YWCA Enid Announces their 2023 Volunteer of the Year

Each year, the YWCA recognizes one person or group who goes above and beyond volunteering their time. Our 2023 Volunteer of the Year made a profound impact on our agency, clients, and staff. For two decades, she generously gave of her time and talents to ensure victims of abuse have a safe place to heal.

We hate that we’re unable to present this to her personally, but we are so glad for the opportunity to celebrate and remember our dear friend and YWCA Champion, Norma Ferguson, YWCA Enid’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year.

Norma served on the YWCA Board of Directors in multiple leadership roles, including Board Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, and Crisis Center Committee Chair. She was instrumental in the Leadership Luncheon – now Purses with Purpose – and cleaned and inventoried purses for auction every year - even up to last year as her health was declining, so she could ensure Meri was taught everything she knew. Norma also helped with Girl Power and Christmas for our clients while on the Board.

 Norma was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2006, making her the only person to ever receive this award twice. She was also selected as the 2013 Woman of the Year; one of her nominations noted Norma as “the most selfless and tireless worker [this individual had] ever known” and “a significant and forceful contributor to the community and the YWCA.”

 Outside of YWCA, Norma was active in P.E.O. Chapter FS, serving as President in 2006 and at some point, as all of the Officers. She was a Sustaining Member of Junior Welfare League, a past Board Member of the Red Cross, Phillips University Alumni Association, Hedges Speech & Hearing, and the Garfield County Mental Health Association. Norma and her husband, Tim, attended Central Christian Church.

 She truly embodied our mission of empowering women to reach their full potential. Norma was the YWCA’s biggest cheerleader, always available to help where needed, offer encouragement and advice, or surprise staff with breakfast “just because.” She was the epitome of selflessness and leaves a beautiful legacy of service and love.

She really was an inspiration. May we all strive to be like Norma. We plan to honor her with a permanent memorial bench at the YWCA so her legacy will live on and inspire others.