Women’s Economic Empowerment Program
YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region advocates for the advancement of local women and families by providing programs and services that promote economic self-sufficiency, enhanced stability, and strengthened community connections. Our Women's Economic Empowerment Program (WEEP) is focused on meeting these goals by offering the educational and supportive programming described below.
Moving Ahead
Moving Ahead is a FREE, 10 hour (five session) workshop series that provides the tools women need to make important financial decisions and work toward lasting economic security. Each 2-hour class meets once per week to enhance our participants’ understanding of subjects like financial abuse, budgeting fundamentals, banking practices, credit basics, loans, saving strategies, and long-term financial security. Participants leave the course with a personalized budget plan and a small monetary reward for completing graduation requirements.
Note: Graduates of this class are not eligible to repeat it.
Next Session:
Wednesdays, 4/8/26- 5/6/26 - 6:00-8:00pm (Zoom)
Pathways to Progress
Pathways to Progress is a FREE, 10 hour (five session) workshop series available to women interested in learning practical strategies to build financial success, community resources, planning skills, goal achievement know-how, overall stability, and best of all, confidence! In these weekly 2-hour classes our program meets women right where they are. Then together, we help them identify and create clear plans of action that empower our graduates to lean into the achievement of their dreams. Participants leave the course with a personalized Action Plan and a small monetary reward for completing graduation requirements.
Note: Graduates of this class are not eligible to repeat it.
Next Session:
Thursdays, 3/5/26-4/2/26 - 1:00-3:00pm (Zoom)
WEEP Works Single Session- “Negotiate Like a Pro”
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 6:00-7:30pm on ZOOM
For Graduates of Women’s Economic Empowerment Program Moving Ahead/Financial course.
Enter your next negotiation fully prepared with the right research, clear data, and a strong understanding of your value. When you take time to gather market comparisons, define your goals, anticipate questions, and outline your key talking points, you position yourself for a more successful outcome. Follow these steps to approach the conversation strategically — and you’ll walk in feeling informed, empowered, and confident in advocating for yourself.
Already Taken Moving Ahead or Pathways to Progress? Enroll in Staying Ahead!
Staying Ahead: Your Ongoing Support System for Program Graduates
Staying Ahead is a FREE community resource for graduates of Pathways to Progress and/or Moving Ahead, providing additional learning opportunities, guidance, and connections to help you stay on track.
We’re here to help you navigate challenges, access resources, refine your goals, and celebrate progress through group meetings, one-on-one support, workshops, and newsletters.
Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep moving forward with a supportive community that’s here for you—every step of the way!
This program is generously supported by both the United Way of Bay County and the United Way of Saginaw County as well as:
Hemlock Semiconductor CARE Grant
Huntington Bank
The Alden and Vada Dow Foundation
The Morley Family Foundation
PNC Foundation
SC Johnson
