IMPACT REPORT 2024
BUILDING BRIDGES TO EQUITY
DEAR FRIENDS, PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS,
As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, it is with great pride that I present YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley’s 2024 Impact Report. Our commitment to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all has never been stronger.
This past year, we were able to serve over 42,000 community members through our wide array of services, from housing support to crisis intervention, all of which make a profound difference in the lives of those who need us most. We continue to deepen our commitment to advancing racial justice and expanding our economic opportunity programming. These efforts are at the core of our mission to create social change and confront the racial inequities that persist in our society.
In addition to our programmatic advancements, Your YWCA achieved critical advocacy wins that will have a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Most notably, we successfully advocated for the passage of Assembly Bill 2432, a vital piece of legislation that strengthens protections for survivors of violence and ensures they have access to essential services. Additionally, through our relentless advocacy efforts and centering of survivor voices, and the voices of countless survivors, activists and partners, 103 million dollars in funding was secured in the California state budget to help mitigate devastating cuts to the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding. These efforts ensured that essential services would not be interrupted so that the survivors who rely on us during their most vulnerable moments would still receive support.
These victories and initiatives are not ours alone, but are shared with all of you—our community of supporters, advocates and champions of peace. Your dedication and partnership have been instrumental in helping us make a difference. Together we are moving closer to a world where justice, just is.
In the pages that follow, you will find stories of resilience, empowerment and transformation that reflect the very heart of our mission. I invite you to join us in celebrating these milestones.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
With gratitude,
Adriana Caldera Boroffice CEO, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley
Informed by our rich history and by the expertise of our nationwide network, Your YWCA advocates for practical solutions that meet the needs of women, girls, and marginalized communities on a local, state, and national level.
To advance our intersectional mission to eliminate racism and empower women, we are committed to working on issues of economic, gender and racial justice and we are driven to promote social justice with action — by developing, adopting, and implementing ideas that move us toward a more just world.
We are actively engaged with policies focused on
1. STRENGTHENING THE NETWORK OF CHILDCARE AND EARLY LEARNING PROVIDERS, increasing access to quality affordable childcare for working families, and expanding behavioral health services for children and staff.
2. SUPPORTING SURVIVORS AND PREVENTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT and other forms of gender-based violence as demand for services continues to rise.
3. ADVANCING EQUITY, SAFETY AND RACIAL JUSTICE FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS OF COLOR across justice, education, health, and other systems with structural racial disparities.
4. STRENGTHENING AND PROTECTING ACCESS TO MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES and safe, legal abortion care.
5. ENSURING SAFE, FAIR AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES THAT EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES for women, particularly women of color, LGBTQ+ people, and historically oppressed communities.
WE EMPOWER
PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES IN HEALING FROM THE TRAUMA OF RACISM, BIGOTRY AND VIOLENCE.
At Your YWCA, we understand that not every survivor is the same and their journey to healing is unique to them. When Darcy arrived at Valley Medical Center for a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE), she was met by a YWCA advocate who discussed Darcy’s rights. While she consented to having a YWCA advocate present for emotional support, she did not want accompaniment during the exam or interview. To Darcy, it was important that only the nurse heard her story. Darcy spoke up to assert that her boundaries were heard and respected. She asked for breaks when she needed them and expressed her preference about how evidence was collected. Upon completion of Darcy’s exam and interview, she informed her YWCA advocate how grateful she was to have someone there for support in the way that worked for her. For Your YWCA, it’s Darcy we’re thankful for. She is a reminder of strength and resilience.
5,627
UNDUPLICATED SURVIVORS served with Healing & Justice programs a 22% increase over last year
1,308 CRISIS INTERVENTION RESPONSES by staff and volunteers
496 SURVIVORS AND YOUTH received 2,751 individual counseling or therapy sessions
88% of clients receiving crisis counseling & support groups report a reduction in symptoms of trauma
35,319
YOUTH AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS received violence prevention education
9,031 CRISIS CALLS AND 1,678 LETHALITY ASSESSMENTS responded to by staff and volunteers
WE ACHIEVE
SOLUTIONS TO HOMELESSNESS FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY RACISM, GENDER INEQUALITY AND VIOLENCE.
John, a labor human trafficking survivor, was brought to the U.S. under false pretenses — he was promised a job and safe living environment, but in reality, he was forced to work without pay while enduring constant abuse. He never learned how to read or write, which made him very vulnerable.
John was connected to our Anti-Trafficking department where he received assistance to apply for the U-Visa, he received financial assistance for groceries and basic needs, and he and his family were housed in our emergency shelter.
John and his partner received care through our Rapid Rehousing program, which continued to provide financial assistance while John worked on gaining full-time employment. Unfortunately, John’s partner passed away, leaving behind two young children.
Losing his partner was “the most painful and difficult time of his life.” While mourning the loss of his partner, he had to figure out how to take care of the children. John experienced so much stress after his loss. He didn’t have a sense of direction. He let us know that he “appreciates YWCA for providing critical support and assistance during his time of mourning.” The support he received through YWCA’s wraparound services helped him get back on his feet once again. He has continued to stay housed and stated that mishaps are “dificil pero si se puede” (difficult but possible to overcome).
902 UNDUPLICATED SURVIVORS AND THEIR CHILDREN served in all housing continuum programs (422 households) a 17% increase over last year
783 SAFETY PLANS completed with 95% of survivors in housing programs reporting an increased level of safety
54% OF CLIENTS served with housing support were through our emergency housing programs
$1 MM IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE provided including rental assistance to 332 households OVER
WE INSPIRE
OPPORTUNITY AND ECONOMIC SECURITY BY CLOSING THE PROSPERITY AND EDUCATION GAP.
YWCA’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM WAS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR ME. Taking part in 2024’s cohort, I did not anticipate learning as much as I did. Our mentorship and tools that were given to us have been essential to our businesses to flourish. I have learned more in this cohort than years in any school. When we were given information about the Pitch Competition, I never imagined I would have a business that had enough potential to place. But with the help of our business mentors, our case managers from the job program at YWCA, and many hours of practice and dedication, I not only placed, but won first place. I owe so much to the staff at YWCA. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself.”
97% OF CLIENTS reported an increase in their self-confidence after job training and digital upskilling classes
348 CLIENTS AND SURVIVORS served with Employability and Entrepreneurship Program a 24% increase over last year
156 FAMILIES served in Childcare Programs
79% OF WOMEN either started or were ready to start their own business at the end of the Entrepreneurship Program
1,173 COMMUNITY MEMBERS dressed at Bloom a 43% increase over last year
83% OF CLIENTS retained job 6 months after placement
WE’RE NOT NEW TO THIS, WE’RE TRUE TO THIS
CELEBRATING AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
UNSUNG HEROES AWARD
Mayra Galindo, MSW, YWCA Children’s Advocacy Center Coordinator II
In all of her advocacy work she centers the voices of survivors, ensuring that choices are heard and respected. Her passion for supporting children survivors has been present since the beginning of her career, and is evident today in the work that she does to support children and their families at the County’s Children Advocacy Center (CAC).
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Gloria Wahl, Human Trafficking Coordinator I
Presented by the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking, “Gloria is the first-ever recipient of this award. She is a staunch advocate of survivor leadership and empowerment, who believes those things are necessary for change, and she lives out those ethos daily in the way she engages those around her.”
LEAP FELLOWSHIP
Vanessa Torres, Associate Director of Social Justice
Vanessa was selected to take part in the ValorUS Leadership Education and Advancement for Professionals (LEAP), a national project to enhance the professional skills of individuals of color seeking professional advancement in the anti-violence against women field. Vanessa is one of six leaders representing California, and she is the only Fellow representing YWCA’s movement.
CALWORKS PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Your YWCA is proud to be the 34th annual recipient in recognition of our “more than 10 years of partnership with the County of Santa Clara Social Services, and for building a collaboration that truly empowers survivors of domestic violence to achieve safety and self-sufficiency. This collaboration offers survivors critical resources on their road to recovery and to become self-sufficient.
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR AWARD
South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking awarded Operation Cross Country XIII Team, which consisted of over 15 organizations, including Your YWCA. The operation resulted in six traffickers arrested and led to the recovery of 23 survivors of trafficking.
WHO WE SERVE
<1% Middle Eastern 2% Other
62% Latina/o
<1% Native American
1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
5% Multi-racial 6% Black/African American
RACE
7% Asian
16% White
ANNUAL EVENTS
YWCA GOLDEN GATE SILICON VALLEY HOSTS FOUR FUNDRAISING EVENTS, from San Jose to San Rafael, that recognize outstanding women leaders, celebrate lifetime achievements, build community and inspire individuals to join our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
2,500 INDIVIDUALS attended YWCA events
75 SPONSORS AND PARTNERS supported our mission via events
160 VOLUNTEERS brought events to life
$860,000 RAISED at our annual events
OVER 1,100 GUESTS INSPIRED BY RUBY BRIDGES
The 34TH ANNUAL INSPIRE LUNCHEON hosted on October 8, 2024, challenged attendees to be “BRAVE LIKE RUBY”, and featured a 45-minute moderated conversation with civil rights icon, author and activist, Ruby Bridges. The event also featured the presentation of YWCA’s annual Empowerment Award, which focused on unity, and was given to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Santa Clara County.
CONNECTING 500 PEOPLE TO END VIOLENCE
YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley’s annual WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES was hosted on June 13, 2024 and gathered people of all ages, and genders, and from all walks of life join together to raise funds and awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence.
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF WOMEN IN MARIN
Established in 1987, the MARIN WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME recognizes Marin women of distinction, preserves their stories, educates the public on women’s contributions, and inspires future generations of women and girls. On February 8, 2024, five incredible women were inducted into the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Kim Mazzuca, president and CEO of college success nonprofit 10,000 Degrees; Linda Witong Abrahm, retired Marin deputy district attorney, president of Soroptimist International Novato, and United Nations delegate; Kellye Eboni McKinley, CEO of Our Sisters Keeper; Beverly K. Wood, judge of the Superior Court, Marin County; and Berta Campos-Anicetti, retired director of Latine Services, North Marin Community Services.
MORE THAN 20 COMPANIES RECOGNIZED WOMEN LEADERS
The 40TH ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO WOMEN AWARDS shined a light on three emerging leaders, honored 35 executives and celebrated four recipients with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Each year, YWCA’s Tribute to Women Awards provides a platform for women across the Bay Area to be celebrated and to create a network of women leaders who align with our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice and dignity for all.
Marin Women’s Hall of Fame March 4, 2025
Tribute to Women Awards
May 1, 2025
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
June 12, 2025
Inspire Luncheon October 1, 2025
PARTNERS ON A MISSION WITH YWCA
Annual Corporate Partners invest in YWCA’s support programs and services, and they amplify the importance of our mission to eliminate racism and empower women by aligning with our work. The commitment of the Bay Area companies listed below made it possible for Your YWCA to be one door to many solutions for more than 42,000 clients this past fiscal year.
Cisco is proud to be a corporate partner of YWCA. We stand firmly in support of YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Cisco powers an Inclusive Future for all by bringing people together from all corners of the globe through technology that powers the world’s connectivity. I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley for their unwavering commitment to our community.”
— Karen Ashley, VP, Business Development
THANK YOU TO OUR PERSIMMON CIRCLE ($10K+) FY23–24 DONORS
Janice Berthold with Heffernan Insurance
Nina P. Brandt Fund
Gary Gitelson in memory of Cari Anne Broding
Ann Hosein in memory of Sally Zoglman
Paula Freschi Kamena
Wanda Kownacki
Mike and Leslie Murphy
Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal
“I learned about YWCA through their advocacy for women and marginalized communities. Their mission to eliminate racism and empower women resonated with me.
YWCA’s programs, from safe housing to job training, provide critical support. I support them because they address immediate needs and work to dismantle the root causes of inequality.”
— Janice Berthold – EVP, Heffernan Insurance
FY24 FINANCES
YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley has a Platinum Guidestar rating and transparent finances, so you can give confidently knowing that Your YWCA stewards its contributions with the upmost integrity.
REVENUE
$17.9 MILLION IN ASSETS
EXPENSES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OFFICERS
Ella Zheng, President Co-Managing Partner, Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP
Denise Johnson, Vice President (Retired) Northern California Executive Director, Care Coordination, Kaiser Permanente
Carol Dixon, Secretary Chief People Officer, Overland Tandberg
Janet Nasburg, Treasurer (Retired) Vice President, Enterprise Risk Officer, Salesforce Inc.
Tracy Wingrove, Past President Account Exexutive, HollandParlette; Founder, Wingrove Strategies
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Maureen “Mo” De Nieva-Marsh Director, Community School Partnerships, Community Action Marin
Erica Demster
Executive Consultant, Enterprise Business Services, Kaiser Permanente
Mary Morris Architect/Planner
Monika Thakur Vice President SaaS Engineering, Oracle
DIRECTORS
Jamie Arrola
Owner and Director, Jamie Activates
Karen Ashley
Vice President of Business Development, Cisco
Gea Carr
Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty
Laurie Deaton (Retired) Co-Founder and Managing Partner, AlphaSignal LLC
Ann Hosein (Retired) Integration CFO
Lily Liu
Social Sector Consultant, Redstone Strategy Group
Kate Morris
Senior Director of People Business Partners, Gong
Susan Walsh (Retired) Urban Planner, City of San Jose
Barbara Wakefield (Retired) IT Executive, HP
Anne Woo
Program Director, Lockheed Martin
Victoria Yang
Business Analyst, Mckinsey & Company
“Economic instability, rising service costs, and increasing rates of violence are among the top concerns for women of all ages and backgrounds. YWCA invites individuals, community organizations, and corporate entities to partner with us in addressing the critical issues of health, safety, economic security, and racial justice that directly affect women, girls, and people of color. Investing in YWCA is an investment in a future where every woman — regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status — has an opportunity to reach her full potential, free from the barriers of prejudice and discrimination.”
— Ella Zheng, Board President
SPANNING FOUR COUNTIES
18%
78% of people we served were SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE of people we served LIVE IN MARIN COUNTY
158
ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS provided 11,000 SERVICE HOURS
42,000 SERVED ACROSS FOUR COUNTIES 18% more individuals and families in the last year