The Young Womens Christian Assoc Of Yonkers

YWCA IS DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING WOMEN AND PROMOTING PEACE, HEALTH, JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND DIGNITY FOR ALL.

THE YWCA OF YONKERS IS HOME TO A WOMEN'S RESIDENCE. THE RESIDENCE IS COMPOSED OF 45 SINGLE FURNISHED ROOMS AND SIX EFFICIENCY APARTMENTS IN WHICH CLIENTS ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES. UPON MOVING INTO THE YWCA, NEW RESIDENTS MEET WITH THEIR CASE MANAGER TO COMPLETE AN INTAKE AND IDENTIFY BARRIERS TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY. AFTER COMPLETING AN INTAKE, THE CLIENT WORKS WITH THEIR NEWLY ASSIGNED CASE MANAGER TO DESIGN AN INDIVIDUALIZED LIVING PLAN IN WHICH GOALS ARE CREATED AND TRACKED AT LEAST BIWEEKLY. ULTIMATELY, BARRIERS WILL BE ELIMINATED AND THE CLIENT WILL BE ON TRACK TO MOVE INTO PERMANENT HOUSING. DURING THEIR STAY AT THE YWCA OF YONKERS, CLIENTS HAVE ACCESS TO WEEKLY IN-HOUSE WORKSHOPS FOCUSED ON TOPICS SUCH AS: LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL LITERACY, WORK READINESS, AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS MATTERS. IN ADDITION TO THESE IN-HOUSE WORKSHOPS, THE YWCA COLLABORATES WITH OTHER COMMUNITY AGENCIES TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF OUR RESIDENTS. ALTHOUGH HOUSING PROGRAMS ARE STILL RECOVERING FROM COVID-19, WE SUCCESSFULLY MOVED TWO CLIENTS INTO PERMANENT HOUSING. WE REMAIN AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT OR GUIDANCE TO CLIENTS UP TO A YEAR AFTER THEY MOVE INTO PERMANENT HOUSING. THE YWCA OF YONKERS FOOD PANTRY IS A COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAM THAT DISTRIBUTES FOOD FREE OF CHARGE TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS. IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR WE SERVED OVER 30,000 DUPLICATED PARTICIPANTS. OUR FOOD PANTRY PROVIDES A NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED SUPPLY OF FOOD TO FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS IN NEED, EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 1:00PM TO 3:00PM. OUR CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH FEEDING WESTCHESTER HAS ALSO ALLOWED US TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL BAG OF FRESH PRODUCE ONE WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH THROUGH THE GREEN THUMB PROGRAM. IN ADDITION TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED FOOD PANTRY, WE PROVIDE EMERGENCY PANTRY BAGS TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS AS NEEDED. IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR, WE WERE ABLE TO DISTRIBUTE OVER 167,000LBS OF FOOD TO OUR COMMUNITY. THE YWCA YONKERS DROP SERVICE ASSISTS BOTH HOMELESS MEN AND WOMEN. THE WOMEN'S DROP-IN ACCOMMODATES UP TO 50 HOMELESS WOMEN NIGHTLY, WHILE THE MEN'S DROP-IN CATERS TO UP TO 60 HOMELESS MEN. ADDITIONALLY, THERE'S AN OVERFLOW SITE SPECIFICALLY FOR MEN, ACCOMMODATING UP TO 35 CLIENTS PER NIGHT. ALONGSIDE THE DROP-IN SERVICES, THERE'S A DAY PROGRAM TO ADDRESS CLIENTS' MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, AND HOUSING SEARCH NEEDS. CLIENTS RECEIVE NUTRITIOUS MEALS - BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, AND SNACKS DAILY. TWO ON-SITE CASE MANAGERS OFFER SUPPORT IN HOUSING SEARCH, MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, JOB SEARCH, AND APPLICATION ASSISTANCE. YWCA COLLABORATES WITH A CONTINUUM OF CARE TO ENSURE HUD HOUSING PLACEMENTS. IN 2023, THE YWCA FACILITATED THE PLACEMENT OF 32 CLIENTS INTO PERMANENT HOUSING. TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED FOR CLIENT APPOINTMENTS, AND MY SISTER'S CLOSET OFFERS WORK AND CASUAL ATTIRE FOR WOMEN CLIENTS IN NEED. THE YWCA OF YONKERS EHAP, SITUATED AT 10 SAINT CASIMIR IN YONKERS, NY 10701, OFFERS 22 HOUSING UNITS DESIGNATED FOR FAMILIES WHO HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS). EACH UNIT IS FULLY FURNISHED WITH AMENITIES INCLUDING A KITCHEN, BATHROOM, DINING TABLE, COUCH, COFFEE TABLE, AND BUNK BEDS, ACCOMMODATING BOTH TWIN OVER TWIN AND TWIN OVER FULL ARRANGEMENTS. THE FACILITY MAINTAINS 24-HOUR SURVEILLANCE THROUGH SECURITY CAMERAS. EACH FAMILY IS ISSUED A KEY FOR THEIR UNIT DOOR AND MAILBOX, FACILITATING PRIVACY AND SECURITY. ACCESS TO THE FACILITY IS CONTROLLED BY A SECURITY GUARD WHO ALLOWS ENTRY WITHOUT REQUIRING FAMILIES TO SIGN IN OR OUT. STRICT PROTOCOLS ARE IN PLACE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF RESIDENTS, INCLUDING RESTRICTED VISITOR ACCESS. ONLY INDIVIDUALS APPROVED BY EXTERNAL FAMILY SERVICE AGENCIES ARE PERMITTED ON- SITE, UNDERSCORING THE YWCA'S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING A SECURE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ITS RESIDENTS. DURING THE INTAKE PROCESS, FAMILIES AT OUR FACILITY RECEIVE A COMPREHENSIVE WELCOME PACKAGE CONTAINING ESSENTIAL ITEMS SUCH AS BEDDING, POTS AND PANS, SERVING UTENSILS, A DISH RACK, AND A DINNERWARE SET, ENSURING THEY HAVE THE NECESSARY TOOLS FOR DAILY LIVING. ADDITIONALLY, OUR ON-SITE STORAGE ROOM IS STOCKED WITH EMERGENCY TOILETRIES AND DIAPERS FOR IMMEDIATE USE. OUR FACILITY IS STAFFED WITH DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS INCLUDING AN ON-SITE COORDINATOR, ENTRY ACCESSOR, HOUSING SPECIALIST, AND CERTIFIED ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR (CASAC). CASAC IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE AS NEEDED. IN ADDITION TO OUR ON-SITE SERVICES, WE OFFER ACCESS TO A RANGE OF OFF-SITE RESOURCES TO MEET THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF OUR RESIDENTS. THESE RESOURCES INCLUDE DAYCARE FACILITIES, AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS, PANTRY SERVICES, WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC) PROGRAM, MEDICAL SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS) ASSISTANCE, AND EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT, ENSURING THAT FAMILIES HAVE ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT NETWORKS AS THEY WORK TOWARDS STABILITY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY. THE YWCA OF YONKERS EHAP PROGRAM THROUGH THE COLLECTIVE EFFORTS OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND DEDICATED STAFF, WE STRIVE TO CREATE A SUPPORTIVE AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERY INDIVIDUAL HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND THRIVE.

THE YWCA OFFERS A PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS 2 MONTHS -5 YEARS OF AGE. OUR INFANT ROOM IS CURRENTLY LICENSED FOR 8 INFANTS, WITH ONE TEACHER AND ONE ASSISTANT. OUR PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HELP DEVELOP OUR BABIES TO BE READY TO MOVE ON TO OUR TODDLER CLASSROOM. OUR TEACHERS ARE VERY CREATIVE IN MAKING SURE THAT OUR INFANTS ARE SHINING WHILE DEVELOPING. OUR TODDLER CLASSROOM STARTS AT AGE 18 MONTHS AND WE ARE CURRENTLY LICENSED FOR 11 TODDLERS WITH TWO TEACHERS. OUR TEACHERS ARE FOCUSED ON MAKING SURE THAT EACH TODDLER IS PREPARED TO TRANSITION TO THE PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM WHEN THE TIME COMES. OUR TEACHERS ARE FOCUSED ON MAKING OUR TODDLERS WORDS, HOW COUNT, IDENTIFY EACH PICTURE IN THE BOOK. OUR TODDLERS ARE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL FROM STATION TO STATION TO LEARN AND EXPLORE. OUR PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM IS LICENSED FOR 18-24 CHILDREN. OUR TEACHERS ARE PUT TO A HIGHER TASK, THEY WORK WITH PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WHO ARE HEADING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL AND THE GOAL IS TO CONTINUE WORKING CLOSELY WITH OUR CHILDREN, ENSURING THAT THEY ARE GIVEN ALL NECESSARY TOOLS TO SUCCEED IN PUBLIC SCHOOL. OUR PRESCHOOLERS ARE ALLOWED TO VISIT EACH STATION, WHERE THEY PLAY DRESS UP, MAKE BELIEVE COOKING, PLAYING WITH THEIR DOLLS, ETC. OUR PRESCHOOLERS ARE ALL ENGAGED IN CIRCLE TIME, WHILE THE TEACHER READS TO THEM. THEY LEARN DIFFERENT AGE APPROPRIATE WORDS; LEARN TO WRITE, COLOR, READ ETC. OUR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM IS LICENSED FOR 75 CHILDREN AGES 5-12 YEARS OLD. RATIO IS 10-1 5-7 AND 15-1 AGES 10-12. OUR CHILDREN ARE BROKEN UP INTO AGE APPROPRIATE GROUPS. OUR PROGRAM OFFERS, TAEKWONDO, NUTRITION CLASSES, READING PROGRAM, STEM ACTIVITIES, ARTS AND CRAFTS, COMPUTER TIME, GYM TIME. WE ALSO FEED ALL OF OUR CHILDREN DINNER. SUMMER CAMP IS A 9 WEEK PROGRAM THAT OFFERS, BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND A SNACK. CHILDREN ARE ALL ENGAGED IN ARTS AND CRAFTS, STEM ACTIVITIES, NUTRITION CLASSES, READING, EACH CHILD IS TO WORK ON THEIR SUMMER PACKETS FROM THEIR SCHOOL TO WORK ON DURING THE SUMMER AND TO RETURN TO SCHOOL. CAMPERS ARE TAKEN ON FIELD TRIPS TO MUSEUMS, RECREATION PARKS AND SCIENTIFIC SITES.

THE PEARLS PROGRAM IS A PROGRAM DEDICATED TO SERVING GIRLS AGES 10-18 YEARS OLD. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR OF 2023 THE PEARLS PARTICIPATED IN MANY ACTIVITIES, COMMUNITY SERVICE, LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND OF COURSE FOCUSED ON ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS. DURING PROGRAM THE PEARLS PARTICIPATED IN A WEEKLY BOOK CLUB WITH MRS. KATE WASHTON WHERE WE READ NONFICTION BOOKS AS WELL AS AUTOBIOGRAPHIES. MRS. KATE ALSO INTRODUCED THE PEARLS TO BASIC CROCHETING AND KNITTING, SHE TAUGHT THEM SIMPLE PATTERNS THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO EASILY PICK UP. DURING OUR PODCAST FILMING AND DISCUSSIONS UNDER THE INSTRUCTION OF NICOLE TORO OUR PEARLS WERE ABLE TO INTERVIEW DIFFERENT WOMEN WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND LEARN ABOUT THEIR CAREERS AND HOW THEY BECAME WHO THEY ARE TODAY. THE PEARLS PARTICIPATED IN A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES WHERE THEY VOLUNTEERED AND GAVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES THEY PARTICIPATED IN FOR VOLUNTEERING WERE ASSISTING WITH PITCHING IN PARKS WITH ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS, ASSISTING WITH WRAPPING AND HANDING OUT GIFTS TO THE CHILDREN OF THE COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATING IN QUE PASO LATINX MENTAL HEALTH ON THE MOVE HEALTH FAIR. THE PEARLS ALSO MARCHED IN THE YONKERS JUNETEENTH PARADE, AND YODIGONOMAS "I SAY NO MORE TO THE ABUSE OF CHILDREN" WALK. AS EDUCATION IS THE KEY FOCUS OF THE PEARLS OUR GIRLS HAVE RECEIVED HONOR ROLL, HIGH HONOR ROLL AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FOR THEIR GRADES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WE HAD SEVERAL OF OUR PEARLS GRADUATE, 2 FROM HIGH SCHOOL, 2 FROM JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND 3 FROM ELEMENTARY. EDUCATION IS INSTILLED IN THE PEARLS AS A PATH TO AN AMAZING FUTURE AND THEIR GRADES SHOW IT