Money you contribute helps single parents and those with low-incomes put their children in a quality, licensed day care center using a sliding fee scale, which is based on income. This empowers parents to go to work and support their families, while at the same time providing long lasting education and social benefits for the child. 

 Safety & Freedom from Abuse

A shy little girl, Esperanza, age 7, came to the YWCA Family Crisis Shelter with her mother and baby brother.  They had moved from town to town due to domestic violence in the home.  Esperanza missed her friends at her old school.   Child counselors helped Esperanza understand it was okay to express her feelings, and helped her learn to feel safe again.  As she became more comfortable, she joined the Strong Girls Club with other little girls who were going through similar situations.  Esperanza is also learning that she does not have to share adult worries, but that she can problem-solve by helping her mom in other ways.  Her mother has applied for permanent housing and has freed herself and her kids from the abuse.  She has enrolled in a stress parenting class where she has learned that if takes better care of herself, her children will benefit as well.  Even though her mom is self-conscious about her own lack of education, she has made an effort to help Esperanza with her homework, and more importantly, is showing an interest Esperanza’s education and future.

 Money you contribute helps victims of domestic violence get the shelter and counseling they need to better their lives for themselves and their families.

 Hope and Help After Loss

A young mother came to Catholic Charities after having no other place to turn. She had recently lost her husband in a car accident. She had two children and was desperately trying to deal with the emotions of such a devastating loss. In addition, the family’s only income was her husband’s employment, and her mortgage and utility bills had not been paid for two months. She was in a panic trying to figure out how she would be able to take care of everything and look for employment. Counselors were able to work with her mortgage company, and provided assistance to prevent the shut-off of her utilities. Staff also referred her to clinical counseling to help alleviate the stress.