MC Gives! Make an Impact

MC Gives! is a partnership between the Monterey County Weekly, the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. Through the MC Gives campaign, community members have the opportunity to contribute and make a difference. MC Gives will give a percentage match for all donations. By donating to our nonprofit organization through the Monterey County Gives fundraiser, you can help us continue our important work and empower even more individuals to escape desperate situations. When you invest in the YWCA-MC through MC Gives you are not only supporting the immediate needs of women and families escaping physical violence but also working towards long-term solutions that builds a brighter future for all domestic violence survivors.

Success Stories of our Programs and Services

April reached out to us after escaping an abusive relationship, seeking shelter for herself and her three young children. She contacted our shelter and was admitted, where she received safe accommodations, food, and hygiene supplies. All three children were under the age of 6 at the time. During her stay, April faced several challenges, including unemployment, which made it difficult for her to secure housing. We connected her with housing and therapy services, as well as additional resources to support her with child custody issues and obtaining a restraining order. After several weeks in the shelter, April and her children successfully transitioned into our transitional housing program. April worked closely with our housing team to address her housing needs. Despite being rejected from multiple units, she remained determined and continued her search. With support from staff, she eventually found a suitable unit. We assisted her with the security deposit, first month’s rent, and provided household goods to help her settle in. April expressed deep gratitude for the support she received, saying, "My family and I are grateful not only for the help we received, but also for your support. Thank you for not giving up on us."

At YWCA-MC, our programs and services have had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals in the Monterey County community. One of our most impactful programs is our safe housing for survivors of domestic violence. Through our shelters and transitional housing programs, we have provided a safe haven for victims escaping abusive situations. Our holistic approach ensures that survivors not only have a safe place to stay but also receive the necessary support. By providing therapy, and resources we help them rebuild their lives. Countless survivors have found solace and regained their independence through our safe shelter program.

Confidential Emergency Shelter, Housing Assistance, and 24/7 Crisis Line

As a DV services provider, we are aware of the housing is a major challenge for survivors. YWCA MC operates a 24/7 crisis line, that provides access to confidential shelter services. Callers seeking our shelter and housing services identify as homeless/unhoused. We have trained advocates that provide assistance to callers and provide active listening, assist callers with safety planning, shelter services, and provide resources as needed.

Our confidential shelter provides safe housing for individuals/ survivors fleeing DV abuse. In our shelter, clients are provided with food, clothing and hygiene items as many of the clients flee with little to no items. Clients are provided with case management, and are given additional resources based on their unique circumstances.

In addition to our shelter, we operate a transitional house that allows additional time for clients to find permanent housing options. At YWCA MC, we believe that secure and sustainable housing is a necessity, not a luxury. During clients stay in the transitional house, they work with Housing Counselors that help them identify housing opportunities, and assist them through the process of applying to multiple units. Once a unit has been identified, Housing Counselor work closely with landlords and clients to provide further assistance such as financial assistance. Ongoing case management and retention services are provided to individuals/families.

In 2023, our crisis line received 1,923 calls for individuals seeking shelter services, and we assisted 87 clients with housing services. In addition, our main office received 3,053 calls for individuals seeking domestic violence services, which include shelter, housing and therapy services.

Mental Health Services for Children, Youth & Adults

We frequently experience a high need for mental health services. We offer mental health services for children, youth, and adults who have experienced trauma through domestic violence abuse and/or other crimes. Individuals seeking our services report symptoms that affect their well-being. Many report symptoms such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, changes in behavior. Our clinicians use age-appropriate techniques and evidence-based methods. Clinicians create tailored plans that focus on helping clients boost their self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and teach them healthy coping skills to alleviate their symptoms. Therapy services are available in both English and Spanish, in-person or via Telehealth. Our services are often free or on a sliding scale based on client’s income. Our therapy department offers psychoeducational groups for domestic violence victims.

Our therapy services are essential services in our community. Last year, in 2023, our clinical department provided a total of 1,227 therapy sessions. We aim to continue helping clients improve their well-being and provide them with the tools necessary to build a healthier lifestyle.

The Future and our Goals

YWCA-MC has set ambitious goals to expand our impact and reach. We envision a Monterey County where all individuals have access to safe housing, prevention education, and support services.

We recognize that those we serve face unique challenges and barriers, and it is our mission to bridge the gaps. By collaborating with community partners and implementing targeted programs, we want to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the resources they need to thrive.

By addressing the root causes of violence, poverty, and inequality, we can create a more sustainable and just society. Through educational campaigns and community initiatives, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to break free from cycles of violence and discrimination.

Our long-term goal is to be able to expand our transitional housing services to South County area. We are in the process of identifying a location in one of our rural communities. Many victims are unable to escape abusive relationships because of transportation limitations and lack of access to employment. By adding a transitional house in South County, we aim to improve accessibility for victims in rural areas who face these challenges, helping them overcome the barriers that prevent them from leaving. Children are also victims of domestic violence, whether they witness it or not. Our main goal is to ensure that children receive services that keep them safe and help them recover. Fewer adverse childhood experiences can reduce the likelihood of mental health problems or drug and alcohol abuse in adulthood.

Can you help us reach our goals?