Heart to heart & hand in hand.

Dear Friend,

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the heart of what we do here at YWCA Sonoma County. I’m asking YOU to be hand in hand with us in your support of our vital and singular services for local families experiencing domestic violence. Sadly, there has been a dramatic increase in domestic violence and loss of life in our community this year.  For YWCA, our hearts go to the children who witness domestic violence, including recent cases where young children were in the home at the time of their mother’s homicide at the hands of their father. Now more than ever, YOU can make a meaningful difference for local families like this one:

Carmen, age 3 and Jacob, age 4, come from a family in which their mother is rebuilding their lives after escaping an abusive marriage. Both children witnessed domestic violence between their parents and enrolled at YWCA’s therapeutic preschool. Due to her trauma, Carmen was prone to bedwetting, nightmares, and sleeplessness. Jacob had frequent tantrums which included hitting those around him. Neither child had the skills to manage their emotions or remain calm.

Meanwhile their mother, Inez, still in crisis herself, is working to rebuild her life with the support of her YWCA advocate. She has created a safety plan and secured a restraining order to prevent any further harm. With Carmen and Jacob in our daily care, she is also able to look for work to support herself and her children.

In Social Emotional Learning circles held at our preschool, Carmen and Jacob have begun developing communication skills and are building confidence knowing they are safe. Both little ones are now seeing YWCA therapists one-on-one, where they are learning techniques such as bubble breathing. I’m pleased to share that they are showing significant progress according to their therapists, and the preschool teachers are seeing more cooperation and harmony from them as well.

Rest assured that with donors like YOU, YWCA will remain hand in hand with this family to ensure they don’t fall through the cracks. With your help, they will continue to receive YWCA’s services, providing them with a solid foundation for healing.

Warmly,

Madeleine Keegan O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer

CONFIDENTIAL SAFE HOUSE | COUNSELING SUPPORT SERVICES | DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS HOTLINE 707-546-1234