2023 At-a-Glance
- 26,256 nights of shelter provided
- 47 days was the average stay
- 1,261 women (668) and children (593) were provided safe shelter
- 85% of women were survivors of domestic violence
- 72% of individuals were from Cass and Clay Countries
- 63% of people served were women and children of color
Emergency Shelter
We operate the largest Emergency Shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence, homelessness, and other crisis situations in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Our unique empowerment approach and onsite programs make our shelter the only resource of its kind in the region. Wherever someone may be on their journey, we walk alongside them to ensure they have access to the tools and resources necessary to reach their goals and ultimately, build a future free from poverty and violence for their family. In 2023, we provided safe shelter to 1,261 women and children.
YWCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, parental status, military service, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Education & Employment
We offer a comprehensive Education and Employment program (E&E) to help women effectively break the cycles of poverty and homelessness. Our E&E Coordinator meets with each woman to set goals, discuss any obstacles, and outline action steps for moving forward.
The program also provides access to our onsite computer lab and a variety of job readiness classes and workshops including: computer skills, resume creation, budgeting, and interview preparedness. In 2023, we offered 206 classes.
2023 At-a-Glance
- 206 classes offered
- 43% of women achieved one or more education or employment milestones
2023 At-a-Glance
- 387 children participated in Children’s Services
- 2,789 nutritious meals were served
- 95% of the time, children were re-enrolled in school within three days of arriving at YWCA
Children’s Services
Children’s Services offers clothing and school supplies, on-site childcare, and counseling referrals. Children staying with us have often been exposed to poverty, violence, addiction, and other circumstances that hinder social and emotional development. While in our care, after basic needs are met, children learn about making healthy choices, have fun in a safe and supportive environment, strengthen relationships with family, and develop positive relationships with adults and other students.
Also within Children’s Services is Study Buddies, an after-school program designed to help children succeed academically. 387 children participated in Shelter Children’s Services programming in 2023.
Health Services (in partnership with Sanford Health)
Many women who find themselves at our door do not have the resources to access healthcare services. An unmanaged physical or mental health condition is a significant obstacle for women working to transform their lives. The Sanford Registered Nurse at YWCA is a health educator, spiritual liaison, advocate, and referral resource for women and their families.
In 2020, Sanford launched an onsite Residency Clinic at YWCA where, every month, physicians in medical residency see women and children at the shelter to provide basic care.
Additionally, YWCA’s Respite Care Program brings two dedicated beds for women facing homelessness who are too ill or frail to recover from illness or injury on their own, but too well to be hospitalized. This collaboration with Sanford Health, Essentia Health, and the New Life Center was the 2018 winner of the Willie J. Mackey National Medical Respite Award for making a profound impact on our community.
2023 At-a-Glance
- 1,712 one-on-one RN health sessions conducted
- 15 Residency Clinic sessions
- 101 Residency Clinic participants
- 12 individuals served in Respite Care
- 262 Emergency Room visits averted
- 8 ambulance transports averted
2023 At-a-Glance
- 261 individuals housed
- 63,025 nights of housing provided
- 47% of participants increased their income
- 78% of participants reduced their use of emergency services
- 73% of participants obtained stable housing upon exiting the program
Supportive Housing
For over 35 years, YWCA has offered supportive housing and was one of the first organizations to do so in North Dakota.
While in the program, a woman and her family have the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, furnished apartment that costs up to 30% of what she earns annually. Experienced YWCA Housing Advocates walk alongside each woman every step of the way, providing what every one of us needs to be successful in life – support, guidance, and accountability. In addition we provide assistance with basic needs such as food, clothing, and transportation depending on each woman’s unique needs.
Housing Stabilization
As part of our unique philosophy of empowerment, we aim to not only provide shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness but work to empower women and prevent homelessness altogether. Our Housing Stabilization Program includes a variety of supportive housing options and short-term assistance covering basic expenses like deposits, rent, and utility payments.
2023 At-a-Glance
- 201 total individuals assisted
Racial Justice
The mission of the YWCA Cass Clay Racial Justice Committee is to create opportunities for conversation that foster a diverse and unified community. Members of the committee have been trained to use the indigenous tradition of circle dialogue to facilitate discussions that generate greater awareness and mutual understanding.