Bringing it Home :: Building Updates
September 2011
We Did It Yakima!
Nearly three years ago, the YWCA moved into the new Emergency Family Shelter, with families moving into the new space just before Christmas. The new shelter provides a safe and healing environment; when families first come into the shelter, they are experiencing intense stress, fear and confusion. It is wonderful to watch the women and children during their stay in the shelter, learning to trust, feeling safe and empowered, and seeing the children laughing and playing. The families enjoy an outdoor courtyard and playground, and when the shelter is full, which is quite often, the noise level of the children playing gets pretty loud! But we all welcome the noise, as we understand the importance to these courageous families of having a safe place to stay, a support system of staff and other survivors who have experienced what they are going through, and having access to the resources as they rebuild their lives.
In July, 2011 construction on the 16 YWCA Transitional Housing units was complete. Six families have already moved in, and we anticipate occupancy of the remaining ten units within the next month. Many of the families that have moved in were in the shelter at some time in the past, so they already know they are safe with us and the children know most of the staff by name. These families have taken the next step in their journey; participants in the Transitional Housing program may live in the housing for up to 24 months, during which time they will receive individualized case management, participant in on-site self-sufficiency classes, and be empowered to start a new life free of violence - this is a wonderful feeling! Two young boys who had met in the shelter and are now in our transitional housing are becoming fast friends. They knock on each other's apartment doors to see if the other boy can come out to play; they often can be seen walking down the sidewalk together, off on some adventure. It is because of you - the Yakima Community - that these stories are possible, that these boys can feel safe enough to go outside together and know they are coming home, to a safe, welcoming environment.
Thank you, Yakima!
July 2011
To celebrate the near completion of our Bringing it Home project, the YWCA hosted a reception on June 22nd at the new facility; donors, business owners and neighborhood representatives were invited to help celebrate this great community project. We had a great turnout - it was an opportunity to showcase all that has been accomplished, and our chance to say a special “thank you” to the donors and supporters of Bringing It Home.
April 2011
The month of April was busy; the transitional housing units are nearly complete, with walls and ceilings painted, flooring and kitchen cabinets installed, and the tile work in the bathrooms done. Most of the heating/air conditioning units have been installed, and lighting fixtures, doors, hardware and finish items have been ordered and will be installed soon. Outside, the pavers in the courtyard have been installed, and once weather warms up, remaining landscape work will be completed. It is exciting to see the changes happening week to week, and we invite you to call us to schedule a tour!
This amazing community has supported our project since its inception, coming together to further our goal to intervene in the devastating cycle of violence and homelessness. The project has been funded to date through a combination of individual donations, federal, state and local grants, community service organizations, and private foundations. Because of this great support, we are within 20% of reaching our funding goal, but we need your help to bring it all the way home! You have an amazing opportunity to ensure that these critically-needed services for domestic violence survivors become a reality.
May 2011
The YWCA Yakima "Bringing it Home" project is nearing completion! All the finish work, plumbing, electrical, flooring and cabinetry has been completed in the housing units. The exterior courtyard work is done, including planting of trees and deciduous plants, installation of playground equipment, courtyard pavers, and irrigation system connections. The new entryway/handicap accessible ramp is complete, and the new entryway is nearly done. In early July, families will be moving into the housing units, ready to begin their new life. Thank you, Yakima!
January 2011
February 2011
October 2010
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The renovations on the Bringing It Home project are moving forward on schedule; October was an exciting month, with many accomplishments achieved. The interior framing has been completed, sheet rock has been installed in many of the housing units, the courtyard landscaping design has been finalized, and all the pavers for the courtyard were delivered and ready to be installed.
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We continue to conduct tours during certain stages of construction. Please contact the YWCA at 248-7796 if you would like to schedule a tour. In the meantime, we welcome your questions and comments, and encourage you to watch our progress as we move forward on this exciting project for our community!
September 2010
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September saw significant progress at the Bringing It Home construction site. The roofing work is nearly 90% complete, the electrical crews are on-site, interior framing work continues, and nearly all the new windows are installed. As this work continues, other developments include: identifying the requirements and type of equipment for the security system; selecting colors and materials for many interior finishes and hardware, and; finalizing landscaping plans for the North Courtyard. This courtyard will include green space, deciduous grasses, trees and shrubbery, and a fully enclosed playground for children. In the midst of all the planning, development, and now the construction of this amazing project, it’s important to remember why we’re here. If you can imagine, in less than a year the new housing units will be occupied, with children playing in a secure, safe play area, mothers empowered with the resources and skills necessary to realizing self-sufficiency, and families building a future of which they can be proud. None of this is possible without the support of this amazing community, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to you - donors, community partners, and friends - for your contribution to Bringing It Home. |
We continue to conduct tours during certain stages of construction; please contact the YWCA at 248-7796 if you would like to schedule a tour. In the meantime, we welcome your questions and comments, and encourage you to watch our progress as we move forward on this exciting project for our community!
July Construction Update
BRINGING IT HOME
“a place to encourage hope, enrich lives and empower dreams”
August, 2010
Construction work on Phase II of the Bringing It Home project was officially launched May 14th at the “Tearing Down the Walls” groundbreaking event. Former and current Board members, capital campaign volunteers, public and community partners, elected officials and interested citizens joined YWCA staff and the construction crew to formally launch the project, using golden hammers to mark the beginning of the demolition phase.
Since that exciting event, we are happy to report that demolition is more than 50% complete – way ahead of schedule - and the framing of several of the new housing units is partially done as well.
In addition, the long-awaited reopening of the YWCA Working Women’s Wardrobe is scheduled for early August! Through the dedication and hard work of our construction crew, YWCA staff and many amazing community volunteers, we will once again be able to offer professional clothing at no cost to limited income women. If you have any questions regarding the wardrobe, including how to make a donation, client eligibility or hours of operation, please call us!
We continue to conduct tours during certain stages of construction; please contact the YWCA at 248-7796 if you would like to schedule a tour. In the meantime, we welcome your questions and comments, and encourage you to watch our progress as we move forward on this exciting project for our community!
August 2010
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The month of August was very busy at the Bringing It Home construction site. We are pleased to report that the majority of the demolition work was completed at the end of July, and all the framing of the housing units has been completed as well. New windows are being installed soon, and the old concrete overhang at the front door has been completely removed. Work on the roof is in progress, and the electrical contractors are beginning installation of the electrical systems. |
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The YWCA Working Women's Wardrobe area has been completely transformed, thanks to the help of a group of students from Pacific Northwest University (PNWU). The PNWU group spent a Friday afternoon assisting staff in sorting and moving racks of clothing, and setting up the wardrobe area in anticipation of our re-opening. If you have any questions regarding the wardrobe, including how to make a donation, client eligibility or hours of operation, please call us! |
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