YWCA Capital Campaign Public Phase
Toledo – The YWCA of Northwest Ohio announces the kick-off of the public phase of its capital campaign to create a warmer and more dignified place for women and children to heal, learn and grow. The core of the YWCA facility, located at 1018 Jefferson, was built in 1954 and is in need of updating and renovation. Capacity is limited and as the only emergency domestic violence shelter in Toledo it is not unusual to send clients to hotels for overnight lodging.
“The physical environment we use to shelter primarily women and their children escaping intimate partner violence is inadequate, and the sheer size and design for semi-private housing has proved to be challenging especially during the pandemic,” according to Lisa McDuffie, President & CEO of the YWCA of Northwest Ohio. The planned renovations throughout the core facility also are needed for continuing and expanding the YWCA’s many other programs and services, currently working out of small, shared spaces. Once complete, capacity at the shelter will double from 17 to 34 rooms, and feature updated spaces for clients and staff.
The YWCA of Northwest Ohio capital campaign was kicked off by a $1 million donation from national philanthropist MacKenzie Scott which was used to seed the capital campaign. Quietly the campaign has gained traction over the past year under guidance from four campaign chairs, Rita Mansour, Cynthia Thompson, Sara Jane deHoff and Lori Johnston. The initial $12 million dollar goal to start renovations has been reached and construction will begin this year. “While our initial goal has been reached, we’re now in asking the public to help us meet our ultimate goal of $15 million to complete a safe haven that is functional and dignified,” said McDuffie.
Those wishing to donate to the campaign can do so by sending their donation to YWCA Capital Campaign C/O ProMedica Foundations, 444 N. Summit, Suite 100, Toledo, OH 43604 or online at https://giving.promedica.org/ywca.
Mindi Marshall- Director of Development
[email protected]
419.819.8389
YWCA of Northwest Ohio
www.ywcanwo.org
1018 Jefferson Ave, Toledo, OH 43604