Fact Sheet

Because of tremendous community support of
YWCA Programs and Services…
In 2010:

YWCA ALIVE Shelter Program provides temporary-emergency housing and a comprehensive range of supportive services for domestic violence victims and their children. The average stay for a family at the ALIVE Shelter is 4 – 6 weeks, while receiving advocacy based counseling, children’s support, parenting education, housing and employment advocacy, assistance through weekly support groups, food, clothing and transportation: In 2010, the ALIVE Shelter provided residency for 51 women and 32 children for a total of 3,827 bednights. 147 women attended weekly community-based support groups. 7,008 crisis and information and referral calls were received. 96 children participated in activities. It is significant to note that 1,352 women and children were referred to other housing programs due to lack of space at the ALIVE Shelter during this time period. 3 women and 6 children resided in Eli’s House (ALIVE North Kitsap Transitional Housing) in 2010.

The YWCA ALIVE Bainbridge Island/North Kitsap Domestic Violence Program provides more accessibility to services for families who reside in North Kitsap Communities. In 2010, this program provided services to 184 families. Community members were assisted with 40 orders of protection and 86 court hearings. 38 women participated in support groups offered twice monthly in Suquamish and Bainbridge Island. The program provides more accessibility to services for families residing in North Kitsap communities. Services include advocacy-based counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, information, referrals, and community outreach and education.

Developed from an alliance with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the YWCA HomePlus project was implemented in January 2010. Based on the “Housing First” model, HomePlus helps survivors of domestic violence and their children rebuild their lives by assisting families with finding and sustaining permanent housing through extensive case management and from resources in collaboration with other community partners. In 2010, 18 women and 37 children were accepted in the HomePlus project. By year-end, 11 families remained active in the program and have sustained permanent housing. Referrals included: 7 from the ALIVE Shelter, 7 from other YWCA programs, and 4 community referrals.

The YWCA WRAPS project , a professional clothing and everyday attire closet, provides clothing items and accessories for community members and their children. Clothing is utilized as attire for current employment, those who may be job hunting, looking for housing, for school, involved in volunteer work, etc. In 2010, 1,080 individuals accessed the WRAPS project.

The YWCA ALIVE/DSHS WorkFirst Project partners with the Department of Social and Health Services as a responder to families experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, as they transition from welfare-to-work. This program is housed at the DSHS Bremerton Community Services Office, where services include advocacy-based counseling, resource referrals and case management. In 2010, 90 women received advocacy and referrals to other YWCA programs, as well as to other DSHS and community-based resources.

The YWCA ALIVE Family Services provides continued advocacy for families transitioning from the ALIVE Shelter, and ongoing outreach and case management services for other families who may be at risk due to domestic violence, socio-economic difficulties, parenting issues, language barriers, etc. In 2010, the YWCA ALIVE Family Services Program provided services for 358 families. There were 37 Latino support group participants. Kids KAMP provided activities for 165 children – through 11 projects. 80 children received supplies from the Back-to-School program. 95 families (230 children) were assisted through the Holiday Adopt-A-Family Project. 62 Latino families received bilingual outreach services.

The YWCA ALIVE Legal Advocacy provides countywide, no cost legal advocacy, safety planning and domestic violence response services: In 2010, the YWCA ALIVE Legal Advocacy Program provided services to 950 clients: 525 new clients, criminal advocacy for 325 unduplicated and civil advocacy for 250 unduplicated. In addition, 29 Latino families were assisted with bilingual legal advocacy support. The ALIVE Legal Advocacy staff also facilitated a 30-hour YWCA All Staff/Board Victims’ Services Training and trainings offered to the community-at-large.