This edition, we spoke with Molly Knipe, CEO of the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
1. What makes the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County communities you serve special?
Anne Arundel County is a relatively large county with both significant wealth and poverty. The gap between the two is quite noticeable and widened both during and following the pandemic. While there is significant need, there is also a wide array of services available to those in need. It was amazing to see the number of services and supports that were established (and continue!) as a direct result of the pandemic. The YWCA sees value in the role we have played in our community for over 100 years, having built interpersonal and professional relationships that have helped to effectively bridge gaps. One of the things that I am most proud of and grateful for is the unified prioritization of survivor needs among elected officials, funders, public offices, community partners and the YWCA team. It has certainly been a group effort.
2. Tell us about the YWCA’s current community prevention efforts.
The YWCA works with Anne Arundel Community College, presenting as part of their credited courses. This occurs multiple times a year and brings awareness on both a personal level and also for students to carry to their professional roles. Advocates also work with schools, civic groups and other youth groups to present specific curriculum designed for prevention.
3. Why are you a member of MCASA?
The YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel has been a member of MCASA for many years. This is a place for Directors to come together and share information and suggestions. It is also frequently a first source of information surrounding what is potentially coming down the pike on both the Federal and State levels. MCASA acts as a resource to organizations, especially during phases of growth and innovation.
4. What called you to your work?
I was in my first year of college and took a psychology class that focused more on how prior trauma impacted future outcomes. I found that interesting and it also provided the impetus for thinking about systems of care. Over time, I fell in love with policy work and also program design, leading me to graduate school. Through internships in both the US and abroad, the work itself was so meaningful. I have worked in both direct service and management positions which has greatly influenced the desire to remain in human services. My favorite thing about working in this field are the volunteers, team, partners and others that wake up everyday with only one priority - to see improvement in peoples’ wellbeing.
5. As we emerge from the pandemic, what are the YWCA's biggest challenges?
The world, both professionally and otherwise, has changed. We have found many people are looking for a remote work experience/opportunity. That can be accommodated for a small portion of an employee’s work time, but not realistic for the type of trauma response we do at the YWCA; nothing replaces face to face engagement. Finding ways to respond to the change in the work landscape has required creativity.
This piece was edited slightly for clarity.
