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Life-Changing Stories

Home » What We Do » Life-Changing Stories

YWCA improves the lives of more than 10,000 women and their families each year, but the details of each woman’s story are what keep us focused on our mission. Names have been changed to protect our clients’ identities.

RAPID REHOUSING

When Bethany entered YWCA’s Rapid Rehousing program, she was fleeing an abusive home and seeking safety for herself and her children. A survivor of lifelong abuse, she came to us employed but unsure of her financial footing or what her future could hold.

During her time in the program, Bethany faced both setbacks and successes — welcoming a new baby, navigating childcare challenges, and staying focused on her goals. With support from her case manager, she accessed wraparound services and maintained stable housing with rental assistance.

Just five months after completing the program, Bethany called with exciting news: she had closed on her first home. She credited YWCA’s financial education and support for making that milestone possible.

Today, Bethany is thriving — continuing counseling, reconnecting with supportive family, and confidently using the safety skills she’s learned. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, healing, stability, and even homeownership are within reach.

A smiling woman plays with two young children at an outdoor water activity table. The children are engaged with colorful floating toys, and the scene takes place in a backyard or patio area on a sunny day.

HEAD START

Brionna J., Product Manager at Instagram, sat down with us to share her meaningful, impactful and life-changing experience in our Head Start program. In her words, “I don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for the educators who entered my life through the Head Start program.”

CRISIS SERVICES

Domestic violence drove Rose to seek services from YWCA after her abusive husband of 30 years threatened to kill her. She moved in with family and courageously began counseling to address the pain that was disrupting her life. She barely spoke during the first several sessions. Often, she would only cry, unable to voice what she was feeling except to say, “I’m sad.” Rose came to trust YWCA’s trauma-informed environment, consistent support, and encouragement, and agreed to participate in group therapy. She realized she was not alone. She cried less, processed her trauma and started to put her feelings into words. She defined goals she wanted to achieve through therapy, one of which was to lease her own apartment. At 60 years old, she had never lived on her own. Rose desired privacy and peace, and started to prioritize her mental health. She worked with a YWCA therapist who used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) during individual counseling. Within six months of committing to therapy, with the help of YWCA’s Housing staff, Rose secured her first apartment! At her last session, we were surprised to see Rose cry again. “These are my happy tears,” she said. Just a reminder that everyone deserves safety and the opportunity to thrive. YWCA transforms lives.

ECONOMIC STABILITY

“I can’t say enough kind and thankful words about this program. When I applied for school I had no idea how I was going to afford daycare for two boys. I was barely keeping my head above water while working a full-time job, plus some. Education was the only option at that point in my life. I had to improve my skills and get a long-lasting career that would change the future for me and my small children. This was all made possible by the wonderful people in YWCA’s Economic Empowerment Program. Even through COVID, they provided so much support. This took much weight and worry off my shoulders. I always felt like I had a kind, welcoming and understanding resource to reach out to when I felt like I was falling behind or wanted to quit because it was a lot to take on. With the support, encouragement and resources provided to me I was able to complete my program with honors and gain a job in my field before I even had my diploma! My success is in large part due to the Economic Empowerment Program. I hope to set a great example of how wonderful this program is for the success of women.”
– Diana

RAPID RE-HOUSING

Jane and her three children were referred to YWCA through St. Martha’s Hall. COVID-19 had a devastating effect on the family’s life – her abuser escalated the violence and trauma in the home, and Jane lost her job. Once she and the children were settled, her Case Manager brought her to YWCA for an intake interview. She and her children seemed sad, but having another supportive agency welcome them with toys, games and warm clothing had them smiling by end of the interview. Jane and her family are now in their own apartment safely away from her abuser, the children are back in school, and her employment opportunities are very positive.

SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES

YWCA values the coordinated community response to sexual and domestic violence. For more than 30 years, we have partnered with area hospitals and police departments to meet the needs of victims/survivors in our community. Recently, we partnered with Mehlville EMS, providing “shoe cards” with YWCA and shelter information to keep on their ambulances. Shortly after, EMS responded to Abby, a victim who did not wish to go the hospital. EMS was able to leave her with YWCA’s shoe card, (before this, they had no resource to share). Abby reached out to YWCA the next day, when she was able to make a safety plan and obtain safe housing with the help of our staff. YWCA’s shoe cards are now kept on multiple jurisdictions’ ambulances in St. Louis County, and the ambulance district of St. Louis City.

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