March 19, 2020
Friends,
We are in this together. YWCA La Crosse has served the Coulee Region for over 110 years and we intend to continue doing so in the years to come. In the midst of this crisis, I have been overwhelmed by the amount of love, support, and empathy pouring out of our community. Neighbors helping neighbors, strangers helping strangers, our community proves once again that we are all in this together and are here to lift one another up. These are uncertain times. What remains certain for me is the need to ensure the longevity of vital services YWCA La Crosse offers to womxn, girls, and families in the community.
While I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, I can tell you what YWCA La Crosse is doing today.
Today, our Child Center is open. Staff are taking extra steps to ensure the center is clean and as safe as possible for children. We recognize that families in our community still need reliable, safe, quality childcare for their children. We also recognize that there is a need for school-age care. As of Monday, March 23rd, the Child Center will be opening spaces for school-age children. If you or someone you know needs school-age care, contact Karen at kknox@ywcalax.org or by calling 608-785-9541.
Today, our CASA for Kids program is operating with modifications. With guidance from the National and State CASA administration, we have suspended one-on-one visits with children and volunteers have moved to checking in on children weekly by phone and video chat. We know there are some children in higher risk situations and we are working with volunteers to ensure those children’s needs are still met and that their safety is still our priority.
Today, our Supportive Housing programs are open. Ophelia’s House is supporting women 24/7 and ensuring their health and safety by suspending all in-person programming with outside agencies and contractors. Some of those services will continue virtually for the time being. Ruth House is housing women as normal and will remain open to provide shelter for many in our community who would otherwise be without a safe place to live.
Today, Restorative Justice is moving to online learning, conferencing, and support for students. They’re working through the kinks of continuing meetings for circle keepers and providing support to those students as needed in light of school closings. These are trying times for the adults in our community and can be equally as stressful and uncertain for youth. We’re here for them in that time of need to provide reassurance, guidance, and an empathetic ear.
Today, we’re all in this together. Our offices are closed to walk-ins, but are open for the community to contact us. If you need to reach our staff, you can call 608-781-2783 or email us at info@ywcalax.org.
Today and every day, we are here to support the community. We are proud of our community partners who have stepped up and are providing critical resources during this time of need. Join us in continuing to support our community and thank you for supporting YWCA La Crosse. To access our wish lists or make a donation, visit our website at www.ywcalax.org.
Lauren Journot
Executive Director
Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.
give.ywcalax.org
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