the early years were quite a struggle," Ertel said. "Today, it is a strong, respected asset to our community."

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