This month, YWCA Delaware celebrates the powerful partnerships and inspiring individuals who are shaping a brighter future for our community. From leading case management and financial counseling for the groundbreaking Family HOPE Project, to recognizing remarkable advocates and peacebuilders, this fall is full of hope worth sharing. We also invite you to watch our Celebration Breakfast video, honoring the voices and stories that inspire us.

YWCA Delaware Selected to Lead Financial Counseling for the Family Hope Project

New Castle County has selected YWCA Delaware to provide case management and wraparound support as part of The Family HOPE Project, a groundbreaking seven-year initiative aimed at ending family homelessness in Delaware.

The project (Housing Opportunities for Purposeful Empowerment) will assist 120 families through a 90-day stay at the Hope Center, followed by two years of rental assistance. YWCA Delaware will offer personalized guidance to help families develop the skills and resources needed for lasting stability and independence.

This collaboration combines the County’s innovative approach to homelessness prevention with YWCA Delaware’s proven expertise in supportive services. Together, the partnership equips families with tools to maintain housing stability beyond the program, while improving food security, financial well-being, healthcare access, and overall satisfaction.

Celebrating YWCA Delaware's 2025 Award Recipients

At this year’s Celebration Breakfast, YWCA Delaware honored three remarkable individuals whose leadership, compassion, and service make a real difference in our community:


Trailblazer Award

Keyla Rivera Rodriguez, Sexual Assault Response Advocate (SARA)

Since 2016, Keyla has volunteered over 14,000 hours through our 24/7 helpline, supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Her presence on the line reassures those in crisis, providing vital connection and care to countless individuals.


Dorothy Height Justice Award

Danyele Dove, Director of School Counseling and DEI, Archmere Academy

Danyele Dove's work with the YW Leaders program at Archmere Academy has created a direct impact by empowering young leaders, facilitating safe spaces for dialogue, and equipping youth with authentic leadership skills that result in ongoing positive changes throughout their schools and communities.


Service Award

Enoch Johnson, Sr., B&E Complete Property Preservation Services

For three years, Mr. Enoch Johnson, Sr. has provided compassionate, reliable support to families moving into new homes, including domestic violence survivors, through his company, B&E Complete Property Preservation.

Thank you to our awardees for championing hope and change, and to our Celebration Breakfast sponsors, whose generosity made this morning possible.

Watch our 2025 Celebration Breakfast

YWCA Delaware Staff Recognized at Delaware Continuum of Care 2025 Annual Meeting

YWCA Delaware proudly celebrates Jacqueline Pizarro, our Community Housing Director, who has been recognized by Housing Alliance Delaware and the Delaware Continuum of Care (CoC) as the 2025 CoC Member of the Year. This award honors Jacqueline’s exceptional commitment, active participation, and leadership in advancing housing stability across the state.

For the past three years, Jacqueline has guided individuals and families through rapid rehousing and diversion services—identifying affordable, safe housing options, partnering with landlords, and ensuring every client receives wraparound case management, trauma-informed care, and financial assistance. She has also contributed to more than eight CoC meetings, events, and trainings, continually strengthening Delaware’s coordinated response to homelessness.

Before joining YWCA Delaware, Jacqueline dedicated over 25 years to New Castle County as a Housing Program Assistant, helping women and families secure safe, stable homes.

The Delaware Continuum of Care is a statewide collaborative that promotes a fair and coordinated approach to addressing homelessness. Through Jacqueline’s leadership, YWCA Delaware continues to advance its mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and expand access to safe and affordable housing for all.

This year, the CoC recognized community members making outstanding contributions, and YWCA Delaware was honored to have several staff members among the honorable mentions, including:

• Anita Emory, CHW, Family Supportive Services Manager
• Becca Cotto, Director of Community Engagement
• Keysha Matthews-Jervey, CHW, Community Housing Case Manager (DV/SV)
• Lisa Forever, CHW, LMSW, MSCJ, Chief Housing & Community Impact Officer
• Shanique Scott, CHW, Community Health Coordinator
• Shawana Burris, CHW, Case Management Director

This major recognition reflects the incredible expertise, compassion, and commitment of YWCA Delaware’s staff, who support our clients and help shape statewide conversations about equitable, trauma-informed housing. We are proud to stand alongside such dedicated leaders who bring excellence, empathy, and purpose to their work each and every day.

A Symbol of Peace at YWCA Delaware's Home-Life Management Center

YWCA Delaware is honored to have been chosen by Peace Week Delaware as the site of the latest Peace Pole installation at our Home-Life Management Center. This meaningful addition serves as a lasting reminder of our shared commitment to peace, empowerment, and community healing.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Representative Larry Lambert, Senator Dan Cruce, Pat Bartoshesky of the Peace Week Delaware Board, and Becca Cotto, YWCA Delaware’s Director of Community Engagement, for sharing their reflections on the power of peace in building stronger, more connected communities during our unveiling ceremony. Our Home-Life Management Center is now home to one of more than 200,000 Peace Poles planted across communities on every continent — symbols of unity and hope.

YWCA Delaware is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.