WHAT WE DO
To empower women and eliminate racism, we must meet our clients where they are most vulnerable and provide the compassion and services that place them on a path to self-sufficiency and prosperity.
We are fierce advocates for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, seniors living on low fixed incomes and incarcerated moms and their kids. We fight for policies that protect survivors and advocate for racial equity from the local to the state level.
We educate people in positions of power (landlords, business owners, elected officials, government officials, allied social service agencies, and others) as well as members of the interested public about the challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of our community.
We provide responsive services that meet the evolving needs of our community.
YWCA’s approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based.
Our vision is that all women and their families can achieve their full potential in a world without discrimination.
YWCA Programs
meeting the needs of our community
Family Preservation Project (FPP) ↘
YWCA’s FPP strengthens families and communities by assisting incarcerated women as they become rooted in their identities as mothers, promoting the rights of children of incarcerated parents, and providing trauma-informed services designed specifically for each parent’s unique needs. We provides direct service inside Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) in Wilsonville, OR.
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Intensive Family Reunification
YWCA believes in the healing power of the mother-child bond. This program provides therapeutic visitations with children, parenting support and education, intensive transition planning, caregiver support, and biopsychosocial assessments and interventions.
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Family Resource Center
This program provides mothers who are incarcerated with psycho-education and support groups, juvenile and family law support, civil legal support, and addresses barriers to contact with children, families, and professional services.
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Re-entry Program
Our Peer Advocates meet women at release from prison with warmth and assistance. This program provides re-entry necessities, including hygiene supplies, clothing, and a backpack or tote as well as emotional support.
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Youth Advisory Council
Passionate kids of incarcerated parents, this advocacy group passed the Bill of Rights for the Children of Incarcerated Parents in Oregon’s state legislature (2017) and continues to support its implementation.
Senior Services ↘
YWCA’s Senior Services Program offers a wide range of information and support to seniors, with an emphasis on people of color over the age of 60 living on low fixed incomes in East Multnomah County. We support seniors so they can maintain healthy and independent lives in the safety and comfort of their own homes.
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Care Management
YWCA Case Managers advocate for their clients and facilitate access to services.
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Information and Referrals
We help seniors navigate complicated systems and refer them to the best resources.
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Respite and Support for Caregivers
Support for caregivers of seniors in our community.
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Activities and Support Groups
With classes like ceramics and caligraphy, we offer group activities for seniors in our community.
Survivor Services ↘
Using trauma-informed and housing-first care models, we work to increase survivors’ safety, economic security, and housing stability during and immediately following emergency crisis situations. We offer high-touch, personalized short-term and long-term supports.
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Navigation + Referrals
First point of contact for Survivors and referrals to navigate complicated systems to achieve safety, services, and housing.
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Communities of Restoration and Healing
CoRH homes provide Survivors with safe housing for them and their kids.
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Therapeutic Services
Our therapists provide Survivors and their families with individual, group, and/or child and family, free or low-cost therapy.
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In-Reach
Working in day shelters and encampments, our In-Reach connects Survivors who are currently houseless with permanent housing.
Social Justice ↘
Covering topics from sexism and domestic violence, racism, poverty, inclusivity, sex and gender, and more, our social justice workshops promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
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Public Workshops
We are the largest provider of social justice education and training services in Oregon!
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Private Workshops
In person or via Zoom, YWCA curates a wide range of social justice workshops to bring your organization the training it needs.
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Domestic Violence Advocacy Certification
YWCA offers the 40-hour training necessary to become a Domestic Violence Advocate. This training addresses the intersection of violence and systems of oppression and is provided through a Survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive lens.
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Anti-Racism Practice Certification
Through our 2 week Anti-Racism Practice Certification, we encourage learners at all levels of their social justice journey to join us in deepening understanding to better show up for our community and create a more inclusive society together.