About Our Events

Advocacy & Resource Services
Date: Every Tuesday (except for holidays)
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Find validation, peer support, and healing in a safe, confidential space with others who understand. This group meets in-person on the the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, and virtually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. 5th Tuesdays will default to meeting virtually. Contact our Advocacy and Resource Services office at 616.426.3727 or reach out through our chat.

Advocacy & Resource Services
Date: Every Wednesday (except for holidays)
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Find validation, peer support, and healing in a safe, confidential space with others who understand. This group meets virtually on the the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, and in-person on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. 5th Wednesdays will default to meeting virtually. Contact our Advocacy and Resource Services office at 616.426.3727 or reach out through our chat.

Signature Event
Date: June 6, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: LMCU Ballpark

Annual traditional event hosted by the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan-Western Region to engage women lawyers and area judges in a friendly and fiercely competitive softball game. All proceeds go to the YWCA as well as amplifies our visibility in the community to reach as many survivors as possible; demonstrating that legal professionals stand against violence.

Date: July 18, 2026
Time: 11:00am - 2:00 pm

Summer Connections is a relaxed, family-friendly event that brings together YWCA supporters, staff, and community partners to celebrate the spirit of connection and collective action. Guests enjoy music, games, and local food while experiencing firsthand how generosity fuels the YWCA's mission. The afternoon will showcase YWCA programs and community partners working together to inspire connection and drive change.

Date: August 6, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: YWCA 25 Sheldon Ave GR MI 49503

Youth Empowerment is a back-to-school event connecting youth and families with the YWCA's youth empowerment and leadership programs, community resources, and essential school supplies. The goal is to help every student begin the school year with confidence, connection, and support.

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: Doors Open 5:00 pm | Program 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Wealthy Theatre

Voices in Harmony unites local artists and community members for an evening that celebrates creativity as a catalyst for change.

Featuring music from: Rihanna, Elton John and Whitney Houston.

Featured Artist: Avalon Cutts-Jones Music

Wealthy Theater
1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Signature Event
Date: September 17, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Goei Center

The Iron Chef Strolling Gala is a culinary competition and community celebration that brings together local chefs, community leaders, and YWCA supporters for an unforgettable evening. Guests enjoy tastings, live entertainment, and the thrill of friendly competition as they vote for the next Iron Chef YWCA. The event raises essential funds to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, creating a space where creativity, purpose, and community come together.

Young Philanthropist Networking Night
Date: September 2026
Time: TBD
Location: Miller Johnson - 45 Ottawa Ave SW #1100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Emerging Voices is a high-energy networking night that brings together young professionals, community leaders, and YWCA supporters to connect, collaborate, and inspire one another.

Through conversation and shared purpose, attendees explore how their leadership and philanthropy help advance the YWCA's mission and shape a stronger, more equitable future.

Date: October 15, 2026
Time: 5:30pm - 8:00 pm
Location: YWCA West Central Michigan

A community gathering that honors survivors, raises awareness, and mobilizes support to end domestic and sexual violence, all while raising critical funds for YWCA programs that help individuals heal and thrive.

Signature Event
Date: Thursday, January 14, 2027
Time: 7:30 am - 9:30 am
Location: TBD

Vision Forward brings together community leaders, changemakers, advocates, and partners who are committed to advancing social justice and strengthening the systems that support survivors and families in our region.

Deb O’Leary, CEO, will share a State of the Organization address that highlights recent achievements, current priorities, and the strategic direction guiding the YWCA’s next phase of work. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how the YWCA West Central Michigan continues to expand access to safety, healing, and opportunity while confronting the barriers that stand in the way of equity.

Date: February 26, 2027
Time: TBD
Location: TBD

Rooted in Resilience celebrates the deep roots of Black leadership, artistry, and community impact that have shaped the YWCA West Central Michigan. This event honors the trailblazers who paved the way while spotlighting today's Black entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers who continue to uplift and inspire through music, art, food, and storytelling.

Signature Event:
Date: March 9, 2027
Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: TBD

Join us for In Her Honor, an annual luncheon recognizing the women whose leadership, ideas, and vision help shape a more just, equitable, and inclusive West Michigan. This gathering brings together leaders, advocates, and community partners to celebrate women across our community, honoring the many ways womanhood and leadership are lived, expressed, and experienced.

Signature Event
Date: April 28, 2027
Time: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Location: TBD

Arise! is the YWCA’s annual spring luncheon that creates space to examine the issues that continue to shape our community and the work that calls each of us to act, while acknowledging progress and moving forward together toward a more just and inclusive future.

Signature Event
Date: August 6, 2027
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: YWCA West Central Michigan 25 Sheldon Ave SE GR 49503