• YWCA Monterey County

    Break Free From Domestic Violence

  • YWCA Monterey County

    YWCA is on a Mission

    YWCA of Monterey County is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

  • YWCA Monterey County

    Help Women Escape

    Consider donating to help families rebuild after gathering the strength to leave a violent partner.

What We Do ↘

At YWCA Monterey County, we're on a mission to uplift and empower marginalized individuals and families, with a focus on women and girls of color. From direct services to advocacy work, we're here to break down barriers and create a more equitable world for all.

  • YWCA Monterey County

    Until Justice Just Is

    To achieve our mission to eliminate racism and empower women, we must confront systemic racism by raising awareness and building community among those who work for and believe in racial justice. Our efforts recognize that empowering all women cannot be achieved without addressing institutional and structural racism.

  • YWCA Monterey County

    Community Training and Education

    Community groups, including the County, look to us for education to both prevent domestic violence and educate other service providers. We host informative webinars, domestic violence advocacy trainings and more. In our role as a leader of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, we compiled a Service Manual with descriptors and contacts for over 45 groups that work with survivors.

  • Domestic Violence Awareness month

    Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and is an essential advocacy event aimed at reducing domestic violence in our community. It is imperative to take actionable steps to put an end to this harmful behavior. From informative webinars and community events, our advocacy helps raise awareness and get everyone involved.

Our Programs ↘

YWCA Monterey County is Committed to Making a Difference.

The YWCA Monterey County has roots in the area going back over 100 years and, in that time, has grown to become the only provider of wraparound services for victims of domestic violence in the county. We pride ourselves in responding to a need for our services across the county, to include small and medium size towns and communities all the way down Route 101, and not just in the urban coastal areas or in Salinas where our main operations take place. All of our services are person-centered, and all of our staff receive regular in-house training on what it means to offer a person- centered, trauma-informed response.

  • YWCA Monterey County

    Domestic Violence Housing

    As a domestic violence (DV) services provider our clients are fleeing an abusive relationship and are classified homeless or unsheltered when they present to our agency. We fully understand that these victims of DV present with diverse needs and face barriers and challenges in obtaining suitable housing and our goal is to provide comprehensive and holistic services to them as they process their reality of dealing with the challenges they face as victims and survivors. Our housing program offers options to begin to address their housing situation: a confidential emergency shelter; a confidential transitional housing option that then can lead to more permanent housing opportunities as they work with our DV Housing Counselor.

    Learn More

  • Mental Health Monterey County

    Mental Health Services

    YWCA MC offers specialized therapy for those exposed to domestic violence. Our clinicians use age-appropriate techniques with evidence-based methods like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Our focus is on boosting self-esteem, reducing anxiety, and teaching healthy coping skills. We provide individual, and family therapy in both English and Spanish. Sessions can be in-person at our offices in Salinas and King City, or via Telehealth. Services are often free or on a sliding scale based on income. We also offer therapy for crime victims eligible for CalVCB benefits. We offer psychoeducational groups for domestic violence victims, covering topics such as power dynamics and safety planning.

    Learn More

  • YWCA Monterey County

    Paesano De Paesano Food Pantry

    In one of the wealthiest areas in the USA, food insecurity exists. Imagine having to decide between the cost of gas to get to a below-minimum-wage job and food for dinner for yourself and three children that evening. (An actual client case.). Every two weeks we supply up to 70 families with enough culturally appropriate food for 2-3 days. We ask no questions other than to accept our clients are in need. This is why we are often seen as the ‘safe’ option. Many of the people we serve are undocumented and prefer to engage as little as possible with officialdom.

    Learn More

  • Youth Education and Advocacy Program (YEA)

    Youth Education and Advocacy Program (YEA)

    The YWCA of Monterey County's Youth Outreach and Advocacy team (YEA) partners with schools and organizations to educate youth on signs of abusive relationships. We use CDC resources and have helped turn around many young lives through the YEA Program. As we continue to grow, we plan to expand our reach.

    Learn More

Red Flags to watch for!

We put together this informative video to share a common control tactic faced by teens as they learn signs of abuse and create their own boundaries. While it is aimed towards teens in our YEA program, it’s valuable information for any relationship.

Become a Friend of YWCA-MC ↘

Consider becoming a Friend of YWCA Monterey County to support our cause. As a Friend of YWCA-MC, you will be helping to provide life-changing services. Friends of YWCA-MC are those who choose to donate on a monthly basis.

Benefits of being a YWCA Friend include:

  • Helping to keep women and children from becoming unhoused

  • Creating a community that values equality

  • Staying informed of all of our advocacy opportunities

  • Access to our webinars and conferences

Reach Out ↘

At YWCA Monterey County, our mission is grounded in compassion and humanity. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to heal and recover.

  • YWCA Monterey County

    I Need Help

    You deserve to feel safe and loved. Reach out to us for support and guidance on escaping abuse - you're not alone!

  • YWCA Monterey County

    I Want To Help

    Together, we can empower women and eliminate racism. Let's come together and create positive change!

Community Impact ↘

Step into a world of empowerment and support at YWCA Monterey County. From direct services to advocacy, we're dedicated to lifting up marginalized individuals, especially women and girls of color. Join us in breaking down barriers and building a more equitable society together.

1,307+

Individual Therapy Sessions

2,800+

Crisis Line Calls

3,733+

Safe House Nights Provided

  • Safety

    YWCA-MC’s confidential emergency shelter for Domestic Violence survivors, and gender-based violence advocacy help protect the well-being of women and families.

  • Homelessness & Food Insecurity

    YWCA-MC’s basic needs programs, such as confidential emergency housing, food pantry and hygiene, help low-income households find stability.

  • Economic Advancement

    YWCA-MC’s financial classes help women build economic security.

What’s Happening

The latest articles from YWCA Monterey County.

It Takes Courage

We create real change. Every day.

Support our mission for gender equality and racial justice ↘

With your help, we can make that a reality for survivors of abuse in our community. Your support can help us meet a critical need and continue to provide life-changing services to those who need them most.

$25

Join us in making a difference today! Your $25 donation can provide crucial support to victims of domestic violence in Monterey County.

$50

Your donation of $50 can make a world of difference for victims who deserve safety and support. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels empowered.

$100

Your contribution can provide hope, safety, and resources for those in need. Together, we can make a real impact!

$___

Any amount helps! Let's stand together against violence and show our community's strength and compassion.