Weekly update for YWCA community - May 1, 2020
Like the willow tree Suzanne Smith writes about in her article about resilient non-profits, we are learning that, together with our community and our supporters, we have the ability to bend and withstand even the most terrific storm. Here's where we are this week:

  • Our 24-hour domestic violence crisis line (877-718-1868) is once again fully operational!
  • We have moved all of our shelter residents to local hotel rooms with efficiency kitchens so we can ensure the continued safety of both staff and survivors
  • We are hosting virtual support groups for survivors twice a week -- with overwhelmingly response
  • We are able to help survivors get direct access to safe housing through the coordinated entry system (see below)
  • Racial Equity Workshops are now virtual
  • We'll host our first virtual Domestic Violence Training for Salon Professionals later this month
  • The annual Stand Against Racism blossomed into a community-wide social media stand
  • Our plans to embrace the spirit of the Race Against Hate are in place!

We have partnered across functional and organizational lines to create a spirit of teamwork that is truly inspiring. And our community has shown tremendous spirit and commitment during this storm. We are resilient.

With thanks for all you do to help your neighbors and your community weather this storm.
Karen Singer
President/CEO
Reflections on Standing Against Racism in the time of the Coronavirus
The challenge we faced as we thought about our annual Stand Against Racism was “How can we get people interested in doing something like this on their own, without the benefit of standing along the sidewalks with hundreds of others?

We need not have worried. From our own YWCA staff members leading a virtual reading of the pledge, to police and fire departments, library staffs, neighbors, and municipal employees - people across Skokie and Evanston got creative! (Read more here.)
Upcoming Racial Equity Workshops
Our Racial Equity Workshops are now online! Now is a perfect time to increase your racial justice vocabulary. Led by trained facilitators, these workshops help participants develop skills necessary to address racism at personal, interpersonal and systemic levels.

Let's all be Race Heroes
Last week, YWCA Evanston/North Shore made the very difficult decision that it is unsafe for us to come together as a community on June 21 for the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. But we have plans to celebrate what the Race is really all about.

Become a Race Buddy, Hero, or Champion and join us for a unique celebration during the month of June.
Helping DV survivors access safe housing
We're very excited that YWCA Evanston/North Shore is now able to offer direct access to the Coordinated Entry System (CES) through our Housing Specialist/DV Assessor, Katie Scheuber (left).

What does this mean? It means that Katie can assist survivors of domestic violence, both from our shelter and from the community, in accessing affordable housing resources through the Coordinated Entry System. Coordinated Entry is a system funded by Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to ensure that the most vulnerable are able to access affordable housing resources in a fair and efficient manner. Read more here.
Supporting YWCA. Helping community.
Thanks to all the many ways our community partners have found to support our work and our mission, and to bring smiles to all of us:
NorthShore University HealthSystem procurement office donated 300 masks and 5 critical infrared thermometers to help protect our domestic violence staff and clients now and in the future.
a long-time Race Against Hate sponsor, is donating 100% of the proceeds from their “Swag Shop” to YWCA Evanston/North Shore. They are also providing custom face masks to their clients with a $5 donation to YWCA.
Evanston Running Club another long-time Race sponsor, sent out an email to all of their members, asking them to become Race Heroes by making a donation of what they would have spent on Race Against Hate registration.
a women's boutique in Wilmette, is donating 20% of all GC sales to YWCA
to support critical COVID-19 related needs for
vulnerable families and domestic violence survivors.
is offering three free workshops to help professional counselors during times of crisis. In lieu of of a registration fee, they are asking participants donate to YWCA,
Become a monthly donor today
Your monthly gift will support families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and after. We're asking 75 new monthly donors to join with us today, and we hope you'll be one of them!

You can give just $10 a month, or you can make a special one-time gift now. Your gift, in any amount, will support domestic violence survivors and vulnerable women, children and families in our communities.

Visit www.ywca-ens.org/donate to give online today. Thank you!
Thank you!
We love our Corporate Partners!
YWCA Evanston/North Shore | Phone 847-864-8445 | ywca@ywca-ens.org | www.ywca-ens.org