Women and children first
North Bay BIZ Jan. 2025 article with YWCA CEO Madeleine Keegan O’Connell interview: ”Some (domestic violence victims) come from the best zip codes in Sonoma County. They’re just in a desperate situation and have nowhere to go.”
Feeling safe is universal.
“You saved my life.” - Client at Safe House who speaks Russian.
YWCA is Vital. Singular. Needed.
“If it weren’t for these programs, I don’t know where I would be right now.” – Camila, a Safe House resident
Honoring Mothers
Since witnessing her mother’s abuse by her stepfather, (Lucia) had become withdrawn, non-verbal and had trouble sleeping.
Holiday Traditions
For families in the tender care of YWCA’s domestic violence, childcare and counseling programs, holidays are a challenging time.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month - DVAM 2023
epresenting Sonoma County’s singular and vital provider of domestic violence services, as I do, you become reflective. I think about our confidential Safe House shelter,…
Share the Warmth
Carmen is a mother of three children under 12 years old who fled her home where her husband brutalized her both physically and emotionally for many years.
The gift of slumber
Parents who make the important decision to move into our shelter for the safety and protection of themselves and their children also know the value of a good night’s sleep.
How YWCA Supports Local Families - DVAM 2022
A recap of how YWCA has supported local families in need over the past year.
A Safe House Mother's Testimony
“Before I got here, my baby was having a hard time breathing, sleeping, eating and functioning overall. Now (at YWCA confidential Safe House) he sleeps, eats, smiles and is processing so much more.”
'Tis the season for giving and receiving thanks
As the holiday season arrives, I want you to know how grateful our families are for the services made available by your generous support.
Impacts of domestic violence on our community
Dear Friend, If you’re like me, newspaper headlines have a way of shaking me free from the other concerns of my day.
Nurture - A Mother's Day Message
Preschoolers, like ours featured on the cover of this card, not only heal and catch up on their social and emotional growth, they too learn how to nurture.
Hope and Kindness - 2020 holiday message
Especially at this time of year, we reflect on the meaning of hope and kindness in our lives.
Unprecedented Times: DVAM 2020
Theo witnessed and experienced his father’s abuse and was showing symptoms of fear, withdrawal and inability to express his emotions. Through the use of a sand tray and YWCA’s trauma-informed approach, …
Shelter in Place - When staying home may not be safe.
Reflecting on these past many weeks of “shelter in place” one cannot begin to fathom the impact on victims of violence and abuse being sheltered together with their abuser.
Safe House is baby's first home
A child is born. An innocent, precious being at the beginning of her journey through life. Her name is Gabriella and her first home is YWCA’s confidential Safe House shelter.
The singular voice of domestic violence
Over the past year, the #MeToo movement has transformed our culture, and in many ways has expanded beyond sexual assault and harassment to become a movement which empowers women.
A success story
While recovering in the hospital following the birth of her youngest, Wendy’s sister and mother gave her YWCA’s 24/7 crisis hotline number and insisted she call.
Wildfires: common threads with DV
As you know, our community has endured loss, trauma and despair as we all grapple with the impact of the October ‘17 wildfires.