YWCA Delaware

Geographic areas served: State of Delaware

Programs: Home-life management center - provides safe housing for homeless families or those in imminent danger of homelessness, and an environment where participants are empowered through comprehensive case management to become self-sufficient, financially stable, and exit to independent and sustainable permanent housing. Accomplishments: 167 vulnerable individuals were safely housed and economically stabilized. 93% exited to safe and stable housing; 100% of families improved financial capability, which included job acquisition or retention, living within a budget, establishing savings behaviors, and building or repaying credit. 91 survivors of domestic violence participated in support groups and 22% received ongoing individual therapy to recover from trauma.

economic advancement - helping women and their families achieve economic independence and upward mobility through financial capability programs, home ownership counseling, foreclosure intervention, and entrepreneurial training to start or grow a business. Accomplishments: more than 1,000 disadvantaged families increased their capability to improve their standard of living within 12 months. 407 individuals received financial empowerment training and counseling, 82% who completed the program demonstrated increased financial stability; 420 households received housing counseling, 80 families bought their first home, and 82% of foreclosure cases reached a positive resolution; 180 new and emerging entrepreneurs received technical assistance and 20% of business start-ups earned income.

youth leadership development - disadvantaged and primarily low-income girls age 11 to 17 build life skills, develop self-direction, and exercise independent thinking to result in academic success and a defined path for reaching their full economic and social potential in adulthood. Accomplishments: 1,395 young people participated in ywca school-based enrichment programs and within 12 months demonstrated increased likelihood of upward economic and social mobility. 100% of girls in the ywca college and career preparation program graduated from high school and 74% enrolled in post-secondary education directly following high school. 89% develop a measurable understanding and appreciation for people whose culture, interests, racial or ethnic background differ from their own.

racial justice - individuals gain a greater understanding of the history, nature and extent of racism in the united states, how that has affected their attitudes and behaviors toward others, and are motivated to take action against racism. Accomplishments: of more than 200 active participants in workshops and small-group dialogue sessions, over half committed to deliberate efforts to effect social change. 92% developed skills that enabled them to better communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.