In the News

Press releases and articles in the news about YWCA Spokane's work in the Spokane community

YWCA Spokane Updates

Impacts of Funding Changes

Domestic violence remains one of Spokane’s most urgent public health crises. YWCA Spokane continues to be the primary source of safety, shelter, and support for individuals and families impacted by intimate partner violence.

Because people count on us, our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all remains steadfast. That commitment has not changed, and it never will.

However, like many nonprofits across the country, we are adapting to a shifting funding landscape. This year, we are experiencing a $500,000 reduction in public funding at the county, state, and federal levels.

In response, we’ve made the difficult decision to reduce staffing in some areas and to draw upon our limited reserves to maintain essential services. These choices were not made lightly, but with long-term sustainability and impact in mind.

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Current Press Releases

Jan 7, 2026 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

YWCA Spokane Announces 2026 Women of Achievement Award Honorees

Press Release – YWCA Announces 2026 WOA Honorees

Nov 5, 2025 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

Release – YWCA Spokane Welcomes Next CEO, Janine Wynne

Spokane, WA — YWCA Spokane’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Janine Wynne has been selected as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive national search.

Oct 30, 2025 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

Release – Empower Families And Spread Hope This Holiday Season

Spokane, WA. – YWCA Spokane is excited to announce the launch of the 10th annual Hope for the Holidays campaign. This community tradition helps make the holiday season a little brighter for families and individuals experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, and unemployment in our community.

Oct 6, 2025 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

Release – YWCA Faces Unprecedented Surge in Crisis Calls, Needs Community Support to Meet Growing Demand

YWCA Spokane is experiencing an unprecedented increase in calls to its crisis support services, highlighting the growing need for domestic violence resources in our community. The organization is projected to receive approximately 6,000 calls by the end of 2025, representing nearly 2,000 more calls than in 2024.

News Articles

Nov 3, 2025 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

Domestic violence support campaign launches in Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. – The YWCA Spokane has launched its “Hope for the Holidays” campaign to support families affected by domestic violence. This effort aims to assist 90 families struggling during the Christmas season.

Oct 31, 2025 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

YWCA Spokane’s domestic violence helpline sees record call surge

SPOKANE, Wash. – The YWCA Spokane is on track to receive 6,000 calls this year through their domestic violence helpline, marking the highest number in a decade.

Oct 31, 2025 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

YWCA Hope for the Holidays 360 Interview

Oct 27, 2025 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

Many Washington counties aren’t verifying if accused domestic abusers are turning over their guns

While some counties are devoting money to track down guns, others rely on the honor system to ensure firearms are turned over.

Statements

May 6, 2024 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

Board Statement On Racial & Social Justice

YWCA Spokane is committed to living out our full mission: eliminating racism and empowering women.

Jul 2, 2019 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

Public Statement – YWCA Spokane Is Here For Victims Of Domestic Violence

Spokane, WA – On Sunday June 30, 2019, The Spokesman-Review released the following update by reporter Rebecca White, “Former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien Accused of Domestic Violence Sunday Night”, available online at The Spokesman-Review.

Mar 8, 2018 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

YWCA Spokane Public Statement – We Stand With Victims of Domestic Violence

Spokane, WA – On Wednesday March 7th, 2018, The Pacific Northwest Inlander released their weekly newspaper with an article titled, “Community leader Phil Tyler calls for men to stand up for women – but his own past is riddled with allegations of domestic violence” by Daniel Walters, also available online at Inlander.com.

Contact Us

Media Contact

Erica Schreiber

Director of Community Engagement

Email: ericas@ywcaspokane.org 

Phone: 509-280-2616

Blog

Jan 5, 2026 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

2026 Women of Achievement Honorees

YWCA Spokane is proud to announce the 2026 Women of Achievement honorees! Nine extraordinary women will be celebrated for their remarkable contributions at the Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 6th, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at…

Jan 2, 2026 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

A Farewell from Outgoing CEO, Jeanette Hauck

January 2, 2026 As we begin this new year and my time as YWCA Spokane’s CEO officially comes to close, I find myself profoundly moved by deep gratitude and great hope. This past year has not been easy. Like many…

Dec 31, 2025 Jan 12 @ 4:53 pm

2025 Community Engagement Impact

Through education, outreach, and prevention, YWCA Spokane’s Community Engagement Department raises awareness, builds partnerships, advances equity, and helps prevent violence in our community.

Events

Nov 7, 2025 Jan 15 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

DV 101 Training: Recognize. Respond. Refer.

Join YWCA Spokane for this important free, virtual training on January 15th at 2:00pm. Learn more about intimate partner domestic violence, how to help a friend, and about YWCA Spokane’s free and confidential services.

Dec 18, 2025 Jan 19 @ 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

MLK Rally, March, and Resource Fair 2026

The Spokane MLK Community Center invites the community to join for the annual MLK Day Rally, March, and Resource Fair on January 19th. The Rally begins at 10:00 AM at the Spokane Convention Center, followed by the March and then the Resource Fair. We hope you will join us in celebrating and commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Nov 24, 2025 Feb 9 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

DV 101 Training: Recognize. Respond. Refer.

Join YWCA Spokane for this important free, virtual training on February 9th at 10:00am. Learn more about intimate partner domestic violence, how to help a friend, and about YWCA Spokane’s free and confidential services.