Even though many of our daily activities have been affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and things we have taken for granted may have come to a halt, domestic violence and housing instability continue for many of our community members and their families. We want you to know that we remain committed to our mission work and are dedicated to continuing to provide quality services for our community during a time when some families may need them most.

• The devoted staff at our Domestic Violence Shelter have not missed a beat since the Coronavirus began changing the way we all go about our lives. Those needing assistance can continue to call our 24-hour hotline at 518-374-3386 and our staff will be ready to help, providing information or getting you to safety. Because #MissionMatters.

• On a daily basis, over 60 women call YWCA NENY home through our permanent supportive housing program. We have been focused on keeping our residential areas sanitized. Residents are being given up-to-date information almost daily. And our kitchen staff are onsite, providing daily meals as more and more of our residents become affected by closures and layoffs. Basic necessities such as hygiene products, cleaning supplies and pantry items are also available as needed. Because #MissionMatters.

• Our Advocacy services continue as well, with our Advocates contacting victims/survivors and continuing to provide assistance as needed. They are still able to do Family Court petitions via phone, create safety plans, assist in emergency family offenses, and provide victims/survivors with information on their options in the criminal and civil justice system. Because #MissionMatters.

• Individual counseling services have not stopped, as the need for counseling has not stopped. They have, however, changed how they are done, switching from in-person meetings to phone counseling sessions when safe to do so. Additionally, with many of our clients experiencing a financial crisis at this time, our Economic Empowerment Counselor is staying up-to-date on all relief efforts being offered and is available to provide phone counseling or virtual meetings with those needing assistance. Because #MissionMatters.

• Our two Early Learning Centers remain closed at this time. We look forward to the return of the children’s laughter and joy to our building so we can continue to provide them with high-quality, accredited early learning education. Because #MissionMatters.

We will and we must continue to provide these programs and services. For those who would like to help, here are a few ways you can:

• Help us keep our residents fed by donating to our #MissionMatters food campaign, so we can continue to provide daily, nutritious meals to our residents as well as keep our food pantry stocked.

• Support YWCA NENY and our dedicated staff who provide 24-hour care to our residents, clients and community by making a donation to our #MissionMatters general campaign. These funds will be used to cover operational expenses that support some of the most vulnerable among us.

• Contact us to set up a time to deliver non-perishable food items and to-go containers to help us continue to safely provide food to our residents.