From the Desk of President and CEO
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Throughout these COVID times, the staff of the YWCA of Northwest Ohio has been working tirelessly to provide essential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We have stayed connected to our youth in our Teen Outreach Program (TOP), dropped off care packages to survivors of breast cancer, and provided healthcare navigation to our new mothers-to-be via Zoom calls.
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We have offered technical assistance for startup pandemic child care centers, and we have transitioned our racial justice
Dialogue
to
Change
to a virtual experience. Despite the challenges, we haven’t missed a beat. I am so proud to work with the staff of the YWCA, and I commend their dedication to the families we serve!
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And then, while the world was coping with the economic and emotional turmoil of this pandemic, came another nightmare. We watched with horror as George Floyd, an unarmed black man, was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer who pressed a knee to his neck as he struggled to breathe for eight minutes and forty-eight seconds, even as three fellow officers callously looked on.
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The international outrage caused by the killing of Mr. Floyd, along with the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many others, has created a movement to call out racism, police brutality, inequality, and injustice. For 150 years, it has been the mission of the YWCA to work towards the elimination of racism in our community. Our annual signature event,
YWCA Stand Against Racism
, highlights inequities in housing, healthcare, and education for people of color. We spotlight the wage and wealth gaps and bring attention to historical and current traumas of racism. I am deeply moved by the public statements from corporations and individuals denouncing racism and vowing to support change. Making the statements is the right thing to do, but putting ACTION behind your words is more powerful and courageous. Together we must work to dismantle systemic racism and ensure not another senseless death occurs. Welcome to our table, we need your help!
I also encourage you go to our website and do any or all the following:
We are all in this together.
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The YWCA of Northwest Ohio is here for you. All departments are open and serving clients while following the CDC’s recommended health and safety guidelines.
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YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter
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The YWCA of Northwest Ohio Domestic Violence Shelter (DVS) remains open during these unprecedented times. As the only 24/7 emergency Domestic Violence Shelter in Toledo/Lucas County, we remain committed to insure those needing safe shelter and services receive the help they need. Therefore, our DVS 24 hour/7 day a week services/shelter will continue to function as normal.
Our 24-hour crisis line (419) 250-7812, is staffed around the clock. We offer supportive listening, safety planning, and linkage to resources as needed. While our community outreach and educational sessions have been suspended, we are offering remote counseling and support group services.
For the protection f staff and the families we serve, we are working with our local and state authorities to provide an environment that meets all recommended health advisories.
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Despite the closure of school buildings due to COVID-19, our youth development team remains committed to providing nationally recognized teen pregnancy prevention programming. Youth Development adapted our curriculum so that we could send physical and digital packets to schools for our
Draw the Line
and
Reducing the Risk
programs for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Our Teen Outreach Program (TOP) has been flexible, and over 100 TOP teens have been engaged in virtual programming.
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The YWCA-Healthy Connections Department continues to provide quality programming through our Breast Cancer Education and Awareness and Pathways Hub Community Health Worker Program. The Breast Cancer Awareness Program is meeting the needs of the clients by our using telephone services. The bi-weekly Touch My Hand Breast Cancer Support Group continues to meet via ZOOM.
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During this pandemic, the two most important services provided by our Rape Crisis Center have not wavered. Our 24-hour hotline has continued to be answered, and our advocates have continued reporting to local hospitals where victims are treated. At the request of these hospitals, we ensured that all advocates would have proper identification indicating they were with the Center, and we agreed to all screening measures the hospitals felt necessary. By abiding by these requests, advocates have been able to continue to meet victims in local emergency rooms.
On March 17, all staff from the Center began working from home while still effectively providing services to victims. Advocates continue to assist victims with legal cases, helping them get Civil Protection Orders and providing continued support. Advocates will continue to accompany victims to all necessary meetings and hearings.
If you, or anyone you know, is in need of our services, please do not hesitate to reach out to our 24-hour hotline at 866.557.7273.
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For such a time as this, the Racial Justice department has moved our community programming and training to a virtual platform:
- Our first virtual Community Book Discussion will be on Monday, June 29 at 1pm held via Zoom. We are reading the National Book Award winner, “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” by Ibram X. Kendi. To learn more or to register, click here.
- Learn more about our virtual Dialogue to Change structure and dates available to attend, click here.
- If you have attended a Dialogue to Change discussion in the past and are interested in training to become a facilitator, click here.
- If you are an organization or company that would like to host a dialogue, click here.
We look forward engaging the community through education and outreach.
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YWCA Childcare Resource and Referral
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What a rollercoaster ride of emotions we have been on since the outbreak of the COVID virus in March! Some families are no longer working, while some are learning to work from home. Some families are working under the stress of being part of the essential workforce, as they face the fear of bringing the virus home to loved ones. Children are no longer in their school classrooms or in child care programs, but are now challenged to learn alternatively from home. The daily activities and routines of children and parents are no longer routine. The two worlds colliding under one roof can be both chaos and a blessing. The YWCA Child Care Resource and Referral (YWCA CCR&R) is here to help! Below are some ways in which the YWCA CCR&R has continued its programming during this time of uncertainty. We have included some resources that we hope will create a sense of routine, inclusion and calm for all. Resources are for families, caregivers, providers and the children in their lives. The YWCA CCR&R staff remain committed to providing essential services, training and technical assistance to all child care providers throughout the twenty counties serviced under the YWCA of Northwest Ohio.
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Our Parent Outreach Specialist is conducting a Facebook Live book reading for families.
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Delivering books and educational materials as part of the Baby Talk program.
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YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women, Postponed
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The Board of Directors of the YWCA is carefully following the recommendations of the CDC and will share details regarding the delayed celebration of our 2020 Milestone honorees soon.
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