For 120 years, the YWCA in Hamilton has been serving area women and girls with programs focused on racial justice, civil rights, empowerment, economic advancement and health and safety. But a new program that is about to launch has a different focus: Males.
The Men of Honor program targets boys ages 13 to 18 and offers a means of empowerment to help them find belonging. It aims to guide the boys in becoming respectful leaders, said April Hamlin, the director of development and operations at YWCA Hamilton.
“Men of Honor is a strengths-based group model developed by One Circle Foundation,” she said.
It helps the males “build assets and analyze masculinity beliefs on their journey toward becoming respectful leaders and connected allies in their communities,” Hamlin said.
The program was piloted on a small scale last year, and word quickly spread — the YWCA started receiving so many requests, not everyone could be accommodated.
“In October, thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor through the Hamilton Community Foundation, we received funding that allows us to expand the program, bringing more groups to more schools in Hamilton,” Hamlin said.
Men of Honor will be led by Coordinator Lawrence Floyd. An estimated 125 people will be served through the program leading school-based groups and domestic violence awareness classes in local junior high, freshman and high schools.
Groups begin in January and there may be more at other sites as the schedule opens up. They meet for up to three months for an hour per week.
Hamlin says the YWCA expects the Men of Honor program to be around for many years.
“I’m excited that YWCA Hamilton is venturing into programming for young men. In 2018, there were more than 1,700 reported victims of domestic violence in Butler County,” Hamlin said. “In Ohio, 71% of offenders are male. Men of Honor is male/gender-responsive. More rigid masculinity beliefs are associated with risks of physical violence, school disengagement or school suspensions/expulsions, family problems, substance abuse, impulsivity, mental health disorders, sexual violence and more.
“Men of Honor offers a protective forum to examine these beliefs while expressing core values based in respect. This targeted approach also de-constructs harmful stereotypes/myths about girls, women, LGBTQ people, to reduce harm,” Hamlin said.
CEO and Executive Director Wendy Waters-Connell said the YWCA is focused on the future.
“We are honored to advance an innovative program which builds a future generation of male allies to reduce violence against women,” she said.
YWCA membership and services
“Those interested in supporting YWCA Hamilton and its programs can become members,” Hamlin said.
Membership is open to anyone 12 or older, she said.
“Members help guide the work of the agency by serving on committees or the board of directors.”
YWCA Hamilton programs
• Goodman Place: Apartments serving low-income individuals with supporting housing and mental health services
• Dove House: A domestic violence shelter for victims and their dependent children
• FIERCE Girls: A program focused on providing informal, trauma-responsive groups for girls in grades 3-6 that inspires them to be confident and engaged
• Racial Justice programming that includes workshops, guest lecturer, and performances throughout the year
• The annual Outstanding Women of Achievement awards recognizing women in Butler County
If you wish to donate to or find out more about the YWCA, visit the website at ywcahamilton.com.
Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline
Anyone who needs help because of domestic violence may call the 24-hour crisis hotline at (800) 618-6523.