Hope for Survivors
Coming home for the holidays has new meaning for Lydia and her young daughter. They are finally safe and at peace in their own apartment — preparing family dinners, decorating for the season, and grateful for the people who have helped transform their lives.
Leaving an abusive situation can also mean losing financial and housing security. As a result of prolonged coercion and isolation, domestic violence survivors are often deprived of access to household finances, good credit, or other resources to safely leave. Without specialized support, survivors face insurmountable barriers and unimaginable harm.
This holiday season, will you join us to give hope and brighter futures to survivors like Lydia and her daughter? Together, with your support, we can empower adults and children to overcome domestic violence and abuse, and rebuild their lives.
“I’m beyond blessed to be in this program, finding everyone at YWCA who helped make sure my daughter and I were safe — right when I felt my world was falling apart. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for us. To say you changed our lives is an understatement — you gave us an opportunity to live a happy, safe life.”
Lydia, survivor and mother
Lydia’s Journey
Lydia was trapped in an abusive relationship without hope for her future. In the beginning, everything seemed loving and normal. But gradually, the verbal and emotional abuse began as her partner became controlling and isolated her from family and friends. As he became more intense and unpredictable, the abuse escalated to physical violence. Lydia was terrified that she would end up in the hospital, or worse, her daughter would be harmed. She only worked part-time and wasn’t allowed access to their bank account. Without financial resources or other support, Lydia couldn’t afford to leave. She was desperate for help and hesitantly confided in a co-worker. Thankfully, they urged her to call our 24-hour crisis hotline.
With YWCA, Lydia found the support she needed to safely escape and begin her journey toward healing and independence. She received counseling and legal services to gain custody of her daughter through our Vi McKinney Becky’s House® Shelter. Our financial assistance and housing programs brought stability for her family that allowed her to increase her work to full-time, focus on her goals, and prepare to move into her own home. Determined to build a better life, and with help from her case manager, Lydia improved her credit, started a savings account, and soon found a two-bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood. Lydia is proud of the progress she has made and excited about her new beginning.
Our Impact is Powered by Donors Like You
YWCA San Diego County empowers individuals and families to break the cycle of domestic violence and homelessness, and achieve self-sufficiency. Building upon a historic legacy, we are committed to em powering women, eliminating racism, and advocating for peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.
With your support, we provide safe housing solutions and comprehensive services for adults and children who seek refuge, healing, and hope. After completing our housing and advocacy programs, survivors build a strong foundation for lasting independence:
- 99% do not return to their abusers and break the cycle of domestic violence
- 98% improve self-confidence, life skills, and economic stability
- 94% gain homes of their own and increase self-reliance
