Your Support is Needed! Our Spring Campaign Ends June 30th
It is hard to imagine the turmoil of escaping human trafficking. This was Trinity’s reality. Arriving at YWCA Clark County in a state of panic and confusion, Trinity was desperate for a safe way forward. After speaking with our compassionate sexual assault advocates, she found clarity and immediate assistance. We swiftly secured a hotel room for her and arranged travel so she could reunite with her family across the state. Although shaken, Trinity left with newfound confidence about her future.
Stories like Trinity’s highlight the critical need for your support. Every gift you make contributes to providing therapy, support groups, advocacy, and legal assistance to survivors like Trinity. And right now, your donation can have an even greater impact. With $15,000 in matching funds available until June 30th, your gift will be doubled. A $20 donation becomes $40, doubling the support for survivors in our community.
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Celebrating 50 Years of Empowerment with Our SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program
This year, we celebrate the monumental 50th anniversary of the YWCA Clark County SafeChoice Domestic Violence program, which has been providing support for victims of domestic violence since the early 1970s. It all began with four visionary women, known as the Esther Short Lunch Bunch. Over casual lunches in the park, they crafted a plan that would change lives: pooling their resources to rent an apartment that served as a refuge for women escaping violent relationships. This grassroots effort marked one of the nation's first programs dedicated to helping domestic violence survivors and the start of our SafeChoice Domestic Violence program.
Over the past five decades, SafeChoice has evolved significantly. From its beginnings with a single apartment, the program has grown into a support system for thousands of survivors. Just last year, we opened a newly renovated, state-of-the-art shelter that provides a safe, welcoming environment for those fleeing dangerous situations often with only the clothes on their backs. To this day, our shelter remains the only gender-inclusive emergency domestic violence shelter in Clark County.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate this anniversary, but it does not come without the reminder that our work is far from over. The ongoing support from our community is crucial as we continue to extend our reach and enhance our services. Each year, the need grows, and so does our resolve to meet it with compassion and care.
Transform a Space, Transform a Life with Adopt-A-Room
In conjunction with our anniversary, we invite you to become a sponsor of our Adopt-A-Room program. By adopting a room, you help create a safe and nurturing environment where survivors can begin to heal at our SafeChoice Domestic Violence Shelter.
Room Sponsorship Opportunities:
Communal Rooms: $10,000 to sponsor vital spaces like the kitchen and living areas
Private Bedroom in Shelter: $5,000 helps provide a safe, private space for a survivor and their families to heal
Transitional Housing: $2,500 offers stability to survivors and their children for up to a year
Your sponsorship will be recognized with a nameplate by the room, a listing on our website, mentions in our newsletters, and social media recognition. By sponsoring a room, you are providing a pathway toward healing for survivors.
Ready to make a difference? Visit our website to learn more and Adopt-a-Room today.
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Congratulations to Our Young Women of Achievement Scholarship Winner!
We are thrilled to announce Pamela Melchor Burgos as the recipient of this year's Young Women of Achievement Scholarship. Pamela is a proud daughter of immigrants who has actively contributed to empowering Latino families and youth through her work with Latino Leadership Northwest and various community projects. Her dedication to inclusivity and amplifying the voices of others will one day lead to incredible change.
Pamela plans to pursue a degree in Biology or Mechanical Engineering at Washington State University Vancouver campus. She is driven by a powerful vision: to inspire other young Latina students to explore careers in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented. By pursuing her dreams in the sciences, Pamela aims to open doors for other undocumented students, providing the support and representation they need.
"My future goals consist of obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Biology or Mechanical Engineering at Washington State University Vancouver campus. Post graduation I wish to act as an inspiration for other young Latina students who wish to venture into a career path that often excludes them. By pursuing a career in the sciences, I hope to open the door for other undocumented students who do not see themselves in career fields like this and provide them the support they are often denied."
- Pamela Melchor Burgos
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Enrollment Now Open for Y's Care Therapeutic Preschool Program
We're excited to announce that enrollment is now open for Y’s Care, our therapeutic preschool program designed for children ages 2 ½ to 5 and their families. The Y's Care program is committed to creating vibrant, engaging spaces where children can experiment, collaborate, and experience the joy of learning within the supportive framework of YWCA Clark County.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our program emphasizes a therapeutic approach to help children manage challenging behaviors that often stem from trauma. Our goal is to nurture a learning mindset and develop the essential cognitive and social-emotional skills needed for children to thrive.
Y’s Care offers:
A lively environment with dynamic materials and learning opportunities
A focus on emergent curriculum and child-directed learning
Support for critical thinking, curiosity, persistence, and flexibility
Classes from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Breakfast and an afternoon snack provided
Financial assistance available for eligible families
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Did You Know? July is Disability Pride Month!
Every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month, an essential movement dedicated to empowering individuals, challenging societal biases, and highlighting the diversity of identities. Disability Pride fosters a world where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued, respected, and included.
Disability Pride champions the uniqueness and contributions of individuals with disabilities, advocating for inclusion, accessibility, and the dismantling of ableism. It's about proudly acknowledging one's identity and achievements, educating society on the importance of inclusion, and advocating for equal opportunities. This month encourages us to confront and reshape societal norms, promoting a future where inclusivity is the norm.
Want to learn more about Disability Pride Month? Check out this article from The Arc to discover why it matters and how you can join in the celebration.
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YWCA Clark County Introduces a 4-Day Work Week!
We are thrilled to announce that starting July 1, YWCA Clark County will be piloting a 4-day work week. This initiative is designed to support our staff's well-being, allowing an extra day each week for rest and rejuvenation. During this pilot phase, our community office on Main Street will be closed on Fridays.
New Community Office Walk-In Hours (Monday to Thursday):
Please note that our community office will now welcome walk-ins on Wednesdays instead of Fridays.
Rest assured, our essential services remain uninterrupted. Our 24-hour domestic violence and sexual assault hotlines, emergency shelter, and hospital response will continue to operate as usual, ensuring that those in need always have access to support.
This pilot will be evaluated in early 2025 to decide on its permanent implementation. This change reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive work environment and enhancing the quality of services we provide to our community.
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Volunteer with YWCA Clark County: Real People, Real Lives
At YWCA Clark County, we don’t just talk about change—we make it happen with the help of dedicated volunteers like you. Whether you're contributing to our SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program, leading support groups, or maintaining facilities, every role is vital in supporting survivors and promoting social justice. Your commitment can transform someone's life and will offer survivors the support they need to heal and thrive.
Volunteering with us is an opportunity to share your wisdom, show your children the power of compassion, and gain valuable experience that enhances your personal and professional growth. We'll work with your schedule to ensure your volunteer experience is both impactful and manageable, allowing you to make a significant difference without overwhelming your commitments.
Ready to make a difference? Visit our volunteer page to learn more and get started with YWCA Clark County.
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