NEWBURYPORT — The specter of national politics hovered over a pleasant meal Wednesday as YWCA Greater Newburyport hosted its 15th-annual Engaging Communities luncheon.
“The YWCA will continue to stand for its mission and we know there is risk in doing this,” YWCA Executive Director John Feehan said. “But we also know that you will stand with us, stand for a better country, that promotes liberty and justice for all.”
Roughly 75 people, including Ward 2 City Councilor Jennie Donahue and at-Large Councilor Afroz Khan filled Mission Oak Grill’s Steeple Hall to hear Feehan speak.
Tasked with a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, the YWCA is committed to standing against those who try to divide society by race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, Feehan said.
He also emphasized that despite recent pressure from the federal government to abandon diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, his nonprofit organization would not change course.
Over the past 10 years, the YWCA has celebrated people with experienced cancer in their lives, integrated social justice into its school-aged programming, while also providing local affordable housing options, Feehan said.
“But today, we live in darker times,” he added. “Times when our core values are under attack. So we find it paramount to state clearly that we intend to remain committed to our mission and stand against those who would try to move us backwards.”
The YWCA’s recent success, he added, has been its understanding of how racism has played a role in society.
“Better understanding has led to better programs with better outcomes,” Feehan said.
Feehan’s words were well received by the crowd as it noshed on finger sandwiches and pasta salad.
The remainder of the luncheon focused on senior and affordable housing.
With its Residences at Salisbury Square, Market Street Apartments, Roof Over Head Collaborative, YWCA at Hillside as well as Women’s Residence affordable housing projects currently online, the YWCA is also preparing to open its first senior housing program in Methuen.
Having already built seven affordable community senior housing residences from Lynn to Devens, president of 2Life Communities Lizbeth Heyer was the afternoon’s featured speaker.
She started by asking the crowd where they pictured themselves during their 90th birthday. No one said in a nursing home.
Heyer said her Boston-based nonprofit organization offers seniors with an annual median income of $13,000 a chance to age in a community.
“We use that word as opposed to ‘aging in place’ which we associate with loneliness and isolation,” she said. “Aging in community, however, provides community support and connection. It also is a very efficient platform to deliver services.”
Aging is a team sport, according to Heyer, who said 2Life Communities is dedicated to building a supportive team that provide integrated social as well as health services at its facilities.
“Older adults really want to focus on family togetherness, rather than having to rely on their loved ones to help them navigate all of life’s complications,” she said. “Those complexities of aging are exacerbated by the twin challenges of isolation and economic insecurity but also take their toll on older adults.”
Also on the menu that afternoon, the YWCA named Amesbury Housing Authority Executive Director Annmary Connor this year’s community champion.
Past YWCA board president, Danielle Holmes said Connors was being honored for her dedication to expanding affordable housing as well as supporting the most vulnerable of community members.
“A former member of the YMCA Greater Newburyport and president, Annmary helped to bring (the 42-unit affordable housing project) the Residences at Salisbury Square to life. Expanding housing options for those who need them most,” she said.
Connor, Holmes added, truly demonstrates what it means to serve.
“Annmary is a compassionate mom, friend and neighbor but also a dedicated leader and advocate for equity,” she said. “Her care for others shines through with every part of her life.”
Connor accepted her award quietly while posing for pictures.
Staff writer Jim Sullivan covers Newburyport for The Daily News. He can be reached via email at jsullivan@newburyportnews.com or by phone at 978-961-3145. Follow him on Twitter @ndnsully.