Join us for YWCA’s 8th Annual Hope for the Holidays Adopt-A-Family Wish list Program
The holiday season is a time for celebration, love, and giving. Unfortunately, not everyone has the means to experience the joy that comes with it. Your generous contribution to Hope for the Holidays will directly impact the lives of those served by YWCA Spokane who are impacted by domestic violence, homelessness, and unemployment.
This year, 90 families served by YWCA Spokane are looking for support through this program, compared to 55 families in 2022. Gifts of all types and sizes are appreciated, including gift cards, which allow individuals or parents to pick out meaningful gifts themselves.
Together, we can create lasting memories and bring a glimmer of hope and holiday cheer to their homes.
To accommodate the different needs of families utilizing our services, each department has its own wish list process. Take a moment to learn more about each department’s needs. You can also donate online.
Contact the program of interest to adopt a family this season. On behalf of our team at YWCA Spokane and those we serve, thank you so much for your support!
Please complete this interest form to be connected with the appropriate program lead. The lead will contact you and let you know which families are still available.
Complete the Donation Receipt to include with your gift drop off and one for your records!
Share a photo with us of you and/or your group with your gifts so we can celebrate everyone together.
Make sure your delivered packages reference the program you are supporting: WOC, ECEAP, or DV Safe Shelter.
Feel good knowing you made a family’s holiday a little brighter. <3
Donation Drop Off Schedule
Please deliver all gifts unwrapped to YWCA Spokane, 930 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201 on the following days:
Wednesday, December 6th, from 11:30am – 3:30pm
Thursday, December 7th, from 11:30am – 3:30pm
Friday, December 8th, from 11:30am – 3:30pm
To accommodate ECEAP’s winter break schedule and allow our families requesting gift cards time to shop for themselves ahead of the holidays, all donations need to be delivered by Friday, December 8th. If you would like to mail your gift, please address it to the program of choice (i.e. attention: WOC, ECEAP, or DV Safe Shelter). Thank you for your gracious support this holiday season!
*Note: Make sure to download the donation receipt and open it from your computer instead of inside the browser window. This will allow you to fill in the blank fields within the PDF, print a copy to send to us, and save a copy for your tax records.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
Contact: Ryan Simmons | eceap-hope4holidays@ywcaspokane.org
Through YWCA Spokane’s ECEAP, over 100 families engage in our pre-school program that is focused on preparing 3 and 4 year old children in low-income families for success with elementary school and beyond. ECEAP is a free preschool that promotes long-term success with school and life. In addition to early learning, ECEAP provides, family support, and health and nutrition services. Learn more about YWCA Spokane’s ECEAP.
Here are some families that were adopted last year.
Adopted! We are a family of three and I am a single mom who is in college to become a medical assistant. I have amazing children, my daughter is 11 and is smart, funny and just like me. My son is 3 and is smart, likes to play jokes on people and loves to be outside!
Adopted! We enjoy being outside and spending quality time watching movies together.
Adopted! Single Dad living with my kids, sister and cousins. Anything helps, thank you.
Adopted! Our family is 2 moms and a stepdad. There are our ECEAP student has 2 siblings and a third coming in December. The kids are all super close in age and are the best of friends.
Once You’ve Been Matched To A Family By Our Team:
Please complete the Donation Receipt to include with your gift and one for your records!
Contact Information: Cassia at 509-202-0211 or email cassiab@ywcaspokane.org
In YWCA Spokane’s Women’s Opportunity Center, we offer holistic, restorative services for trauma survivors. Groups, classes, and learning opportunities are aimed at supporting healing and wellness while building a supportive community, at no cost to participants. Learn more about services in YWCA Spokane’s Women’s Opportunity Center.
The following are scenarios that represent families we typically serve during the holiday season.
ADOPTED! Annie is Mom to four delightful children full of curiosity and energy! This year has been a particularly difficult one as Annie works to build a new safe life and home. Annie navigates all the challenges with such poise, intelligence and determination. Annie has eight year old Liam, three year old Olivia, two year old Noah, and one year old Oliver. What a busy household! Annie would love a food blender, and a warm thick fuzzy queen size blanket or comforter for her cold bedroom. All the kids are in need of and would love their own fuzzy twin size blankets, how fun to have a holiday cuddled in warm softness! Eight year old Liam needs a warm winter jacket boy’s size L, he loves to build things and Transformers are a favorite for sure! Three year old Olivia wants Barbie’s and a Barbie house. She too loves to build things and is needing a winter coat girls size S/M. Two year old Noah loves cars and toys with lots of sand. Finally sweet Noah needs a warm coat size 3T, that soft warm blanket Annie hopes for all and toys! You can make this families holiday bright by purchasing the requested items or providing gift cards if you prefer for Mom to do the shopping! Annie will be thrilled to be able to see her children delight in the magic of the holidays!
ADOPTED! Serena is working hard to build a good, sustainable life for her family of three. They recently moved to Spokane to start over in a safer place. Serena is in school, studying hard to pass a state licensure exam. Everything she does is with her children’s wellbeing at the core of her decision making. Mia is in 8th grade and loves to sing. Tristen is in 4th grade and loves creating virtual content. They love cooking together and as a family would love a gift certificate to Trampoline Zone or a Nintendo Switch. What fun they have gaming together instead of each lost in their own world. The household would love a new set of pink or black bath towels. Serena would love a queen bed comforter set with throw pillows. Candles or perfume are other special items you could choose for Mom. Mia would love a blue tooth speaker or skull candy ear buds. She loves purple and cow print! A fluffy blanket is on her wish list, Nessa Barret is a favorite singer and make-up is definitely fun! Tristen would love a Ukulele, a microphone or a gaming chair. He likes cologne and could use some sweats and a hoodie size 12/14 boys, he likes the colors red, black, blue and grey. He likes sweet things so some holiday treat for the family to share would be special too. Please sponsor this families holiday and make it a year they will never forget. Please purchase the items you want from the wish lists or provide gift cards and Serena will happily shop for her kiddos!
ADOPTED! Belinda is a single mother to an active family of seven! This family has had a challenging year facing numerous significant medical challenges in addition to the health concerns they deal with on a daily basis. Belinda is the glue that keeps this close knit family moving forward with a “can do” positive attitude. Juggling the schedules of school, doctors, therapists, sports, church, Girl Scouts and a part time job keeps this Mom on the go! Regardless of all the busyness this family sits down at the dinner table nightly and each share about their day. Wishes for the holidays include healthy bodies and good times shared. Mom would love a new comforter for her queen size bed, she loves teals and roses. Belinda needs winter boots size 10 and a new journal was on her wish list. Emma, the eldest would love fuzzy slippers size L, a new robe size S and a new journal. Vivian is the youngest at eight years old and loves anything pink and frilly! She is asking for a new robe size 8/10 girls, crafting kits of any kind, beading being an example of something she would like. Vivian loves Barbie and wants a new journal. All three asked for art supplies as well! Marcus is 19 and asking for Yu gi oh or Pokémon cards, loves baby blades gyros, and would enjoy an extra-long men’s robe size medium. Alex is 15 and would love a PIKMIN Nintendo Switch or a gaming headset. Tyler is eleven and loves any remote control flying vehicle, Puma size 3 men shoes and a new basketball has been on his wish list for a while. This family loves activities and takes advantage of all the free events in the community. Once a year they go to the movies so a family treat could be a movie night out on the town or some holiday treats to share on Christmas night. Sponsoring this family would bring such magic and gratefulness to their season. Please feel free to fill some of these wishes or give Belinda gift cards and she will do the shopping too!
ADOPTED! Shannon is a caring Mom to Claire and Reed. Shannon is working hard every day dedicated to creating a safe home and healthy family for her children. These three were just reunited after time apart. Building a sense of belonging and security will take time. Shannon is attuned to her children’s needs and celebrates the small and large moments of connection and love. Claire is in 10th grade, an avid reader often curled up with a book. She dislikes make-up, would love a hoodie size medium, and loves art supplies. Reed is a very active 4th grader who loves to play outdoors, likes cars and trucks so perhaps a cool remote control would bring a smile. Reed also enjoys watching movies and getting out to go places together. Shannon would love a soft throw blanket and a grocery gift card for a special holiday meal and treats. A gift card to Regal Cinemas would also add some fun, don’t forget the popcorn! Please sponsor this family with holiday delight, this is a year they will never forget and you can help make it very special!
ADOPTED! Audrey is Mom to William age 7 and Wesley age 5, two very curious and precocious little boys. They are bundles of energy but channel it well as they drag you along on a discovery! Audrey is a single mom working hard every day to grow kind, caring, strong, responsible and respectful young men. This family would so appreciate your help this holiday season! They would love bowling or movie tickets for a family outing. They also love art supplies and gather around their table to craft together often. William loves math, fiction books, music, out-door activities, word searches and video games. Five year old Wesley loves to cook, arts and crafts, music, movies and would love a pair of Roller blades size 2. Audrey would love a gift certificate to Huckleberry’s or Natural Grocers for a special treat, a medium robe and large slippers. You can either purchase some fun gifts or provide gift cards and Audrey will shop for her boys!
ADOPTED! Lily’s life path took a significant turn recently and she finds herself starting over after leaving an abusive relationship. On top of starting over for herself, Lily is pregnant with her first child. When she heard about this opportunity she asked if it was okay to ask for items she needs for her baby. We said “of course”! She would love a stroller/infant car seat or a bassinet or playpen. Gender neutral colors are great as Lily does not know the gender. Anything infant would give Lily some peace of mind that she will be able to have what she needs for her baby during this time of uncertainty. Please sponsor Lily as encouragement and a show of care during this transformative time.
ADOPTED! Karen recently finds herself alone after having to leave an abusive marriage. Her grown children and grandchildren live on the east coast. Unfortunately due to health concerns and a set income, Karen cannot travel at this time so this is the year she creates her own traditions and finds meaning in her new life. It would be such a delightful surprise for Karen to receive some gifts this holiday season. Simple things like an XL cozy robe and L slippers. Perhaps a candle or soft throw and a gift certificate for groceries is always appreciated. You can bring comfort and joy to Karen, something she will never forget when recalling this first holiday free and alone. Please use your imagination when shopping for comfort and delight for Karen.
Madelyn is the mother of four children, Susie age 5, Zoe age 9, Elijah age 16, and last but not least Cody age 21. She is single Mom who is sole proprietor of her own service company, managing all aspects and making just enough to support her family as she strives for growth. Busy as can be Madelyn juggles work and family with vitality, positive energy, and tenacity, determined to stand on her own and bring goodness to the world. Unfortunately recently Madelyn had a life threating health crisis and needed emergency surgery, with another surgery scheduled in eight weeks making it impossible for her to work until after the first of the New Year. Adopting this family would bring such joy during a particularly difficult time. The family loves to go to the movies, roller-skating or bowling, all rare treats! A restaurant gift certificate or Amazon gift card for movie rentals would also help create memorable family time. Susie is a delightful 5 year old who loves all crafts. Perhaps a new sketch pad and markers or any crafting kit designed for her young age. She has asked for Baby Alive, a Squishy Making Machine, Pokémon cards, a Wellie Wisher doll, Squishmallows or anything Hello Kitty. Zoe loves Stich and Angel clothing woman’s size 6 pant, and women’s small tops. Zoe would like Pokémon cards and a Pokémon Binder. She loves anything potato themed like a potato stuffy. She also is interested in an oversized hoodie, onesie pajamas and Squishmallows. She would love Roblox or Minecraft gift cards, and to add to your gift options she loves Hello Kitty too! Elijah wants a YETI water bottle, a four pack of crew neck Goodfellow T-Shirts in white and black size XXL, and Nike basketball shorts size XL. Elijah would love PlayStation gift cards for some fun this Christmas. Cody needs cold weather gear for working outside. He wears an XL in top and bottoms and could use a pair of large gloves or winter boots size 11. Madelyn needs winter boots size 9, an emergency kit for her vehicle or perhaps a gift card for fuel or groceries. This family is close knit, loving and kind. They rally together during hard and good times alike. Delighting them with some of their holiday wishes will be so meaningful this holiday season!
Once You’ve Been Matched To A Family By Our Team:
Please complete the Donation Receipt to include with your gift and one for your records!
YWCA Spokane’s safe shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children is a vital program focused on ensuring the safety of survivors who are fleeing violence from an intimate partner by providing safe shelter, counseling, case management, education, and basic necessities like food, clothing, personal care items, and transportation. Learn more about our shelter.
The following are scenarios that represent families we will typically see in our safe shelter during the holiday season.
Adopted! This family has a mom Lisa, and her two kids, a daughter who is 2, and a son who is 7. The 2-year-old has special needs, and Lisa has been working with her a great deal. She is also making arrangements to have someone come to work with her a few days a week. Lisa’s hope for the holidays is to visit her parents. Because of Lisa’s husband’s controlling behavior, Lisa and the kids have not been able to see them in over a year. Please consider helping this young family with (3) $100 in Walmart gift cards for the holidays.
This family has a young mom, Teresa and her 3-year-old daughter. Teresa is expecting her second child early in the spring! Teresa came to Spokane from out of state to be with her partner. Teresa’s partner had become increasingly abusive after telling him she was pregnant. Fearful for the safety of the family, she reached out to the YWCA via the 24-hour helpline for shelter services. Teresa does not know anyone in Spokane and has no friends or family here. She is doing her best to build a support system, and has been working with our legal advocates to gain some knowledge of family law, and what her parental rights are. Teresa’s hope for the holidays is that she will be allowed to take her children back home with her. There she would have the much needed support of friends and family that will be so important in her being able to move forward from abuse. Please consider helping this family with (3) $100 Walmart gift cards.
Adopted! This family has a mom Kyle, her mother Violet, and two small boys, ages 4, and 18 months. Kyle has been a caregiver to her mother for this past year after Violet took a fall, and was not able to get around herself. Violet is doing much better thanks to her daughter’s care. The family is staying in one of our leased apartments, and has been working hard to get a place of their own. The little ones just love having Violet (GG) around and Kyle is grateful for the emotional support her mother has given her during this difficult time. This family’s hope for the holidays is that they can start saving up for all of the things they will need once they are able to secure housing. Please consider helping this loving family with (4) $100 Fred Meyer gift cards for the holidays.
Adopted! In this family, there is a mom named Angelica, her 4-year-old son, and her 3-month-old baby girl. Angelica is so excited to be a mother, but also struggles with all of the responsibilities of being a single parent of a young child and a newborn. Angelica is working closely with our housing department and is learning what other local resources are available to her to make things a little easier. Please help Angelica and her family with (3) $100 Target gift cards.
This is a single woman named Nadia. Nadia is a woman who is a real joy to have in our safe shelter. Nadia will do so many special things for the other women in our shelter to brighten their day. She often cooks large pots of soup for everyone to share. She fills vases with greenery and places them around the house, and she is always singing! Nadia is very close to getting a place of her own, and a $100 gift card for either Fred Meyer or Walmart would be a big help to her when she does move out and into her apartment.
In this family there is a mom, Maggie who is 34 years old, Maggie has two little boys. One son is 7 years old, and the other son is 5 years old. Mom and her boys have come to our shelter after a neighbor had heard the dad being violent in the apartment above him and called the police. Maggie works full time and is able to get a ride to and from work with a friend who also helps her by watching the boys while she is at work. Maggie is not from Spokane originally, and has only been able to make a couple of friends she had met through her church. She and her boys are all going to counseling through the YWCA and that is helping them to heal and move past some of the abuse. Maggie has started journaling and finds that to be helpful. Please help Maggie and her family with (3) $100 Walmart gift cards.
Adopted! This is a three-person family. Kaitlyn is the mom, and she is 30 years old, and a domestic violence survivor. Kaitlyn has a daughter who is 4 years old, and another daughter who is 6 years old. Kaitlyn’s hope for the holidays is for some self-care, pampering items for her, and some fun games, and indoor and outdoor toys that her kids can play with during the winter months ahead. Kaitlyn is just finishing up her CNA classes, and is looking forward to becoming a strong, working role model for her children. Please help Kaitlyn and her family with (3) $100 Walmart gift cards.
This is a single woman named Talia. Talia is working on getting a place of her own after fleeing her abuser who she has been with since high school. Even when they were in school Talia’s partner showed signs of being controlling, checking her phone, isolating her from friends. If they did go to a party or something, Talia had to sit right next to him and not talk to other people, especially any males. Everyone thought she was just being shy. Talia and her partner had been together for 5 years now, and after high school they moved into an apartment together. The controlling behavior got worse, and the physical abuse began to escalate. Talia decided to reach out for help and took the opportunity to call our crisis line during her lunch break at work. We were able to send a Lyft right then, in order to get her safely to our shelter. Talia did have her purse and her ID, but that was all she was able to bring. If she had left the house with a bag of belongings, her partner would have known something was suspicious. Talia got a protection order with the help of our criminal legal advocates, helping her to feel safer when she is at work. Please help Talia out with a $100 gift card for Target so she is able to get some clothes to make up for some of the clothing she had to leave behind.
Adopted! This family has a mom Octavia, with four kiddos. Octavia sons are 11 and 15 and her daughters are 6 and 13. Octavia left her abusive husband after 16 years of marriage, and is a real go getter. She loves crafts, and involves her children in many activities here at the shelter. They have all been helpful in taking care of our vegetable garden beds, and have done a number of jigsaw puzzles together. The family’s room is decorated with some of the craft projects they have put together while staying with us, and it looks so nice! Octavia hope for the holidays would be to make sure there would be new warm coats and boots for all. This family is using the bus to get to school and appointments so these items are a must. Some other things would be family games, DVDs, a DVD player, and bedding sets. Please consider helping this family of five with (5) $100 gift cards for the holidays.
Chris is a mom of three who came into our shelter seeking safety from an abusive relationship with her kid’s father. She has family and friends in the area but does not want to put anyone she loves in danger by staying with them. Her oldest son is 9 years old and loves video games and Legos. Her 5-year-old son loves to color, paint and loves learning how to read. Her youngest daughter is 4 years old and loves to play dress up and collect dolls. Since the family had to leave without taking any of their belongings each of them has been without the things they love. There is no legal protection yet, so Chris does not feel safe entering the home her husband still resides. Every year during the holiday, she loves to bake and make homemade holiday decorations. Since, they had to leave so much behind any help with gifts this season will help them feel at home with some added peace and joy. Please help Chris and her family with (4) $100 Target gift cards.
This family has a 34 year-old father named Adam, and his two children, a daughter who is 9 years old, and a son who is 6 years old. Adam called our crisis line after he and his children fled his abusive wife and mother to the kids. Adam was not even sure we would be able to help him since he was a male calling a domestic violence shelter. We were able to provide this family with a safe location to stay, along with the other items you need in an emergency situation, groceries, clothing and resources to help them make a fresh start. Please help this family with (3) $100 Fred Meyer gift cards this holiday season.
Adopted! This family comes to us after a social worker called our 24-hour crisis line to ask about shelter services for one of her clients, Maria and her family. The family is not from the US, and Maria speaks very little English. We were able to get an interpreter on the line so we could communicate with the mom, making sure everyone understood the discussion. We brought Maria and her three little ones, 1-year-old daughter, her 3-year-old daughter, and a son who is turning 5 in just a few days, into our safe house. We picked the family up directly from the social worker’s office as this was the only way Maria and the kids could get away from Maria’s controlling, and abusive husband. The family has been in our services for several months now, and all have been able to settle in and work on getting permanent housing for the family. Please help this family of four with (4) $100 gift cards for Walmart or Safeway.
Adopted! Jess is a 30-year-old mom of one 11-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old Golden Retriever named Boomer. Jess entered our shelter after leaving her partner of 13 years. She relocated here for her partner’s career and has no family in the area. She has not been able to find a new job or support system since she moved but has enjoyed spending time outdoors with her daughter and exploring new sites. They love to walk, take hikes, and just enjoy nature with their dog. Since they are not originally from this area, the cold and snowy weather is an adjustment. Warm clothing and outdoor gear would be amazing for their winters here. They also love to stay warm and cozy when indoors and bake cookies and eat popcorn. Help Jess and her family with (3) $100 Walmart gift cards.
This family has a mom named Rita who has come to us from the Midwest along with her 2 kids and her little doggie, Half Pint. After fleeing her violent partner, Rita stayed in a local shelter for a few days but didn’t feel safe so close to her ex-partner. She made the decision to come to Spokane for the much needed support of her mother and big sister who both live here but are not able to provide housing for Rita and her family. We were able to talk with the workers from the shelter they were at and make arrangements for a “Shelter to Shelter Transfer.” Please help this loving family of four with (4) $100 gift cards to Safeway or to Walmart.
This family includes a single woman Eva and her beloved kitty Kit Kat. They have been in our safe shelter ever since Eva, with the assistance of an officer, called for shelter services. Eva was at her apartment, when her ex-partner came to the door threatening her. It had been over a year since she had seen him, so she was caught off guard. Eva called the police right away, and they helped her connect with the YWCA. Needless to say, Eva no longer felt safe in her home, so she and Kit Kat are staying with us while we work together to find her safe housing. Eva is asking for a $100 Petco gift card as her kitty has to have a special diet and a $100 gift card for Walmart for herself.
Adopted! This family has a 32-year-old mother, and domestic violence survivor named Elle, her nine-year-old daughter, and their beloved cat Lily. Elle and her daughter have come into our safe shelter after Elle’s husband found them at another shelter in the area. They have only been with us a short time, and are still adjusting to all of the changes they are going through. Elle works part time, and her daughter is very excited to be back in school. Elle loves to design and fill journals, and is exceptionally creative. Elle’s hope for the holidays is to have a home that is safe, and where she can have a designated space for crafting with her daughter. Please help this family with (3) $100 in Target or Fred Meyer gift cards to help make this holiday season a special one.
Carly is a domestic violence survivor who is 36 years old and has three school age children. She has a son who is 13, a daughter who is 1 0 and a daughter who is 8 years old. Carly and her children have been running from her abusive ex-husband and the children’s father, for nearly two years. This family has come to Spokane through a transfer from a shelter in another state. Moving to Washington was a difficult decision to make, but Carly abusive ex-husband kept finding them at the friends and family’s homes, so she chose a place where they did not know anyone. Coming from a warmer climate, none of the family members are prepared for winter. They are hoping to be able to purchase coats, boots, hats, and gloves for all. They would also love some family games they can all play together. Please help Carly and her family with (4) $100 Walmart gift cards.
This family has a mom Louisa, and her three little kids. There is a toddler boy, 18 months old, and two daughters, one 3 years old, and one who is 7years old. Louisa definitely has her hands full, and does such a great job keeping up with these three! Louisa was just recently able to get a used, but nice vehicle, and is thrilled to be able to drive her and the kids to appointments instead of having to take the bus. She is working hard along with our housing advocates to find permanent housing. Louisa is gathering the household items they will need when housing comes through. Please help Louisa and her family with (4) $100 Walmart gift cards.
In this family we had a mom, Barb with three children. Two sons, one 12 years old, one 15years old and an 8-year-old daughter. Barb fled with her children when they witnessed their dad abusing her. Barb had a long conversation with the kids afterward and the kids encouraged mom to leave and seek out a safe place for them all. They are adjusting well and are happy to be here. Please help this family’s holidays become a little brighter with (4) $100 gift cards for Fred Meyer or Walmart.
This is a single male named Josh. Josh has been in our safe shelter program for just a short time after leaving an abusive partner in a neighboring town. Being from such a small community, it is very difficult to find a confidential, safe place to stay. Josh’s’ wish for the holidays is that he can get a small dog for companionship, and move forward with finding employment, and housing. Please consider brightening Josh’s holiday a bit, by donating (1) $100 Fred Meyer gift card.
This is a family in the making. Hannah is expecting her first child in January! Even though the circumstances are difficult, she couldn’t be any more excited. Hannah has been filling up her room with everything baby! Hannah’s hope for the holidays would be that she and the baby will be able to move back to Oregon where they can be free from abuse, and where they will have the support of friends and family. Please consider helping this soon to be family with (1) $200 gift card to Target, making the holidays a little brighter.
Pam is 32 years-old and is expecting her second child this year. She and her 3-year-old daughter entered our shelter with their cat Clause, after Pam’s mom voiced concern and encouraged her to call our crisis line to reach out for emergency shelter. Pam’s partner has been verbally and emotionally abusive for years. Things started to get physical recently and he isolated her from her friends and family for so long she did not recognize how bad things had gotten. When she found out she was pregnant she started to think about what the future held for her, her daughter, and her new baby. She started reaching out to her mom and telling her more about her home life, until they finally created a safety plan for her to exit from her home and safely into our shelter. Pam loves to knit and watch crime documentaries. She misses her craft space and cannot wait to share her passion with her children one day. Please help Pam and her children with (3) $100 Walmart gift cards.
Olivia is a mother of two small children and is a domestic violence survivor. Olivia’s son who is 2 years old, and daughter who is 4 years old, bring so much joy to her life! The kids love running around the big rooms at the safe shelter. Olivia is always in the kitchen and is a fantastic cook! Olivia’s hope for the holidays is that she and the children will continue to heal from the abuse they have suffered, and! that she will be able to follow through with her plans to go back to college. Olivia would love to make her favorite holiday treats as she always has, and continue this holiday tradition with her kids. Please help Olivia and her family with (3) $100 Fred Meyer gift cards.
Kiara is a single woman who is new to our safe shelter. Kiara was living with her abusive partner just outside of town. Kiara did not know anyone in the area, and was feeling more and more isolated as time went by. Kiara’s partner would not allow her to go anywhere without him, and controlled the use of the cell phone so she couldn’t reach out to friends or family. Kiara was able to hide in the bathroom one night when her partner was sleeping and use the phone to text our crisis line for help. Kiara and the crisis line advocate were able to safety plan, so that when the next opportunity came where her partner left the house, she was able to get out of the house, go to the nearest store, and call us for a ride into our shelter. Kiara is now working with our Housing Advocate to relocate back to her hometown where she will be safe, and with family. Please help to brighten Kiara’s holiday with a $100 gift card to Walmart that she can use for whatever she may need to make this trip easier.
This family has a domestic violence survivor, named Catrina. Catrina has been working with the YWCA for over a year now, safety planning to figure out the safest way to get away from her abusive husband. She brought along her dog Lolo, a 7-year-old Pug mix that loves her unconditionally! Catrina’s hope for the holidays is to make some new friends, and build a strong support system. Please consider making the holidays a little brighter for Catrina and Lolo with (2) $100 gift cards.
This family is a father Anthony, who is 22, and his son who is 4 years old. Anthony is staying in one of the apartments that the YWCA leases for families fleeing abuse. These units are perfect for families who would not be able to stay in our main shelter location for varying reasons. Anthony called our crisis line after his partner showed up at his parents’ house. Anthony and his son had to leave their apartment because his son’s mother had become increasingly violent. They had been staying with his parents, but that is no longer a safe option. Anthony wants to get his son into preschool and would love to buy a DVD player so they can watch their favorite movies again. Since they are starting over, they could purchase some much needed items for when they get a place of their own. Anthony hope for the holidays would be to get into permanent housing with his son. Please consider helping this family with (2) $100 gift cards.
In this family there is a young mom Danita, a domestic violence survivor and her newborn son. Danita came into our safe shelter after her husband became increasingly abusive throughout her pregnancy. Before the pregnancy her husband had never been physically abusive, but had started hitting her in the last couple of months. Not wanting to risk any harm to her child, Danita called our 24-hour crisis line and we were able to bring her into our safe shelter services to carry out her pregnancy in peace. Please help this new mom to be with (2) $100 gift cards for Walmart.
This family has a domestic violence survivor named Jo. She is here at our safe shelter along with her support animal, a Retriever mix named Bella. Bella has played an enormous role in helping Jo manage the transition into our safe shelter. Jo has experienced a great deal of trauma and Bella helps to calm her when she is having anxiety. Jo’s hope for the holidays is to be able to get settled into an apartment where she and Bella could live peacefully, and enjoy each other’s companionship. Please consider helping this sweet family with (2) $100 gift cards to Walmart.
Once You’ve Been Matched To A Family By Our Team:
Please complete the Donation Receipt to include with your gift and one for your records!
Needing to save time? You can also designate a gift to a participating Hope for the Holidays program online and our staff will purchase items or gift cards for the families.
At the end of this year’s campaign we will celebrate with a gallery of photos on our website, at ywcaspokane.org, acknowledging all our wonderful supporters (be sure to include your Donation Receipt when returning your gift).
To submit a photo, please complete the form below. Thank you!
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