When the crisis call came in at 2 a.m. on a recent Tuesday, staff at YWCA ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä didn’t hesitate. A survivor of domestic violence needed help — and they answered.
Later that same week, another woman and her young children arrived at the shelter, fleeing a dangerous situation. As they sought safety, one of the YWCA’s leaders was at a podium across town, urging local officials to support the organization's life-saving work.
This is the everyday reality for YWCA ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä, which operates around the clock to provide emergency shelter, domestic violence services, job training, and senior programs to families in Kanawha, Boone, and Clay counties.
But now, that work could be in jeopardy.
Looming federal and state funding cuts could force difficult decisions: laying off staff, reducing critical services, or even turning away families in crisis.
“We refuse to let that happen,†the organization said in a public appeal this week. “The woman who called at 2 a.m. is safe today because someone gave yesterday. We must ensure we can answer that call tomorrow.â€
Through programs like the Sojourner’s Shelter and Resolve Family Abuse Program, YWCA ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä provides safe housing, recovery support, economic empowerment programs, and advocacy to thousands every year. The nonprofit is now urging community members to help sustain this work by making a donation, whether through traditional giving, donor-advised funds, stock donations, or planned gifts.
“This is personal. This is urgent,†the YWCA said in its message to the community. “Your support helps ensure we’re here when the next call comes in.â€
