The YWCA of South Hampton Roads Is Thrilled to Announce the Receipt of a Donation From

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Sharon Litton, Administrative Manager

(757) 625-4248 (757) 625-1946 fax

The YWCA of South Hampton Roads is thrilled to announce an award of $142,284.00 from the Sue Cook Winfrey Memorial Fund of The Norfolk Foundation. Since its founding in 1950, The Norfolk Foundation has provided nearly $85 million in grants and scholarships to improve life in southeastern Virginia. The YWCA of South Hampton Roads plans to use the award to complete equipment and building upgrades for three domestic violence shelters and the administrative office.

The YWCA Women in Crisis Shelters and Program maintains three shelters which provide housing for over 250 victims of domestic violence. The Crisis Shelter is a secured facility equipped with numerous safety features designed to maintain the safety and anonymity of its residents. This building will receive new security locks and a steel security doors at all entrances. A leaky roof and cracked tile in the basement will also be repaired.

Apartments in the Transitional Housing Shelter will receive a new laundry facility. In addition, 23 windows will be replaced as well as new kitchen and bath tile. Perhaps most importantly, a rear wall which had partially collapsed and exposed the interior framing will finally be repaired. These simple building improvements enhance the quality of life for the shelter residents.

The administrative office of the YWCA of South Hampton Roads is located at 5215 Colley Avenue in Norfolk and is the center of its programs and services. Other programs located at the administrative office include: Racial Justice Initiatives & Advocacy, Response Sexual Assault Center and Services and YWCA Kids Before & After Care Program. This building will receive much needed improvements to the heating and air conditioning units. The roof which sustained damage during Hurricane Isabel’s visit to South Hampton Roads will also be replaced.

Since 1911, the YWCA of South Hampton Roads has been a source of strength for women and families in South Hampton Roads. The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Strengthened by our diversity, we are deeply committed to providing leadership, education, programs and services that serve to eliminate racism and empower women.