A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
At the YWCA of Northwest Ohio, the safety, health and well-being of the individuals and families we serve are at the top of our priorities. Like you, we are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. In these unprecedented times, we will continue to provide services in the safest manner possible.Domestic Violence Shelter: As our community’s only domestic violence shelter, we know the importance of being available for individuals needing our services. Our DV 24 hour/7 day a week services/shelter will continue to function as normal. Our 24-hour crisis line will continue to be staffed around the clock. Community outreach and educational sessions have been suspended. For the protection of staff and the families we serve, we are working with our local and state authorities to provide an environment that meets all recommended advisories. Overnight stays will cease until further notice. Finally, residents’ comings and goings will be limited to essential appointments.Rape Crisis Center:As the only rape crisis center in our community, we understand the need for our services if an assault occurs. Therefore, advocacy services will continue. We have been granted permission to continue our hospital advocacy and agreed to COVID-19 screening measures set forth by the hospital. Our crisis calls will continue to be staffed around the clock from a remote location. Rape advocates will continue to maintain contact and services.Visitors/Volunteers/DonationsIn an effort to minimize the spread of the virus, only residents will be allowed in both buildings. Only approved vendors such as home health aides, children services, case managers may visit until advisories are lifted.We appreciate the men and women who volunteer at our agency but your well-being is of importance to us. Until further notice, volunteers will be taken off our ‘in-building’ schedule.We’ve halted the acceptance of clothing/furniture donations. Food from factory or licensed distributors will be accepted.Likewise, until the governor lifts advisories, no apartment visitors may enter the building.Other agency programs:Staff in the following programs will begin to work from home effective March 17th, YWCA Healthy Connections- Community Health Work and breast Cancer education and support will utilize technology to perform their duties; Youth Development- Pregnancy Prevention will develop virtual education for TOP students and communicate via social media to deliver services. Racial Justice- will work from home to build our web based- 21-day Racial Equity Challenge and community resource tool-kit; and YWCA Child Care Resource- follow up and TA visits will be conducted virtually. They will also complete finger printing for child care providers who have applied to be a Pandemic Child Care Center. With a ‘temporary emergency license’, these centers will provide child care for essential and critical workers, in the event that the governor gives the order to close child care centers, as a result of COVID19. Fingerprints will be completed on Monday’s and Thursdays between 8am-4pm. To schedule your prints please call for an appointment at 419 255 5519 or 567 – 218 3158.Please note, as precautionary measures we will be taking the temperature for all individuals entering the YWCA. YWCA Apartments- our property management company has provided education on the Governor’s recommendations to help with the prevention of the spread of this virus.Additional Information:The YWCA has and continues to take the following precautions:
- Continual sanitizing and cleaning of the rooms, toys and bathrooms
- Frequent hand washing of staff and encouragement to all residents
- Provide extra hand sanitizer throughout the building
- We have temporarily suspended all building meetings, visitors and activities to assist us in limiting who is in the building
Staff:THE YWCA is committed to taking care of our team of dedicated staff members. We are frequently updating our employees with guidance and information on how to keep them and their families healthy. We are also working with our team to ensure we have increased cleaning measures in place so that we are best serving our clients. We require our team to stay home if they do not feel well or are running a fever. In these challenging times, we will continue to support those who need it most.As always, thank you for being part of the YWCA of Northwest Ohio and supporting our mission.Lisa McDuffie, MSSA, LISW-SPresident/CEO