Emergency Shelter - Education & Employment Shelter Children's Services - Study Buddies Shelter Faith Community Nurse Emergency Shelter Shelter Children’s Services BY THE NUMBERS 24,875 nights of shelter were provided, <strong>the</strong> most in our history 44 nights was <strong>the</strong> average stay 1,361 women (627) and children (734) were offered a safe haven 68% or 925 women and children sought shelter from domestic violence 72% or 262 days <strong>the</strong> shelter operated at or over capacity 394 women and children sought shelter from homelessness 70% of individuals who received services were from <strong>Cass</strong> & <strong>Clay</strong> Counties 60% of participants served were women and children of color The <strong>YWCA</strong> Emergency Shelter is <strong>the</strong> largest shelter serving women and children in <strong>the</strong> state of North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota and provides 45-day emergency shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence. The shelter is a safe, locked facility with a capacity of 65 that is staffed by trained professionals 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. <strong>YWCA</strong> shelter advocates take a holistic approach when helping women identify <strong>the</strong>ir needs. With each woman, <strong>the</strong>y review nine areas which include personal safety, housing, employment, education, physical and mental health, needs of <strong>the</strong> children, spiritual, legal and fi nancial concerns. Each woman <strong>the</strong>n sets goals and, with <strong>the</strong> assistance of <strong>the</strong>ir advocate and o<strong>the</strong>r support staff, develops an action plan to reach those goals. When women and children enter <strong>the</strong> shelter, <strong>the</strong>y are offered food, clothing, childcare, and extensive advocacy services as <strong>the</strong>y work on <strong>the</strong> ultimate goal of obtaining alternative housing and independence. " Words cannot express my gratitude toward <strong>the</strong> <strong>YWCA</strong>. You've given me shelter, food, and anything else to help ease <strong>the</strong> burden of my struggle. -A., Former Emergency Shelter Resident " " You have given me shoulders to cry on when I felt I had no one. -H., Former Emergency Shelter Resident " Located within <strong>the</strong> shelter, Shelter Children's Services (SCS) provides a safe and developmentally appropriate environment for children of program participants, along with support and education for <strong>the</strong> entire family. SCS offers licensed on-site childcare, tutoring, school transportation, school supplies, school liaison assistance, parent education, clothing, food, diapers, and special activities for children. The SCS program strives to meet each child’s individual needs, as well as those of <strong>the</strong> parent. Some of those needs may include positive parenting classes, securing winter attire, receiving referrals for counseling, fi nding a violin for orchestra class, or simply receiving a hug when <strong>the</strong>y need it <strong>the</strong> most. A few examples of goals set by <strong>the</strong> children include going to sports or summer camp for <strong>the</strong> fi rst time, learning how to read, learning how to fi t in with <strong>the</strong>ir peers, or improving <strong>the</strong>ir grades at school. " Thank you for always helping me, you are a good friend. Study Buddies Study Buddies provides after school curriculum to promote positive study habits, meet with volunteer mentors one-on-one, and address life skills and relationship development. Volunteers from area colleges and businesses offer tutoring and mentoring support. The <strong>YWCA</strong> continues to partner with <strong>the</strong> Fargo Public Schools; <strong>the</strong> Study Buddies Coordinator serves as <strong>the</strong> Homeless Student Resource Coordinator for children in <strong>the</strong> school district. " -3rd grade girl to an SCS volunteer Before I came here, I never did my homework because it was so hard. But here <strong>the</strong>y helped me, and my teacher started to tell me all <strong>the</strong> time that I was smart. " " " -M., Study Buddies Participant BY THE NUMBERS 861 children participated in Shelter Children's Services programming 19,921 hours of direct service were provided 6,628 nutritious meals were served 344 children received school supplies 964 children were provided with diapers, clothing, etc. BY THE NUMBERS 296 children enrolled in <strong>the</strong> Study Buddies after-school program 98% of <strong>the</strong> time, children are enrolled in school within three days of entering <strong>the</strong> shelter Education & Employment Shelter Faith Community Nurse BY THE NUMBERS 345 classes were provided 1,511 participants attended classes 94% of participants increased <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge 590 hours of case management were provided to Education & Employment participants 478 one-on-one education and employment plan sessions were provided The <strong>YWCA</strong> Education & Employment program offers comprehensive employment and educational readiness training to assist unemployed and under employed women participating in <strong>YWCA</strong> housing programs. Supportive services include: job counseling, advocacy, referrals, and a variety of on-site curriculum including resume and interview classes. Additionally, Steps to Success, an intensive hands-on job readiness course, is offered semi-monthly. Skills learned prepare women to enter or re-enter <strong>the</strong> job market while bolstering self-confi dence and self-esteem. " Thanks to <strong>the</strong> <strong>YWCA</strong> for giving me <strong>the</strong> power, <strong>the</strong> knowledge, and <strong>the</strong> tools to be successful in <strong>the</strong> world. I can't thank you enough. -B., Former E&E Participant " Made possible by a partnership with Sanford Health, <strong>the</strong> Shelter Faith Community Nurse (SFCN) offers women tools and resources to achieve optimal health and wellness. Using a holistic approach, <strong>the</strong> SFCN addresses <strong>the</strong> needs of mind, body, and spirit and helps women focus on appropriate usage of health care services, access to care, and advocacy. The SFCN brings health education to <strong>the</strong> shelter and empowers residents to better manage <strong>the</strong>ir health, serving as a resource for referrals, a health counselor, a spiritual liaison, and a health educator. " Raising awareness for health and wellness issues, taking responsibility for self and family, and empowering women is a daily goal for me here at <strong>the</strong> <strong>YWCA</strong>. " -Laurie, Shelter Faith Community Nurse BY THE NUMBERS 964 one on one contacts 3,710 interventions provided 501 referrals made 479 had <strong>the</strong>ir needs met and needed no fur<strong>the</strong>r referral 84% benefi ted from health education or personal health counseling 93% experienced enhanced quality of life