YWCA Darien/Norwalk

Your Financial Headstart - A No-Cost Money Workshop for Young Women Ages 16–24
2026-07-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
Your Financial Headstart: A No-Cost Money Workshop for Young Women Ages 16–24
This workshop is built for you — not a general audience, not a classroom, not a textbook. Just young women, real questions, and the money conversations that actually matter at your stage of life.
In two hours, we go deeper than the basics. Whether you’re in your first job, heading to college, or navigating gig work and irregular income, this is your chance to ask the questions you’ve been sitting on — in a room full of women who get it.
What we’ll cover:

Your first paycheck — gross vs. net, taxes, benefits, and what you might be leaving on the table
Budgeting that flexes with your real life, not an idealized one
Credit scores — how to build one from zero and why it matters sooner than you think
Saving and investing — why starting now beats starting later (we’ll show you the math)
Debt without panic — student loans, credit cards, and what to know before you sign anything

You’ll leave with three hands-on worksheets, a trusted resource guide, and one concrete next step that’s yours to take.
Free. Two hours. Bring your questions — and a friend.

Building Your Investment Strategy: How Smart Women Build Wealth
2026-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
You’ve learned the basics of investing.
Now it’s time to learn how to actually build a portfolio.
Join us for an educational investing workshop designed to help women better understand investing, retirement accounts, portfolio strategy, and long-term wealth building.
Whether you’re investing through a 401(k), IRA, brokerage account, or working with a financial advisor, this session will help you better understand how your investments work and how to make more informed financial decisions.
This workshop is especially designed for:

women who want to better understand their investments
women whose partner or financial advisor currently manages most of the investing decisions
women who want to feel more confident asking questions and evaluating financial advice
women who are investing, but aren’t fully sure what they actually own

We’ll break down investing in a practical, approachable way so you can better understand how your money is working and how to make informed decisions for your future.
Topics include:

Asset allocation and portfolio structure
Diversification and avoiding portfolio overlap
Taxable vs. tax-advantaged accounts
ETFs vs. mutual funds
Expense ratios and advisor fees
Passive vs. active investing
Picking individual stocks
Wealth-building beyond the stock market
How to evaluate whether you need a financial advisor

Whether you’re investing through a 401(k), working with an advisor, managing your own brokerage account, or simply trying to become more financially informed, this session will help you better understand how investments fit into your larger financial life.
This workshop is educational in nature and intended to improve financial literacy and confidence. No individualized investment, legal, or tax advice will be provided.
No prior investing experience required beyond a basic familiarity with the concepts.
Presented by volunteer financial professionals as part of the YWCA Economic Empowerment Program, which hosts monthly financial and career workshops for women.
Transportation, childcare, or scheduling challenges? We still want to hear from you. ecoempower@ywcadn.org

Sound Meditation With Gabrielle Nicole
2026-06-12 09:00 - 10:00 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
Join Gabrielle Nicole, a sound meditation facilitator dedicated to guiding others into deep relaxation, healing, and transformation.

Through immersive crystal alchemy bowl sessions, she helps release stress, calm the nervous system, and foster inner balance.Each experience leaves you refreshed, centered, and renewed.

Gabrielle Nicole, GIA G.G, G.P.
Founder | Sound Meditation Facilitator

Women of Distinction 2026
2026-06-05 11:30 - 14:00 | Shorehaven Golf Club, 14 Canfield Avenue, Norwalk, 06855, United States
Thank you for supporting this inspiring day of honoring local women making a difference! We look forward to celebrating with you on Friday, June 5th, 11:30 at Shorehaven Golf Club.

Youth Empowerment Committee
2026-05-29 - 2026-06-03 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
Middle & High School Students – Make Change. Build Skills. Lead Today!
The YWCA Darien/Norwalk’s Youth Empowerment Committee (YEC) is where young people come together to make a difference in our community. Our YEC meets twice a month to plan upcoming service projects, connect with peers, and explore new ways to make an impact. Through hands-on volunteer work, YEC members are building a stronger, more compassionate world, one project at a time.
If you have a tween or teen looking to get involved and give back to the community, this is the perfect opportunity!
The Youth Empowerment Committee meets in person every other Wednesday from 6-7pm at the YW.
Join the YWCA Youth Empowerment Committee
Membership is free if you click “Junior Membership” on the Become a Member page at www.ywcadn.org.

Digital Confidence for Today’s Workplace & Business
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:00 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
The workplace has changed dramatically over the past decade. Many women – especially career re-entrants, caregivers, and those working outside of tech-forward environments – often feel uncertain about the digital tools now considered “standard” in today’s jobs.
At the same time, women building small businesses or freelance careers are expected to navigate contracts, marketing platforms, client communication tools, and AI systems – often without formal training. This workshop provides a clear, practical overview of the modern digital landscape.
Rather than diving into technical tutorials, participants will focus on building understanding, reducing tech anxiety and identifying which tools are most relevant to personal goals, including:
• Communication platforms such as Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
• Cloud collaboration systems like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
• Project management tools such as Asana, Trello, and Monday
• Design platforms including website building platforms and Canva
• AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude that are increasingly integrated into daily work
• Digital contract and document-signing platforms used for employment and client agreements

YWCA NOWW Monthly Meeting
2026-05-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Scena Wine Bar & Restaurant, 1077 Post Rd, Darien, Connecticut, 06820
Our Network of Working Women (NOWW) series meets once a month and is designed to foster professional growth and personal development. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, returning to the workforce, or navigating career transitions, NOWW is a space to learn, share, and support one another.
This is a YWCA member event. Login to RSVP for the Monday, March 23rd session & save the future dates in your calendar. Not a member, Join Today!

YWCA Spring Happy Hour & Shopping
2026-05-07 17:00 - 21:00 | Darien Commons, 102 Heights Rd, Darien, 06820, United States
Spring is here—longer days, lighter evenings, and the perfect excuse to get together.
Start with shopping at Magnolia Darien, then join us at Lykos Taverna for light bites and your first drink, courtesy of the YWCA.
All at Darien Commons.
Register by May 6 to receive your 15% shopping discount. If you’re unable to shop between 5–7 PM, Magnolia Darien will honor the discount during regular hours on Thursday, May 7.

2026 YWCA Parent Awareness Presents Girl Talk
2026-05-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Tokeneke Elementary School, 7 Old Farm Road, Darien, 06820, United States
Girl Talk: What Every Girl Needs To Know About Puberty
Girls approaching puberty and their caregivers are invited to join Diane Frankel-Gramelis from Yale School of Public Health for a straightforward and entertaining discussion about the physical and emotional changes to expect during puberty This is not a sex talk. It’s a starting point for further discussions about a girl’s changing body.
Note: This program is intended for caregivers to attend with girls who are beginning to show signs of puberty (approx ages 10-12).
Only parents know if their child is ready for this candid talk, which includes visuals and covers topics such as: BO—what’s that smell?; Breast buds and development-what are we training with a bra anyway?; What exactly do I look like down there?; What about discharge? What’s that in my underwear?; and basic anatomy and periods.

YWCA International Club
2026-05-04 - 2026-05-30 | CT
If you’re looking for a place to connect, share, and grow, the International Club welcomes you. You must be a YWCA member to join the International Club. If you are not a member, click here to join the YWCA. Once you register, we will reach out with more information about the club and upcoming events. If you have any questions, please email membership@ywcadn.org.

Sound Meditation With Yoga May 3, 2026
2026-05-03 09:00 - 10:00 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
Join Lindsay and Gabby for a special, one-time experience as Lindsay joins Gabby for a 40-minute, all-levels yoga flow designed to gently release tension, build steady strength, and bring you back into rhythm with your breath. The practice weaves together mindful movement, fluid transitions, and longer-held postures to open the hips, shoulders, and spine—creating both space and calm focus within the body.
We’ll then ease into an extended savasana, where Gabby will guide a 20-minute sound meditation using her crystal alchemy bowls. Each bowl is infused with precious minerals and tuned to specific frequencies, offering a deeply immersive, vibrational experience that works to soothe the nervous system, quiet the mind, and restore energetic balance.
You’ll leave feeling grounded, clear, and deeply replenished.

YWCA Parent Awareness Presents Guy Talk
2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Tokeneke Elementary School, 7 Old Farm Road, Darien, 06820, United States
Guy Talk: What Every Boy Needs to Know About Puberty.
This presentation is led by local expert Dr. Todd Palker of New England Pediatrics to help support parents and their children (recommended ages 10-12) in the sometimes awkward conversations around puberty. Dr. Palker will help teach your son about what to expect as they grow. Material is handled in a straightforward and entertaining manner. This is not a “sex” talk, but a candid discussion about the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty.
Note: This program is intended for caregivers to attend with boys who are beginning to show signs of puberty (approx. ages 10-12).

Parent Awareness Presents - Develop Executive Functioning Skills With Kit Savage
2026-04-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Darien Library, 1441 Post Rd, Darien, CT, 06920

Women & Money: A Learning Series (Spring 2026 Cohort)
2026-04-20 18:30 - 20:00 | HAYVN Coworking, 320 Boston Post Rd, Suite 180, Darien, CT, 06820, United States
To register scan the QR code in the image or click HERE.
Women & Money: A Learning Series (Spring 2026 Cohort)
Our latest Economic Empowerment cohort is designed for women in Fairfield County who want to strengthen their financial skills and feel more in control of their money. Whether you’re creating a budget for the first time, paying down debt, saving for a big goal, or starting to explore investing, this series will give you practical steps and a clear roadmap forward.
This program brings together a group of women for four consecutive weekly sessions where participants will gain practical tools and knowledge in key areas of personal finance, including:
Money Basics & Smart Goal Setting — Choosing the right bank accounts and setting clear financial goals
Credit Confidence & Tackling Debt — Understanding credit scores, reports, and strategies to manage or reduce debt
Budgeting That Works in Real Life — Creating a realistic, personalized budget you can actually stick to
Investing Basics & Your Personal Financial Roadmap — Learning the fundamentals of 401(k)s, IRAs, and brokerage accounts while beginning to map out a long-term financial plan.
This program is provided at no-cost to participants thanks to the generous donations from our community. This session is brought to you by DR Bank.
In-person attendance to required each week to get the most out of the program.
If transportation, childcare, location, or scheduling makes it difficult for you to attend, please reach out to ecoempower@ywcadn.org.

Sunday April 19, AM Sound Meditations With Gabrielle Nicole
2026-04-19 09:00 - 10:00 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820

Understanding Teen Disordered Eating and Poor Body Image
2026-04-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Join us for a confidential webinar where health educator Jackie Owens will discuss the impacts of disordered eating behaviors and poor body image on teen health. This talk will help parents and teens understand the risk factors associated with various types of disordered eating, along with short and long term impacts. She will also cover tools and treatment options for those who might be struggling. We welcome you and your teenager to join us.

About Jackie Owens: As the Health Educator for Stanford University’s Children’s Hospital Inpatient Eating Disorder Unit, Jackie facilitated parent lectures and individualized treatment plans with families. she holds a master’s degree in social work and has over a decade of experience in the public health field, working with diverse communities.

This conversation is being held online, log in details to follow. Please register so we know you are joining!

Thursday, April 9 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Join with Google Meet:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wnh-drgw-inp
Join by phone:

dial: ‪(US) +1 651-447-7677‬
PIN: ‪678 278 130‬#

How to join anonymously (ways to join without your name being displayed):
1) Dial in on your phone instead of video

Tel: ‪(US) +1 651-447-7677‬
PIN: ‪‪678 278 130‬#

2) Join with an incognito browser
3) Change your name in your google settings by doing the following:
Open the Chrome browser.
In the upper-right corner of the browser window, click on the three vertical dots.
From the drop-down menu, click on “Settings.” This will open a new page.
Find “Manage Your Google Account” and select it; again, a new page will appear.
On the left menu, click on “Personal Info” and a new page will appear.
Click on the “Name” field. You may be prompted for your password. Re-enter it.
Change the “First Name” andor “Last Name” field to what you would like to use.
Click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page.
Google Meetings will now display your new Profile name in Google Meets

Parent Awareness Presents: Worry is Not Love w/Life Coach Jessica Depardieu
2026-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Join Certified Life Coach and Owner of Everyday Vitality Jessica Depardieu for a virtual Parent Awareness workshop on a matter that plagues us all: worry.
In this hour-long session, you will explore strategies to overcome your worry and manage fear so you can show up for your children and families grounded with love, trust and confidence.

YWCA Economic Empowerment - Money Systems for Moms in the Early Years
2026-03-24 18:00 - 19:30 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
“Money Systems for Moms in the Early Years (for Families with babies through elementary school)

If you’re raising younger kids and feel like money decisions have gotten more complicated, this workshop is for you. We’ll cover real financial considerations that show up in the early parenting years:

-childcare choices and costs
-managing activities and camp expenses
-building emergency savings while raising kids
-insurance, benefits, and protection basics
-flexible ways to think about saving for the future
-simple systems to stay organized without overwhelm

This isn’t a retirement or traditional college planning workshop. We’ll touch on 529 basics, but the focus is on helping moms navigate the busy, high-spend years of parenting.
***If you wish to attend but childcare poses a barrier, please reach out to: ecoempower@ywcadn.org

Sunday March 15, AM Sound Meditations With Gabrielle Nicole
2026-03-15 09:00 - 22:00 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820

Mahj & Mingle
2026-03-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Zucchero Cafe, 1033 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT, 06820, United States
Mix, mingle, and play with our friends from the Gold Coast Mahjong Club! Join fellow YWCA members for a fun night of mahjong, conversation, drinks, and bites at Zucchero Café in Darien.
There will be two play options available: open ($60), or guided ($75) with Gold Coast instructors.
Cash bar. Food included in pricing.
Register here

Midlife Mastery With Linda Stephens
2026-02-06 11:30 - 13:30 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
Join Linda Stephens for a 2 hour Midlife Mastery session. This session is designed to empower midlife women with practical strategies for nutrition, movement, hormonal health, and lifestyle choices that support long-term wellness.
Topics

Midlife Nutrition & Supplementation
Midlife Movement for Longevity
Hormonal Health & Lab Work Essentials
Sleep, Detoxification & Whole-Body Wellness

Lunch will be provided by The Granola Bar

Playdate at Brownstein/Selkowitz Carousel
2026-02-01 10:00 - 11:00 | The Brownstein/Selkowitz Carousel Pavilion & Nissen Carousel, 30 W Broad St., Stamford, CT, 06901, United States
Newcomers/Playgroups come in from the cold and join us for a fun winter indoor playdate, and take as many spins on the carousel as you’d like.

$2 per ride
Snacks and drinks available for purchase at the cafe
Children under 42” must be accompanied by an adult (no fee for adult)
Accompanying adults must stand with child for the entire ride

RSVP so we can connect you with other members.

Sunday AM Sound Meditations With Gabrielle Nicole
2026-01-25 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820

Annual Coretta Scott & Martin Luther King, Jr Conversation
2026-01-22 19:00 - 20:30 | YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT, 06830, United States
In a comprehensive discussion with leading sociologist, Eric Klinenberg, and state and municipal oﬀicials, we are partnering with our sister YWCA in Greenwich to convene an extensive conversation rooted in Klinenberg’s best-selling book Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequity, Polarization and the Decline of Civic Life. The event will spotlight how third spaces are crucial to our communities and the ways in which we are working to expand and operate these spaces beyond work and home, connecting us all.
This event is one of the YWCA Greenwich Center for Equity & Justice’s signature annual events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through meaningful dialogue that inspires reflection, connection, and collective action. Each year, this gathering brings together thought leaders, advocates, and community members to explore contemporary issues of equity and justice.
Following the keynote address, local and regional community leaders will join the conversation to reflect on the role of inclusive, accessible “third spaces” in nurturing connection, civic engagement, and a sense of belonging for all.
Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KING26

Women of Distinction 2026 Nominations
2026-01-14 - 2026-02-15 | CT
YWCA Women of Distinction nominations are open 1/14/2026-2/15/2026.

For more information, click here.To submit a nomination, complete the nomination form.

We are looking forward to honoring and celebrating the amazing women in our community.

1/13 Mahjong 102 With Gold Coast Mahjong Club PM Class
2026-01-13 19:00 - 21:00 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
Continue to learn Mahjong with Gold Coast Mahjong Club and register for MAHJ 102. You must be a YWCA member to register. LOGIN or BECOME A MEMBER today!
MAHJ 102 LESSON – 2 HOURS | $40
Tuesday, January 13th 7:00 – 9:00pm

Good for returning players, whether you’ve played a few times or it’s been a while, this class will help you feel confident and game ready.
Learn the Charleston rules (blind pass), tile calls, jokers & exposures, hand selection tips from the NMJL card and guided play with strategy support.

If the class is full, email sara.mirsky@ywcadn.org to be put on the waitlist.

Free Prenatal Yoga Class From Family Tree Yoga
2026-01-04 16:00 - 17:00 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
Join Family Tree Yoga & Wellness for a free prenatal yoga class at the YWCA, Sunday, 1/4/2026, 4:00-5:00pm.
RSVP to attend.

From Saver to Investor: A Free Wealth-Building Workshop for Women
2025-12-16 18:00 - 19:00 | YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT, 06820
Many women are strong savers — but hesitant or unsure about how to invest.
This 60-minute workshop helps bridge that gap by offering simple, empowering steps to begin building long-term wealth with clarity and confidence.
Participants will learn:
How to shift limiting beliefs that hold women back financially
The 3 numbers every woman needs to know to start investing with confidence
Beginner-friendly ways to start investing, even with small amounts
Practical tools to make confident, informed financial decisions
Perfect for women who:
• Want to feel more confident managing and growing their money
• Are ready to take control of their financial futures
• Are beginners who want to start investing but don’t know where to begin
Join us for an empowering, accessible, and judgment-free session designed to help women build real financial confidence — and take the first step toward long-term wealth.
Disclaimer: This workshop is educational and meant to help you feel more confident with money. It isn’t personalized financial, legal, or tax advice. For advice specific to your situation, please reach out to a licensed professional.

YWCA Holiday Happy Hour
2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Molto Darien, 102 Heights Rd, Darien, Darien, 06820
Holiday cheer is in the air! Join us at Molto, Darien, for a relaxed evening of drinks, conversation, and festive fun. First drink compliments of the YWCA.

Understanding the Science of Reading
2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Darien Library, 1441 Post Rd, Darien, CT, 06920
Kit will review the important components of literacy including: reading, the writing process and executive functioning.
This talk is appropriate for elementary and middle school parents.
