March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

YWCA receives $1M grant for new safehouse

The YWCA was awarded a $1M grant from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation in support of the construction of an expanded residence to provide emergency shelter to individuals affected by domestic violence. The new residence will double the capacity of the existing shelter and allow for 32 clients to reside onsite. It is anticipated that construction will begin in October and the new facility will open in February 2019.

The YWCA began the Fresh Starts Campaign in 2015 to establish funding for the design and construction of a campus specifically to support domestic violence survivors. The campaign has secured $4.4M in gifts and pledges. The new shelter will consist of 9600 sf of living/program space including bedrooms, family suites, 24-hour emergency hotline, YWCA residential-team offices, and therapy/consult space. Additionally, the campus includes a Training & Education building to assist with employment skill building, counseling support groups, wellness seminars, and outreach initiatives.

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YWCA CEO, Molly Knipe, shared the impact of the project stating, “As we know that 1 in 4 women will be affected by domestic violence in her lifetime, emergency services are critical to her safety. The increased capacity of this project ensures that no woman, man or child in crisis is turned away for lack of space. The YWCA has been at capacity in the shelter for months, and this will allow us to get those in danger out of life threatening conditions. The partnership and support of The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has allowed the organization to ensure the vision of the new residence is realized; we could not be more grateful”.

“The Weinberg Foundation is pleased to contribute to the YWCA’s new safe house, which will serve many more families and also provide a variety of supportive services,” said Rachel Garbow Monroe, Weinberg Foundation President and CEO. “This grant reflects the Foundation’s commitment to dedicated shelters and critical services for those affected by domestic violence.”

The YWCA is Anne Arundel County’s Comprehensive Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault crisis intervention service provider. Established in 1920, the 501c3 organization operates Anne Arundel County’s only domestic violence safe house shelter (Arden House) while providing licensed therapists, attorneys to support in peace and protective orders, legal advocates, case managers, 24-hour crisis hotline, hospital accompaniment, abuser intervention, and community education/outreach initiatives. With 35 staff members and an additional 5000 volunteer hours, the YWCA serves almost 10,000 people annually. All services are provided on a sliding fee scale to ensure the needs of all community members can be met.

For more information regarding YWCA services www.annapolisywca.org or 410.626.7800. They can also be found on Facebook. If you are in crisis, please call the YWCA’s 24-hour hotline 410.222.6800. If an emergency, call 911.

 

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