A Joyous Holiday

YWCA Clark County supporters were very generous again this year. We launched our annual Holiday Appeal and Holiday Shop gift solicitation in early November 2014. By the end of the year, we received over $50,000 in cash donations, and were able to provide holiday gifts for 105 adults and 264 children.

 This season, we highlighted our Independent Living Skills Program (ILS) and the profound impact it has on the lives of youth transitioning out of foster care. A shocking 35% of Washington youth leaving foster care end up homeless because of a lack of family and community support to help them find work, affordable housing or continue their education. The ILS Program provides training, mentoring and community resources to help young adults avoid this tragic ending and enter into their adult life with a solid foundation.

 Thanks to thousands of gift donations, ILS youth and participants from our other four programs, shared in the joy of giving through a unique gift service program we call the Holiday Shop. Every year, staff and volunteers collaborate to create a mini-mall in the Community Room of YWCA. With shopping cart in hand and a personal shopper by their side, participants stroll through tables and tables of new gift items and select items for their families. Next, they are escorted to a wrapping station, where volunteers dress gifts with festive wrapping paper and shiny bows. The Holiday Shop always brings a special kind of joy to everyone involved.

 Thank you to the hundreds of community members who thought of those served by YWCA, and who took time to donate funds and gifts this holiday season. Year after year, your support of YWCA Clark County continues to humble and amaze.