MC Gives! Empowering Change, Nurturing Hope
At YWCA Monterey County, we are steadfast in our mission to provide wrap-around, trauma-informed care to those affected by domestic violence. We understand that true healing is not just about ensuring immediate safety; it’s about creating an environment filled with compassion and support where individuals and families can reclaim their lives with dignity and strength. We are driven by the goal to dismantle the cycle of abuse and foster a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive and flourish. Through innovative programs such as a confidential emergency housing, transitional housing, Therapy services providing mental support, and educational outreach, we diligently work towards a future where aid and assurance are within reach for all in need.
MC Gives Back!
Join us in the powerful movement of MC Gives!, an inspiring fundraising event fueled by the collaboration of Monterey County Weekly, the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. MC Gives! makes it easy to support local initiatives by accepting contributions through online donation, along with challenge gifts, matching gifts, and matching funds, and you can even donate your stock option. Your donation is then amplified by a pro rata match. By donating to our nonprofit through the Monterey County Gives fundraiser, you become a vital part of our mission to transform lives by breaking the cycle of violence. Your investment in YWCA-MC through MC Gives! not only addresses the immediate needs of those escaping the grips of domestic violence but propels us towards sustainable, long-term solutions that promise a brighter future for all survivors.
Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence this holiday season?
Join us in making a lasting impact through MC Gives!, our most important fundraising event of the year, taking place from November 13th to December 31st, 2025. YWCA Monterey County is honored to participate in this transformative philanthropic initiative that enables us to drive meaningful change and support our community & social service in profound ways. Your participation is not just a donation; it's a declaration of your dedication to empowering those in need.
Our Future and our Goals
We understand the unique challenges and barriers faced by those we serve. Our mission is to bridge these gaps with your help. By exploring partnership opportunities and implementing targeted programs, we want to ensure everyone has access to necessary resources to make a positive change, regardless of their background or circumstances.
We are excited to announce the expansion of our Shelter services into South County, prioritizing safety and support for those in need. Our shelters offer a secure environment where individuals can find respite and make plans for their future and children free from the manipulative influence of an abusive partner. Located in a confidential area, our facilities are equipped with customized security systems to protect clients at increased risk once they leave their abusive situations. Responding to a significant need for such resources in South County, we have secured a lease and are currently in the process of hiring a shelter manager to oversee operations.
We've expanded our care for the children by implementing child therapy, where they are supported as they work through trauma in a nurturing environment using play therapy. While they might seem too young for structured therapy sessions, children often bear the hidden scars of domestic violence, and it's important to recognize their resilience and need for healing. They possess an innate awareness and sensitivity to their surroundings, and exposure to verbal, psychological, and even spiritual abuse during these critical growth stages can inadvertently continue a cycle of pain and fear across generations. Play therapy offers a compassionate and effective way for children to express and process their emotions. Recognizing the pivotal role parents play, we also working on offering parenting classes designed to help them understand and navigate the unique challenges their children face, fostering a supportive and stable home, even in the face of past adversity.
Reintroducing our YEA program! YEA, YWCA MC's youth outreach and prevention team, collaborates with schools and organizations across Monterey County. By focusing on violence prevention, community development, and educating on healthy versus abusive relationships, our program aims to transform young minds. Our partnerships with school districts empower youth through mentorship, modeling healthy relationships, building professional skills, fostering a positive self-image, promoting alliance building, and boosting self-confidence. Spanish-speaking support is available.
Growing our trauma-informed practices and services is a crucial step in ensuring that we offer the most compassionate services to our clients. By embedding the principles of trauma-informed care into our practices, we prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment, which are essential for individuals who have experienced trauma. Our goal is not only to enhance our own understanding and capabilities but also to extend this knowledge to others within the community. Through training sessions and educational initiatives, we aim to equip community members with the skills and insights they need to recognize and respond to trauma appropriately. This approach fosters a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes healing and resilience, leading to a healthier and more empathetic community.
"Upon arriving at the YWCA program, the help I received at the shelter was the most beautiful thing I could have ever experienced. There I understood that, thanks to each person who contributes in some way to these support networks, agencies and programs that help women like me when we suffer violence of any kind, I feel confident in myself and I know that I can move forward. Thanks to all the help, both financial and emotional, I feel safe and know that I can move forward. I can only give thanks and pray that God will always help all who contribute to the program." Survivor - September 2025
“Upon arriving at the YWCA program, the help I received at the shelter was the most beautiful thing I could have ever experienced. There, I understood that thanks to every person who contributes in any way to these support networks, agencies, and programs that help women like me when we suffer violence of any kind, I feel safe and know I can move forward. Thanks to all the help, both financial and emotional, I feel sure of myself and know I can keep going. I can only give thanks and pray that God will always help everyone who contributes to the program.” Survivor – September 2025
