PRESS DEMOCRAT CLOSE TO HOME
By Madeleine Keegan O’Connell, CEO, YWCA Sonoma County

Sunday, April 11, 2021

GETTING HELP.

EDITOR: Staff Writer Nashelly Chavez’s article on domestic violence and the impact of COVID-19 brings an important community matter to light (“Abuse concerns mount during outbreak,” April 11.) Briefly mentioned was that during the shelter-in-place order, dedicated YWCA domestic violence advocates continue to maintain Sonoma County’s only confidential safe house shelter, thereby safeguarding the families in our care.

To clarify, our therapy program, which provides trauma-informed counseling to preschool-age children, adolescents and adults has committed to a continuity of care by investing in telehealth video conference technology as well as telephone sessions to support our clients.

Demonstrating our commitment to the work of the Family Justice Center, despite its temporary closure, referrals for our services are now and will be in high demand. Sonoma County residents know they can rely on YWCA Sonoma County now and into the future. Our 24/7 domestic violence crisis hotline number is 707-546-1234, and our website isywcasc.org.

MADELEINE KEEGAN O’CONNELL
Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Sonoma County