Reflecting on Another Year of Community Engagement

While YWCA Spokane’s direct services and client programs are highlighted in our annual agency report, we want to begin the year by centering the work of our Community Engagement Department, work rooted in preventing violence before it happens, raising awareness, building understanding, and strengthening the conditions that allow individuals and families to thrive.

In 2025, YWCA Spokane’s Community Engagement Department made a meaningful impact across our region through efforts focused on violence prevention, advancing equity, and fostering connection. We believe that creating a more socially just world and preventing future violence requires change at every level: individual, interpersonal, and societal.

Our community engagement efforts over the past year reflect a deep commitment to amplifying underrecognized voices, collaborating with local leaders, and creating accessible opportunities for learning, dialogue, and action.

Through outreach, education, and prevention efforts, we engaged 5,114 individuals across the region.

From community events and awareness activities to trainings and youth programs, our work helped make information, resources, and opportunities for learning more accessible to those we serve.

From the MLK Day Unity Rally, March, and Resource Fair to the Spokane Pride Festival, staff and partners showed up in spaces rooted in dignity, joy, and belonging. Events like Equity for All and the Racial & Social Justice Learning Community created intentional spaces for courageous conversation, reflection, and growth.

Our online and in-person trainings supported individuals and organizations in recognizing harm, understanding systemic inequities, and responding more safely and compassionately to intimate partner violence. Youth-centered opportunities such as Transformations Camp and the Self-Care Summit centered the lived experiences of young women of color, creating spaces where youth felt seen, valued, and empowered.

We are deeply grateful to the community members, partners, facilitators, volunteers, and staff who made this work possible.

Your collaboration and commitment help build a community where everyone has the opportunity to live with safety, dignity, and belonging.

Thank you to all who contributed to this work in 2025 through partnership, participation, and support. We invite you to view our Community Engagement highlights from 2025 to learn more about the impact of this work and discover ways to join us in advancing equity, preventing violence, and strengthening our community.