Staff Stories
Intersectionality offers a framework for recognizing how multiple aspects of a person’s identity intersect to shape their unique experience.
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Karla Trejo-Bernal joined the agency in November of 2021 as the Human Resources (HR) Generalist before transitioning to the role of Human Resources (HR) Manager in November 2024! As HR Manager, Karla shapes recruitment processes, supports employee relations, and ensures policies align with the organization’s mission while maintaining compliance with regulations.
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Amanda Oliver is the Family Support Advocate for West Plains ECEAP in classroom A. In her role, supporting parents, caregivers, and the entire family, Amanda helps create an environment that sets children up for success in kindergarten and beyond.
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Recently, Jemma attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) as a delegate with YWCA USA. Read her reflections on global connections and intergenerational leadership.
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Carol Navarrete is a Mobile Housing Advocate who just celebrated her first work anniversary. Carol supports survivors of intimate partner domestic violence as they navigate their housing crisis and explore pathways to stable housing.
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Emily Hutchens started with YWCA Spokane in March of 2006! Her current role is Shelter Services Specialist, where she provides crucial support to staff and clients at our Safe Shelter.
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YWCA Spokane’s staff member has been selected to be a YWCA USA delegate at the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
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Each month, we highlight people in Spokane who work to advance YWCA’s mission by creating real and lasting change in our community.
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Motivational Interviewing empowers survivors of domestic violence by helping them explore their own needs and strengths, fostering confidence and self-reflection without imposing solutions. This approach restores a sense of control, enabling survivors to make informed decisions at their own pace and supports their long-term healing.
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During Women’s History Month, we want to celebrate a few of our amazing staff members who are actively creating our history every day! Women’s History Month (WHM) was first celebrated on a national level in 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987, Congress designated the month of March as Women’s…
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The Empowerment Model at YWCA Spokane helps survivors of domestic violence regain control by providing support, options, and resources to make their own decisions. It fosters confidence, self-sufficiency, and independence, ensuring survivors are active participants in their healing journey.
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Each month, we highlight people in Spokane who work to advance YWCA’s mission by creating real and lasting change in our community.
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Healing Together For families who have experienced domestic violence, therapeutic support can provide some relief from experiences of stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). YWCA Spokane offers a specialized therapy program for youth 7-18 years old who have second hand experience with domestic violence in their household. The program…
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About the Summit Since 2022, YWCA Spokane has been offering youth in the community the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow at the Youth Self-Care Summit. This is a unique opportunity for young people to embrace self-love, connection, and personal growth. Designed like a conference, the summit celebrates each participant…
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Social Support “Domestic violence can be so isolating,” states Alondra, YWCA Support Group facilitator. “We found that providing a space for survivors to share stories and promote healing is a great way to bridge the gap from isolation to connection and support.” YWCA Spokane offers support groups for female-identifying survivors…
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What is CSO Advocacy? For some survivors of domestic violence, the Department of Social Health Services (DSHS) is their first stop while trying to find support for their situation. “It can be hard to navigate these systems for a lot of clients,” says M.E. Martin, YWCA Spokane CSO Advocate. “Many…
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The Complexities of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) are legal tools designed to offer safety to individuals experiencing domestic violence. While the intention is to offer protection, the legal process can leave survivors feeling disheartened and vulnerable. Understanding these challenges is crucial for anyone navigating the…
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Understanding the Issue In recent years, efforts to address domestic violence have increasingly focused on a critical aspect of safety: removing firearms from perpetrators. The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide for women by 500%. On June 21, 2024, the Supreme Court…
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YWCA Spokane joins thousands in Spokane for the 2024 Pride parade and festival.
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About The Women’s Opportunity Center (WOC) offers a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for survivors of trauma so they can rest, recover, and rebuild. These learning opportunities are designed to foster healing after trauma while nurturing a supportive community. All of these groups and classes are provided at absolutely no…
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