Yakima YWCA
The YWCA Yakima marks its 110th year in the Valley this year, proving their expert ability to adapt to the community around them. What started as a hostel for young women traveling solo, is now dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. It is the “largest provider of domestic violence services in central Washington,” and a powerful force in creating a safer community for each of us. It's a unique and invaluable resource for the Yakima Valley.
On a recent tour of the downtown YWCA, we were humbled and in awe of all that is accomplished in a building we had driven by for years and had never been in. In 2018 alone, the YWCA touched 13,000 people in our Valley. Their 24-hour domestic violence emergency shelter provided 8,000+ bed nights and 1000+ individuals (including 300+ children) received counseling and support. Their crisis hotline takes 18-21 phone calls a day and just recently, they prepared 67 kids for their first day of school. nd this is just the tip of the iceberg in what the YWCA offers. For a list of their full services, click here.
With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month (as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Month), it’s a perfect time to learn more and support our local YWCA. Here are a few ways to get involved:
Attend an event:
October 10: Power of the Purse auction
October 14: Annual Domestic Violence Vigil
October 14-18: Global Week Without Violence
November 17: YWCA Yakima 110th Anniversary Celebration
April 20, 2020: 26th Annual Leadership Luncheon, featuring Dave Navarro
For tickets and information for all events, click here for more info.
Donate or shop at Persimmon Boutique (located at Westpark Shopping Center).
Donate financial gifts or items for those rebuilding their lives.
