Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Jacobson.
Lindsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
YWCA Duluth began in 1893 to offer classes in typing, bookkeeping and domestic service for girls and women entering the job market – every third girl between ages 16-20 was a wage earner and needed support and skills. By 1913, we were serving over 370 meals per day to neighbors who needed it and offered a Traveler’s Aid for immigrants to assist with housing, English classes and info about employment. Our mission was clear from the beginning…we would work to eliminate racism and empower women.
Today, we run a Young Leaders program for motivated women and gender expansive people to connect to local mentors and organize an independent project to create change; offer a social services hub in partnership with Justice North to assist our immigrant and refugee neighbors with essential services; organize around the childcare crisis by convening the Childcare Implementation Task Force; and advocate for the passing of the MN Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) which would secure equality for all Minnesotans. We also create transformative events that center on uplifting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a nonprofit for 133 years is a staggering feat! We have had many trials and tribulations along the way most recently, with the current administration’s allotment of federal funds. Our five pillars include democratic, economic, gender, immigration and racial justice and our work centers around organizing and advocating for these important pieces of justice. We currently do not receive any federal grant money for our programs and initiatives to do the most good in our community. Luckily, Minnesota has a strong backbone of family and community foundations that believe in social justice work that provide opportunities for organizations like ours.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about YWCA Duluth?
Many nonprofits are set up to help a specific problem (ie. domestic violence agencies) but YWCA Duluth is here to fill the gaps with the changing needs of our community. When an issue needs uplifting, we organize and advocate for it. When people need help, we create a program or initiative that makes sense. Currently, we are creating change for immigrants and refugees by offering one-to-one advocacy and a mutual aid fund, figuring out the childcare crisis by convening city officials and childcare professionals, advocating for equal rights through community organizing and coalition work and supporting young women and gender expansive people’s personal and professional growth. We are so proud that we stick to and speak loudly about our values of peace and our support of new Americans and the LGBTQ+ community.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
A lesson I’ve learned is to never give up and to trust in community. There are many stumbling blocks and perceived barriers along the way that can be remedied with collaborative idea sessions and listening to the wisdom others have gained. Generally, problems can be solved with the ideas of those who are most directly affected by them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ywcaduluth.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ywduluth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ywduluth/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ywduluth/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ywcaduluth
