Who We Are
YWCA Vermont is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
At an organizational level, YWCA Vermont recognizes the reality of the Vermont state demographics being predominantly white (Vermont population is 95% white) and the leadership of the organization being predominantly white, as well. Through consultation with other racial justice focused local organizations, YWCA Vermont has identified the need to take time to bring purposeful, action-based anti-racist work to the majority white community we already serve in order to make real change in eliminating racism in Vermont.
YWCA Vermont strives to take a more active role in racial justice issues within the local community by bringing the mission of eliminating racism into our current programming with the greatest intentionality. Through staff training, programming at Camp Hochelaga, Leaders on the Lake and Rise, intentional support of a diverse network of local families through the Circle of Girls+ Scholarship Fund, and by cultivating purposeful partnerships with aligned local organizations, YWCA Vermont is already taking steps to bring the mission to life.
Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.
YWCA MISSION
YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga
Values
As an organization that has served Vermont for over 100 years, we remain rooted in rich history, but our approach to serving our community is centered on our mission aligned values.
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Empowerment
We believe empowerment is the foundation for creating a just and equitable world. We strive to provide individuals with the confidence, resources, and opportunities they need to lead, grow, and thrive. Through education, advocacy, and community-building, we uplift voices, foster leadership, and champion the rights of all people to live with dignity and self-determination. Empowerment is not just a goal—it’s a movement toward lasting change.
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Diversity
We are committed to creating inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued and heard. By embracing diverse perspectives, we foster understanding, challenge inequity, and build a more just and compassionate world. True diversity goes beyond representation—it is about creating a culture where everyone belongs and thrives.
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Compassion
Compassion is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in meeting people with kindness, understanding, and a commitment to justice. Through active listening, empathy, and care, we create spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and supported. Compassion drives us to take action—not only to uplift one another but to transform systems of oppression into pathways for equity and healing.
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Play & Joy
We embrace play and joy as essential to personal growth, connection, and well-being. Through laughter, creativity, and adventure, we cultivate spaces where individuals can express themselves freely, build confidence, and find belonging. Whether in the outdoors, in community, or through shared experiences, we believe that joy fuels resilience and play nurtures both the spirit and the mind. Everyone deserves moments of happiness—because joy is not just a feeling, it’s a right.
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Community
We believe that strong communities are built on connection, collaboration, and mutual support. We strive to create inclusive spaces where individuals come together to learn, grow, and uplift one another. Through shared experiences and collective action, we foster a sense of belonging and empower communities to work toward equity, justice, and lasting change.
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Environmental Education
Through hands-on environmental education, we inspire curiosity, honor our humanity, and foster a sense of responsibility for our planet. By supporting a love for nature and an understanding of sustainability, we empower individuals to take action in their communities and become leaders in environmental justice.
Our Team
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Chelsea Irys Rendlen (she/her)
Executive Director
Chelsea Irys Rendlen is a spiritual activist and author. She holds a M.A. in Spirituality Mind Body, Psychology in Education, from Columbia University that she uses to inform her work as the Executive Director of the YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga. Chelsea has been working in camp spaces since 2017 and is committed to elevating the healing power of camp magic and creating access for all. She is committed to creating socially and spiritually conscious spaces. In her spare time, she operates her Healing Practice, Irys Healing Arts.
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Christine Perry (they/them)
Camp Director
Christine has been part of Hochelaga now for over 20 summers. They received their B.S. in Psychology from NYU with a focus in Child Development. Christine has mentored children and youth ages 8 months through 18 years old through positions in schools, psychological treatment centers, recreational programming, and - of course - summer camps. They have experience supporting children experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, selective mutism, ADHD, autism, learning difficulties, and more. They’re passionate about creating safe and joy-filled spaces that everyone can access and enjoy.
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Lyle Johnston (they/them)
Assistant Camp Director
Lyle started at Camp Hochelaga in 2023 as the Program Director. They shifted in to the Assistant Director Role Fall 2023. They received their B.A. in Studio Art at Hamilton College and received their MSW from the University of Vermont. Lyle has worked in Child Care for almost 15 years in day camps, summer camps, nanny positions, education, therapeutic settings, and as a Personal Care provider for young adults with disabilities. Lyle is passionate about child well being, Disability Justice Policy, and being in community.
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Jillian Aldrich (she/her)
Office Manager
Jillian is new to our team this year! She is coming to us from an Elementary school in Essex Jct, Vermont where she worked as the Office Manager there for 7 years. She is also a "Laga" alumni, and her daughter has been a camper for 3 years.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of women leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for Vermont.
2024 – 2025 Officers
Kris May
President
Renee Rubin
Secretary
Members at Large
Danielle Joyce
Member at Large
Barbara Groff
Member at Large
Cait Taylor
Member at Large
Honorary Member
Jeanne Christensen
Honorary Member
Key Dates in YWCA History
Annual Reports
YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and we’re committed to accountability and transparency in everything we do. Below you will find resources that illuminate our financial position, outline how we allocate our resources, and showcase the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we welcome your support of our mission!
2022
2020
2019