We’re Feeling 2022

Happy New Year, YES Community,

I can hardly believe it’s already halfway through January of 2022! I can’t help but reflect on the last time I was writing a blog like this – at the tail end of 2020, a time of so much unknown and a lot of hope for the new year. 2021 was a whirlwind, personally and across our community. There were challenges, tragedies, and changes that affected us all – but so many celebrations and milestones as well. When it comes to YES, we were able to celebrate raising over $30,000 in 2021 to benefit Dress for Success Columbus, not to mention the innumerous volunteer hours and in-kind donations that advanced our mission of women’s empowerment in Central Ohio. 

And while this milestone is certainly worth the excitement, I can’t help but be proudest of the momentum we have created for the future. In 2021, we met challenges with solutions and uncertainty with innovation. But we’re just getting started – and I hope you’ll continue to join us. Here are just a few of the opportunities we’re looking forward to in 2022:

Increased Volunteer Opportunities

One of YES’s primary objectives is to create evening and weekend volunteer opportunities for Dress for Success supporters who may not be able to visit the boutique during typical working hours. We are so excited to announce that we are increasing our After Hours volunteer opportunities in 2022 – not only will we continue to host our monthly AH on the first Thursday of each month, but we’re adding bi-monthly Saturday morning events as well! YES will also continue to support the FAB (fill-a-bag) Sale series, including volunteer hours to prepare for the sale. We remain cautiously optimistic about the return of evening Suiting opportunities, and are working collaboratively with the DFS team to ensure we show up and show out whenever possible! 

A Focus on Community

Remember the momentum I mentioned earlier? A BIG part of that has been our incredible YES community and their enthusiasm for our mission. We launched our formal membership program in 2020 and saw it take off in 2021. So in 2022, we want to keep creating informal and formal opportunities for our community to grow – including continuing our bi-monthly Member Meet-Ups. We intend to create space at all of our events for conversation and connection. I know from experience how intimidating it can be to join a new group on your own – but YES is here to empower you, which means we are excited to get to know you! I encourage you to join us – if you’re looking for your chance, there might be a hint about our upcoming Galentine’s Day event in the January newsletter.

Advance the Mission

Did you know that half of the 2022 YES Executive Board were members before they joined? I am always so inspired by the opportunity to work with such incredible people towards a common goal. If you’re looking to get more involved this year, consider joining a committee! In 2022 we’re establishing standing committees for both Communications and Membership, as well as individual Event committees, including a group to help plan our signature event, CHEERS to Success. Be on the lookout for more information on our socials, in the newsletter, or feel free to reach out to yes@dfscmh.org to let us know you’re interested!

There’s always such excitement when the new year comes – it’s a time of reflection, renewal and opportunities to make a better world, for ourselves and for Columbus. I hope the new year proves to be just as exciting for you – and if YES can play any part in making it your best year yet, then that’s what we’re here to do!

Here’s to another challenging, changing and celebratory year!

Brenna, YES! Columbus 2022 Board President