Dear Friends,
We hope that you and your families are safe and well. As we experience an entirely different world together, we remain focused on serving adults and children who are affected by domestic violence and homelessness. We know that home is not safe for everyone. Domestic violence is escalating behind the walls of stay at home orders and rising economic hardships. Isolated victims have fewer options to reach out for help.
If they can escape their abuser, survivors often face overwhelming barriers without financial resources to heal and rebuild their lives. And now, after they flee, their challenges are further intensified with an unstable economy, job loss, school closures and increasing health concerns. YWCA is here to provide life-saving services for survivors and their children who come to us for protection, safe housing, and opportunity for lasting independence.
In support of our mission, we expected to hold our largest annual fundraiser, In the Company of Women, next month to raise critical funds for our Becky’s House® Domestic Violence Programs. Since this is no longer viable, we are cancelling the event but this leaves us with a significant funding gap. We hope that you will join Sharp HealthCare and others in donating to our domestic violence programs in lieu of sponsoring or attending our event.
You can make a meaningful difference for the families we serve. Suggestions include:
- Donate the amount you would have spent at the event on tables, sponsorship, auction or otherwise.
- Honor a courageous survivor and donate the amount you’ve been saving by working from home – e.g. costs for commuting, lunch, happy hours.
- Ask your company about matching gifts to increase the impact of your donation.
- Pay tribute to a remarkable woman in the community by making a gift in her name.
- Share this message widely to inspire support from your colleagues, friends and family.
“After we escaped, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make enough money to support my children on my own. YWCA helped me with legal protection, financial support and finding new employment. If it wasn’t for your help, especially now, I wouldn’t be moving into my own home with my children. I never felt like a single mom because I got so much support from YWCA. We are so blessed that you came into our life.”
-Denise, recent YWCA Becky’s House® client
We appreciate your compassion and generosity for the families we serve, especially throughout these ever-changing times. Your commitment to helping others allows us to continue our vital work for survivors in our community. Together, we can help survivors like Denise achieve enduring strength and stability to re-imagine their future.
With gratitude,
