March is Women’s History Month, a time that encourages us to reflect on the women who have shaped the world and the communities we live in. As I step into leadership at YWCA Spokane, I find myself doing just that. I am deeply aware that I am building on more than a century of work here in Spokane — work that is rooted in courage and justice. 

That legacy, and the life-changing work YWCA Spokane continues to do every day, has only ever been possible because of people like you. This is a community that does not simply believe in YWCA Spokane’s mission — to eliminate racism and empower women, and create a world of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all — but takes action.

We see this action every day in survivors’ courage and resilience in taking first steps. And we see it through our advocates, who take care to not just believe survivors, but believe in them as well. 

Keeping this mission moving forward is only possible through community collaboration and innovation. I want to share what that looks like in practice.

Building on What We Believe

Over the last year, we have seen more survivors seeking help with housing instability, childcare, food access, warm clothing, and legal protection. At the same time, the complexity of the barriers they face is increasing, not decreasing.

We know we must rise to meet this moment. That's exactly why we are focused on collaborative approaches and building new partnerships to serve survivors.

A Collaborative Approach to Serving Survivors

Our legal team has launched “First Step Fridays,” a weekly walk-in legal clinic that makes it easier and less intimidating for more survivors to take the first step toward protection and justice. We are also collaborating with community partners to bring this service directly to survivors with Manzanita House, Mujeres in Action, and others.

This spring, we will host what I hope is the first of many quarterly survivor resource events, which will bring partner organizations together in a wraparound model so survivors can access multiple services at once, safely, efficiently, and with dignity. 

We are building a model that is both responsive today and sustainable tomorrow, grounded in the knowledge that our community has the capacity and commitment to ensure every survivor gets the support they deserve. While continued change in the coming year is almost certain, I am also certain of our ability to continue serving Spokane with compassion and creativity.

This Community Has What It Takes

Over the last 123 years, supporters like you have helped YWCA Spokane create a safe place for survivors to hear not only "I believe you" but also "I believe in you." Together, we can keep building on that.

Your partnership gives YWCA Spokane the strength to remain resilient, responsive, and grounded in our mission. If you share the belief that survivors deserve safety and that our community has a role to play in making that possible, you can join us during Women’s History Month and beyond by making a one-time gift, becoming a monthly donor, or remembering YWCA Spokane in your estate plans.

When we pool our resources, our expertise, and our commitment, we can build a better future for everyone, and it starts with each of us choosing to act on what we believe.

Thank you for your invaluable support.

With gratitude,

Janine Wynne
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Spokane