05/01/2011 GhostLight Helps YWCA Greater Cleveland Eliminate Racism and Empower Women
CLEVELAND, OH- GhostLight Productions, LLC Chairwoman and CEO Deb Smythe Hermann has been asked to produce two events for the YWCA Greater Cleveland. The first event, The 35th Annual Women of Achievement Awards on May 16, 2011 is followed by the Open House for the YWCA Independence Place on June 3, 2011. Both events are important elements of the vision of the YWCA, which "envisions a community where equity for all is a reality, not a challenge."
Established in 1977, the Women of Achievement Award is one of the most prestigious honors for women in Cleveland. The award, given to 5-6 women annually at a luncheon attended by over 1,000 people, honors women who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, as well as excellence, accomplishments and commitment in their careers and communities. Women chosen to receive this award are role models and mentors. They have played significant roles in helping other women achieve their goals. The award recipients also exemplify the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. GhostLight Chairwoman, Deb Smythe Hermann comments, "The Women of Achievement Awards event is the "Gotta Have" ticket on the business luncheon award circuit, and GhostLight Productions will have a few surprises in store for the guests that will be sure to make the 35th event exciting and different!"
Independence Place is a permanent supportive residential facility for young adults 18-24 years old who have aged out of foster care and have nowhere to turn. Studies show that within four years of emancipation from foster care nearly a quarter of these young adults have been homeless, nearly a quarter have not earned a high school diploma or GED, fewer than half are employed and almost half have experienced significant financial hardships. Such statistics have driven the YWCA Greater Cleveland to its position at the forefront of providing comprehensive services for this often-overlooked population. In 2008, the organization established a program called NIA (Nurturing Independence & Aspirations) for young women, ages 14-24, who are involved in or have transitioned from the foster care system. NIA provides encouragement and support to approximately 100 participants each year.
The recently opened Independence Place is among only a handful of programs in the country offering permanent supportive housing to these young adults as they work toward self-sufficiency. Each of the 23 fully furnished apartments includes a kitchenette, private full bath, air conditioning and a large closet. The facility also offers a community room, laundry room and a playroom for children. Through the NIA program, residents have access to supportive services including classes that teach GED preparation, parenting skills, job readiness and independent living skills.
Formed in 2006, GhostLight Productions, LLC is a full‐spectrum integrated event design, production and management company. With over 60 years combined industry experience, Deborah Smythe Hermann, Chairwoman and CEO, and David Shimp, President and COO, form the backbone of GhostLight Productions. The company's award-winning events and their full commitment to exceeding their clients' objectives have contributed to their unprecedented growth. Visit www.ghostlightllc.com to learn more.