Schalois new head of YW travel program

VW independent/submitted information

The YWCA of Van Wert County has a new face for its popular travel program.

Teresa Schalois, a long-time Van Wert resident, recently came aboard as the new travel coordinator.

A meet-and-greet was held January 31, with many long-time travelers and interested parties in attendance, to meet Schalois and gather the latest travel information for trips that have already been organized in the short time she’s been at the YWCA.

“I am still working to fulfill the day trips and mystery trips that are seemingly very popular amongst the YWCA travelers,” Schalois noted.

The mission of the YWCA travel program dates back to 1972 as a way for women to travel and experience life outside of Van Wert in a safe way and become socially engaged with each other. Originally targeted to women, the travel program has grown to serve a broad range of loyal travelers from seniors to grandkids.  The travel program not only generates income for the YWCA as an organization, it also helps develop and broaden experiences outside of the “comfort zone” of Van Wert residents.

The program was developed by longtime travel coordinator Jean Owens, who stepped away from the program over a year ago.

“The excitement builds as we honor the history of this program and look forward to new destinations and experiences in the years to come,” Schalois said.

Some of the upcoming trips scheduled are as follows:

• “Travel with Purpose” trip on Friday, April 27 — A group will travel to Cincinnati to attend the Stand Against Racism Rally in Fountain Square, with an added attraction and tour of the Original Findlay Market.
• A four-night, five-day guided tour in Chicago from April 30-May 4.
• A Washington, D.C., tour from June 21-26, with the newly opened Bible Museum as one of the attractions.
• A trip to Cape Cod/Martha’s Vineyard May 20-26.
• A Mystery Day Trip on June 14.
• A garden tour day trip on July 11.
• A trip to Charleston/Savannah/Jekyll Island from September 16-22.
• A trip to Maine from October 14-20.

For more information on pricing, dates, and more call the YWCA at 419.238.6639, email Schalois at tschalois@ywcavanwertcounty.org or stop into the YWCA  at 408 E. Main St. in Van Wert.