THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF YONKERS

WOMEN'S RESIDENCE: THE YWCA YONKERS OPERATES A SUPPORTIVE WOMEN'S RESIDENCE THAT INCLUDES 45 FULLY FURNISHED SINGLE ROOMS AND SIX EFFICIENCY APARTMENTS. THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SAFE HOUSING AND STRUCTURED SUPPORT FOR WOMEN WORKING TOWARD LONG-TERM STABILITY AND INDEPENDENCE. UPON ENTRY, EACH RESIDENT MEETS WITH A CASE MANAGER TO COMPLETE A COMPREHENSIVE INTAKE ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFY BARRIERS TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY. TOGETHER, THEY CREATE AN INDIVIDUALIZED LIVING PLAN OUTLINING MEASURABLE GOALS, WHICH ARE REVIEWED AND UPDATED AT LEAST BIWEEKLY TO ENSURE ONGOING PROGRESS.RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO A VARIETY OF WEEKLY WORKSHOPS FOCUSED ON BUILDING INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS, SUCH AS:LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL LITERACY, EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE READINESS, MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS. THE YWCA ALSO PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY AGENCIES TO ENHANCE SERVICE DELIVERY AND EXPAND AVAILABLE RESOURCES. IN 2025, FIVE RESIDENTS SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONED INTO PERMANENT HOUSING, MARKING A MEANINGFUL MILESTONE TOWARD LONG-TERM INDEPENDENCE. THE YWCA REMAINS COMMITTED TO ONGOING SUPPORT-OFFERING FOLLOW-UP GUIDANCE FOR UP TO ONE YEAR POST- TRANSITION TO HELP ENSURE HOUSING STABILITY AND CONTINUED SUCCESS. PANTRY: THE YWCA YONKERS FOOD PANTRY IS A COMMUNITY-BASED RESOURCE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING FREE, NUTRITIOUS FOOD TO LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR, THE PANTRY SERVED 12,974 INDIVIDUALS AND 7,844 HOUSEHOLDS.FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS TAKE PLACE EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 1:00 PM TO 3:00 PM, OFFERING BALANCED FOOD PACKAGES TO SUPPORT HEALTH AND FOOD SECURITY. THROUGH A STRONG PARTNERSHIP WITH FEEDING WESTCHESTER, PARTICIPANTS ALSO RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL MONTHLY BAG OF FRESH PRODUCE THROUGH THE GREEN THUMB PROGRAM.IN ADDITION TO SCHEDULED DISTRIBUTIONS, EMERGENCY BAGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING URGENT NEED.OVER THE PAST FISCAL YEAR, THE PANTRY DISTRIBUTED OVER 31,861 POUNDS OF FOOD, MAKING A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON REDUCING FOOD INSECURITY AND SUPPORTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE YONKERS COMMUNITY. DROP-IN: THE YWCA YONKERS DROP-IN PROGRAM PROVIDES ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND CRITICAL SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. THE WOMEN'S DROP-IN ACCOMMODATES UP TO 50 WOMEN NIGHTLY, WHILE THE MEN'S DROP-IN SERVES UP TO 60 MEN, WITH AN ADDITIONAL OVERFLOW CAPACITY OF 35 BEDS AVAILABLE EACH NIGHT.BEYOND EMERGENCY OVERNIGHT SHELTER, THE PROGRAM OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE DAY PROGRAM DESIGNED TO SUPPORT PARTICIPANTS' MENTAL WELLNESS, EMOTIONAL STABILITY, AND LONG-TERM HOUSING GOALS. DURING THIS REPORTING PERIOD 6 CLIENTS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED JOB TRAINING IN SECURITY AND OSHA. 10 CLIENTS SECURED EMPLOYMENT THROUGH DAY PROGRAM SUPPORT. ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE NUTRITIOUS DAILY MEALS, INCLUDING BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, AND SNACKS. TWO DEDICATED ON-SITE CASE MANAGERS SUPPORT CLIENTS WITH HOUSING SEARCHES, JOB READINESS, APPLICATIONS, MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, AND BENEFIT NAVIGATION.THE PROGRAM COLLABORATES CLOSELY WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS WITHIN THE CONTINUUM OF CARE TO SECURE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING. IN 2025, 21 CLIENTS TRANSITIONED INTO PERMANENT HUD-FUNDED HOUSING PLACEMENTS.TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED FOR ESSENTIAL APPOINTMENTS, AND WOMEN HAVE ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL AND CASUAL CLOTHING THROUGH THE YWCA'S MY SISTER'S CLOSET PROGRAM TO SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT READINESS AND SELF- CONFIDENCE. EHAP: THE YWCA OF YONKERS EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EHAP), LOCATED AT 10 SAINT CASIMIR AVENUE, YONKERS, NY 10701, PROVIDES 22 FULLY FURNISHED TEMPORARY HOUSING UNITS FOR FAMILIES APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS). EACH UNIT IS THOUGHTFULLY EQUIPPED WITH ESSENTIAL LIVING AMENITIES, INCLUDING A PRIVATE KITCHEN, BATHROOM, DINING TABLE, COUCH, COFFEE TABLE, AND BUNK BEDS CONFIGURED AS EITHER TWIN-OVER-TWIN OR TWIN- OVER-FULL TO ENSURE BOTH COMFORT AND PRACTICALITY. THE FACILITY IS DESIGNED WITH SAFETY, DIGNITY, AND PRIVACY IN MIND. FEATURES INCLUDE 24-HOUR SURVEILLANCE, A CONTROLLED ENTRY SYSTEM MONITORED BY A TRAINED SECURITY GUARD, AND INDIVIDUALIZED UNIT AND MAILBOX KEYS ISSUED TO EACH FAMILY. TO FURTHER PROTECT RESIDENTS, VISITOR ACCESS IS LIMITED TO INDIVIDUALS AUTHORIZED BY EXTERNAL FAMILY SERVICE AGENCIES. UPON INTAKE, FAMILIES RECEIVE A COMPREHENSIVE WELCOME KIT CONTAINING NECESSITIES SUCH AS BEDDING, COOKWARE, UTENSILS, DINNERWARE, AND A DISH RACK TO SUPPORT IMMEDIATE DAILY LIVING NEEDS. ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY SUPPLIES-INCLUDING TOILETRIES, DIAPERS, AND ESSENTIAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS-ARE ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH AN ON-SITE STORAGE ROOM. OPERATIONS ARE SUPPORTED BY A DEDICATED TEAM, INCLUDING AN ON-SITE COORDINATOR ENTRY ASSESSOR AND A HOUSING SPECIALIST, WHO WORK CLOSELY WITH FAMILIES TO MONITOR PROGRESS, PROVIDE GUIDANCE, AND CONNECT THEM WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS.FAMILIES RESIDING IN EHAP ALSO HAVE ACCESS TO A WIDE RANGE OF OFF-SITE SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES, INCLUDING: CHILDCARE AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS,FOOD PANTRY SERVICES, WIC SUPPORT, MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES,DSS CASE MANAGEMENT, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE.THESE WRAPAROUND SUPPORTS ARE DESIGNED TO HELP FAMILIES ACHIEVE LONG-TERM STABILITY AND INDEPENDENCE.SINCE OPENING IN MAY 2023, THE EHAP PROGRAM HAS SUCCESSFULLY ASSISTED 24 FAMILIES IN SECURING PERMANENT HOUSING. THROUGH STRONG COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, GOVERNMENT PARTNERS, AND COMPASSIONATE STAFF, THE YWCA OF YONKERS REMAINS COMMITTED TO FOSTERING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE FAMILIES FEEL SUPPORTED, EMPOWERED, AND EQUIPPED TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES.

PEARLS PROGRAM: IN 2025, THE PEARLS PROGRAM SERVED 40 GIRLS AGES 10-18, PROVIDING A SAFE, NURTURING, AND ENRICHING AFTER-SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AT NO COST TO FAMILIES. PEARLS, WHICH STANDS FOR PREVENTION, EMPOWERMENT, ACADEMICS, RECREATION, AND LEADERSHIP, FOCUSES ON SUPPORTING GIRLS' ACADEMIC, PERSONAL, AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WHILE FOSTERING LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND SELF-CONFIDENCE. PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED IN HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE, ARTS AND CRAFTS, ZUMBA, SPORTS, HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACTIVITIES, PREVENTION WORKSHOPS, SELF-LOVE SESSIONS, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS. THE PEARLS ALSO PARTICIPATED IN GROUP OUTINGS INCLUDING VISITS TO THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, APPLE PICKING, AND THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIRS AND AWARENESS WALKS. WEEKLY ZUMBA SESSIONS INCORPORATED LESSONS ABOUT DIFFERENT CULTURES AND CULTURAL DANCES. THE PROGRAM PRIORITIZED MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WITH A PANEL IN HONOR OF MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH MONTH, FEATURING GUEST SPEAKERS FROM NAMI WESTCHESTER, ONE PASO, ST. VINCENT'S HOSPITAL, AND A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER. GIRLS RECEIVED EDUCATION ON MENTAL HEALTH, COPING STRATEGIES, AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES, INCLUDING HOTLINES AND SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND COLLEGE PREPARATION WERE KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM. CAMPUS VISITS TO COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AND LEHMAN COLLEGE EXPOSED PARTICIPANTS TO HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES. THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR ALSO PRESENTED A POWERPOINT TO YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS' 7TH AND 8TH GRADE SUMMER SCHOOL STUDENTS TO RECRUIT NEW PARTICIPANTS AND INTRODUCE THEM TO THE PROGRAM. THE PEARLS PROGRAM CELEBRATED A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR WITH SEVERAL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, INCLUDING HONOR ROLL AND PRINCIPAL'S LIST RECIPIENTS. THIS YEAR, 3 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES AND 4 JUNIOR HIGH GRADUATES COMPLETED THE PROGRAM. HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES WERE ACCEPTED INTO VARIOUS COLLEGES; ONE STUDENT RECEIVED AN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP TO GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, WHERE SHE IS PURSUING SOCIAL WORK, WHILE OTHERS COMMITTED TO LEHMAN COLLEGE (SOCIAL WORK) AND MERCY COLLEGE (VETERINARY STUDIES). THROUGH STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING, MENTORSHIP, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, INCLUDING ONE PASO, SAINT JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, AND NAMI WESTCHESTER, THE PEARLS PROGRAM CONTINUES TO EMPOWER GIRLS TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS, BUILD RESILIENCE, AND PURSUE ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL SUCCESS. (JAMAL BOWEN) WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM: IN 2025, THE WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM ENROLLED 154 PARTICIPANTS. OF THOSE ENROLLED, 40 PARTICIPANTS COMPLETED THE TRAINING, 63 COMPLETED THE FULL WORKFORCE PROGRAM, AND 42 PARTICIPANTS GAINED EMPLOYMENT. PARTICIPANTS TOOK PART IN DAILY GROUP SESSIONS, DISCUSSIONS, AND WORKSHOPS FACILITATED BY OUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR, NICOLE DOWDY, AND WORKFORCE STAFF. THESE SESSIONS FOCUSED ON ESSENTIAL SOFT SKILLS SUCH AS RESUME BUILDING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION, TIME MANAGEMENT, GOAL SETTING, AND IDENTIFYING ONE'S PASSION AND PURPOSE. THE PROGRAM ALSO PROVIDED A RANGE OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION (BUS PASSS) ASSISTANCE, WORK ATTIRE, UNIFORMS, CHILDCARE SUPPORT, AND FOOD INSECURITY RESOURCES. PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED MONTHLY JOB FAIRS, AND SEVERAL JOB FAIRS WERE ALSO HELD ONSITE AT THE YWCA OF YONKERS, ORGANIZED BY THE JOB DEVELOPER. ADDITIONALLY, PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE WITH OBTAINING HEALTH INSURANCE AND APPLYING FOR HOUSING PROGRAMS. WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM PARTNERSHIPS: THE WORKFORCE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM SUCCESSFULLY COLLABORATED WITH 20 ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT 2025. THESE PARTNERSHIPS PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN EXPANDING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, STRENGTHENING JOB PLACEMENT OUTCOMES, AND ENSURING PARTICIPANTS HAD ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES. THROUGH THESE COLLABORATIONS, PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED CAREER GUIDANCE, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, INTERNSHIPS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND WRAP-AROUND SERVICES THAT SUPPORTED THEIR OVERALL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. OUR 2025 WORKFORCE PARTNERS 1.DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (D.O.L.) 2.WECO 3.WESTCHESTER MEDICAL & DENTAL 4.WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 5.DO CONNECT INC. 6.EAGLE EYE SECURITY 7.VNS HEALTH 8.FOREVER YOUNG DAY CARE 9.EMPRESS ACADEMY 10.A.C.T. 11.WEST COP 12.SOULFUL ENERGY 13.WEST HAB 14.CON EDISON 15.CHILDREN'S VILLAGE 16.SAIL AT FERNCLIFF MANOR 17.SAINT JOHN'S HOSPITAL 18.SAINT JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL 19.WJCS 20.URBAN LEAGUE OF WESTCHESTER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM: THE YWCA YONKERS YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (YEP) PROVIDES WORKFORCE READINESS, HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE, AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AGES 14-20 THROUGHOUT THE YONKERS COMMUNITY. THIS PROGRAM IS HELD IN THE WINTER MONTHS. DURING THIS PROGRAM YEAR, 87 PARTICIPANTS SUCCESSFULLY ENROLLED AND COMPLETED REQUIRED WORKFORCE READINESS TRAININGS, INCLUDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION AND FINANCIAL LITERACY. FOLLOWING TRAINING, PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED IN A 10-WEEK PAID WORK EXPERIENCE, RECEIVING ONGOING SUPPORT FROM PROGRAM STAFF AND SITE SUPERVISORS. WORKSITE PLACEMENTS INCLUDED ROLES IN RECREATION, CHILDCARE, OFFICE SUPPORT, RETAIL, MAINTENANCE, NONPROFIT SERVICE, CULINARY SUPPORT, AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING. THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE, PARTICIPANTS GAINED REAL-WORLD EXPOSURE TO WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS WHILE DEVELOPING CRITICAL SKILLS SUCH AS COMMUNICATION, PROFESSIONALISM, TIME MANAGEMENT, TEAMWORK, AND PROBLEM- SOLVING. MANY YOUTH DEMONSTRATED SIGNIFICANT GROWTH-BUILDING CONFIDENCE, RESPONSIBILITY, AND CLEARER INSIGHT INTO POTENTIAL CAREER PATHWAYS.