A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
When she can’t afford to leave, it shouldn’t mean paying with her life.
It seems only logical: if you’re with an abusive partner, just leave. Walk out. Get an apartment and save yourself and your children.
A hard reality is that women living paycheck to paycheck – or with no paycheck at all – know full well they can’t feed and care for their children, or themselves, for even a single month.
Full-time daycare for an infant: $1,278/month1
One-bedroom apartment in Fargo: $781/month2 Groceries for three: $980/month3
These first three bills are already $3,039.
Now consider the cost of a security deposit; beds, dishes and pans, and maybe a sofa and table; a car payment and gas; diapers and hygiene supplies. You get the picture.
That’s why you are needed. You bring women who desperately need safety a temporary home, food, clothing, and caring support at YWCA Emergency Shelter.
The North Dakota Attorney General’s office just released 2023 crime facts for North Dakota. Last year, two women were killed by intimate partners in domestic violence incidents in North Dakota.4
In the past five years, at least 16 women were known to have been killed by spouses or partners in the state. The number may be as high as 23 when taking into account assailants classified as “acquaintances,” though they may have been abusive intimate partners.
Obviously, homicide is the extreme. No woman should have to endure terrible abuse and pain. You show us you share this belief with your support for YWCA, and I thank you on behalf of vulnerable women and families.
You help save lives.
Erin Prochnow CEO, YWCA Cass Clay
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
1 https://www.hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/ccap
2 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr/ fmrs/FY2024_code/select_Geography.odn)
3 https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/averagegrocery-budget-for-family-of-3
4 State of North Dakota Office of Attorney General Criminal Justice Statistics Special Report, Homicide In North Dakota, 2023
Living between her car and shelters for two years, CARMEN HAS YOU TO THANK FOR SAFETY.
No good options. That’s what faced Carmen, when she could no longer stand the belittling, walking on eggshells, or physical abuse. She decided to leave her abusive husband and father of her three grown children. The couple was poor, with little in their savings. She felt she couldn’t ask to stay with her children’s families.
“I didn’t want to trouble my children. They all have young kids and struggle themselves to make ends meet. I didn’t want to be a burden,” reflects Carmen, 52.
Carmen left by living in her car when the weather was good. She parked in many different lots to avoid being noticed. She has been homeless since 2022, using local shelters at times, and living frugally on monthly disability
payments as her only source of income. Coming to YWCA Emergency Shelter this spring, she found help to pay off past debt and applied successfully to enter YWCA’s Supportive Housing Program.
A supportive team to walk alongside Carmen on her journey came through the individual and business supporters who fuel YWCA’s important mission.
In May, Carmen moved to YWCA’s new Lantern Light residence.
“Many times, I was ready to give up on life, and lost hope of having a place to live,” says Carmen, who was flooded with tears at news of her apartment approval. With a consistent safe place to sleep at night, she has stability needed to get back on her feet.
I’m grateful to be here, to be alive, to have support.
She’ll keep trauma counseling appointments and work toward life goals, such as employment.
Carmen has begun applying for service-industry jobs, and her Housing Advocate Megan sees her bright, upbeat, and talkative personality as an asset. “She would easily run a cash register, and needs to be where she can interact with people. She’ll do well getting out among people again.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful that I have a safe place to live and people to talk to about my challenges,” says Carmen. “I’m grateful to be here, to be alive, and have support.”
A great source of joy has been having a place for grandchildren to visit and spend the night. Her children and many grandchildren are often the source of playful laughter and excitement at the Lantern Light playground.
BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURESat Cove Lane
Twelve families are building brighter futures at YWCA’s Cove Lane residences.
With renovation complete and homes outfitted, families are focused on moving from fear to freedom.
On July 31, YWCA opened the doors to 12 freshly renovated units of affordable, supportive housing.
A year ago, YWCA purchased two buildings adjacent to the Emergency Shelter from the Sisters of the Presentation. YWCA had leased the two six-plexes from the Sisters for many years. In 2023, YWCA was awarded $3 million by the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency to update and renovate the two buildings.
The residences have been named Cove Lane in honor of YWCA’s longstanding partnership with the Sisters.
Cove Lane is where Sisters of the Presentation foundress Nano Nagle ministered to children, widows, and the poor in Cork, Ireland in the 1700s. The legacy of Nano Nagle and the Sisters will continue as Cove Lane provides safe refuge and new beginnings to families who have experienced violence and homelessness.
YWCA has a 30+ year history of providing supportive housing and a track record for bringing partners to the table. We are grateful to the funders and business partners who walked alongside us during the complex year-long relocation of participants and renovation of Cove Lane, and the agencies
that collaborate with us to provide ongoing services at the residences. Our sincere gratitude to the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Beyond Shelter, Inc., Shultz + Associates Architects, Roers, MBN Engineering, MetroPlains Management, and Two Men and a Truck.
YWCA is also thankful for the generous supporters who helped make a house a home by outfitting apartment units at Cove Lane prior to families moving in. Fill a Home donors purchased kitchen items, bedroom decor, bathroom towels, cleaning supplies, and more and volunteered their time to set the units up to welcome families home.
Many thanks to Caterpillar, CASE IH, Eide Bailly, Gate City Bank, Heather’s Housekeeping, RDO, Sammons Financial Group, Kathy Benson, and YWCA Administrative Team for showing individuals who have experienced much hardship they are part of a caring community that supports them on their journey.
YWCA’s Supportive Housing Program is a proven strategy for ending homelessness and preventing women from returning to abusers out of economic need. In 2023, among those living in YWCA Supportive Housing: 47% increased their income; 78% reduced their use of costly emergency health services; and 73% obtained stable housing when leaving the program.
Scan to watch!
As YWCA celebrates the completion of Cove Lane’s renovation, we reflect back to last fall when we opened Lantern Light: A YWCA Supported Residence.
Relive the ribbon-cutting ceremony and learn more about the incredible partnerships that made this initiative possible through Tellwell’s extraordinary storytelling.
YWCA’S CHOCOLATE FANTASY IS NOW...
FOR CHANGE
SEPTEMBER 5 · 11AM-2PM · DELTA BY MARRIOTT
YWCA’s signature fall event is back with a new name! This sweet and spicy lunch for good features all the elements you know and love from past YWCA Chocolate Fantasy events plus some new additions.
On Thursday, September 5, we invite you to stop by the Delta by Marriott between 11:00am - 2:00pm for event favorites including:
• Delicious desserts from local businesses and bakers.
• Savory chili paired with homemade rolls from Great Harvest Bread Co. - the perfect lunch!
• Auction items fill the room – with online bidding to shop from anywhere starting August 30.
CAN’T MAKE IT FOR LUNCH?
New ways to support YWCA include:
• Three raffle boards with fantastic prizes to win! With 100 squares per board at $20, $50, or $100 each, the odds are in your favor. Bring cash or visit the ATM as raffle is cash or check only due to state law.
• Try your hand at winning prizes with Plinko! When you pay to play, this beloved game supports YWCA Emergency Shelter.
• Help provide a Year of Shelter at YWCA! Purchase a date that’s special to you or someone you love and give the gift of safety for just $66.
Pre-order to-go desserts for pick up on September 5! Dessert boxes make a great thank you gift for clients, customers, and employees. Dessert box (serves 2-4) for $20 · Dessert platter (serves 8-10) for $50 YUB E A RLY FORA CH A NCETOWIN! YWCA CASSCLAY. OR G
AUGUST IS NATIONAL MAKE-A-WILL MONTH
YWCA has a resource to empower you to make a lasting impact
Did you know that nearly 67% of American adults don’t have a will? But we’re here to change that.
We’re excited to share a free, online will-writing tool from FreeWill, making it easy for 100% of our YWCA Cass Clay community to protect the people and causes they love. It’s a simple, empowering way to take control of your future.
Get started at freewill.com
Imagine this: in just 20 minutes, you can feel secure knowing you’ve protected your family, made important decisions, and created a legacy supporting YWCA Cass Clay. It’s a quick, efficient way to make a difference.
As you ponder this commitment, please know there are tax-smart ways to support our mission now.
Many of our supporters give stock, a grant from Donor Advised Funds, or make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from their IRA, which can be more beneficial than giving cash.
We understand that legacy giving is a personal and significant decision. If you would like to learn more about including YWCA Cass Clay in your will or taking advantage of tax-smart giving options, please contact us. Our team can work with you and your financial advisor to determine the best way to make your gift.
Contact Jill DeVries, YWCA Development Officer at 701-478-2250.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and for considering this unique way of giving. Your thoughtfulness means the world to us and the families we serve.
Special thanks to the generous individuals who have already included YWCA Cass Clay in their estate plans and empowered dreams for generations of survivors.
THANK YOU FOR SENDING STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL IN STYLE!
Over 50 students at YWCA Emergency Shelter and supportive housing received a gift of new clothes and shoes chosen just for them by generous donors through our Sponsor-a-Student Program. Thank you to all the compassionate community members who made this joy possible!
FARGO AIRSHO NOMINATES YWCA AS KEY INFLUENCER WITH U.S. NAVY BLUE ANGELS
CEO, Erin Prochnow participates in “Ride of Lifetime”
Fargo Airsho volunteers nominated YWCA Cass Clay CEO Erin Prochnow as a “Key Influencer” with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. Prochnow was selected, and on July 24 took a ride of a lifetime with Blue Angel #7, Lt. Connor O’Donnell, on a 45-minute ride in the world-famous blue and gold F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft.
The Blue Angels typically provide two backseat flights at each air show site – one rider selected through the Key Influencer program and the other a credentialed media representative. Both riders fly with the Number 7 pilot in the two-seat jet.
The Key Influencer program selects individuals who shape attitudes and opinions of youth in their communities, and may be experts in their field, public figures, leaders of youth organizations, teachers, guidance counselors, or school administrators.
To be selected as a Key Influencer, you must first be nominated by a commanding officer of a Navy or a Marine Corps recruiting district.
YWCA Cass Clay’s selection letter read:
“At the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, we build our demonstration upon teamwork, dedication and selflessness, and we strive to become better at our craft each day. We recognize these same values in your service to your community and your devotion to helping others achieve their fullest potential. In appreciation of your commitment to excellence and service, we congratulate you on being selected to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the joy of flight with the Blue Angels! […] We are proud to extend this opportunity to someone who embodies the values we embrace.”
YWCA is honored to be selected and recognized for the values we share with the Blue Angels, teamwork, dedication, and selflessness – when serving women and children escaping violence and homelessness.
HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW WEBSITE?
Last month, YWCA Cass Clay completed a different kind of renovation - a new website! YWCAs across the country redesigned and restructured our websites with the support of Week of the Website – a women-owned website development company based in Chicago.
Many months in the making, YWCA Cass Clay’s new website was a collaborative project created with feedback from staff and key stakeholders to improve the site for volunteers, donors, partners, and women needing our help.
Highlights we’re excited about:
• FULLY RESPONSIVE—Designed to be as easy to view and navigate on a mobile device as on your desktop computer...as it should be!
• CONTENT OVERHAUL—Website content was simplified and reorganized to make information about our programs, events, and donation needs clearer than ever. With FAQs about both shelter and supportive housing, we hope to provide more clarity for partners and individuals seeking services.
• YWCA NEEDS LIST—Our needs list is now printable straight from the web browser and is highlighted prominently on the top menu of the site. We’ve also added sample drive flyers and templates as a resource for groups looking to support YWCA through donation drives!
• YWCA CASS CLAY HISTORY—Key highlights from the organization’s history are now displayed visually on the site.
• ONLINE HELP FORM—Gives women escaping violence another way to get ahold of our team if calling the shelter isn’t a safe option.
• ADDITIONAL RESOURCES—Incorporation of partner resources on healthy relationships, safety planning, recognizing abuse, and more.
• QUICK TRANSLATION—With the click of a button, our website can be translated into Spanish. ¡Qué padre!
42ND ANNUAL CHERRIES FOR CHARITY
We’re exceptionally grateful for all who purchased or played a part in Hornbacher’s Cherries for Charity event benefitting YWCA and Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. Your support means YWCA is here all hours for women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness. Now that’s sweet support for survivors!
Our Deepest Gratitude
A sincere thank you to those who have honored someone they care about with a gift to YWCA.
Betsy Agnvall in memory of Dorothy Mae Stangler
Mary and Larry Akason in memory of Bev Webster
Tanis and Mark Bartholomay in memory of Irene Johnson
Teri Berglund in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Barbara and Mark Bibelheimer in memory of Mary Klabo
Jenice Boulger in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Kim and Dr. Ronald Burd in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Joe, Todd, and Sue Carlton in memory of Merle “Gordy” Indvik
Marlene Bye Dahl in honor of Kathy Dahl
D.A. and P.M. Cameron in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Elizabeth and Wayne Christianson in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Jean and Michael Dahl in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Elaine Decker in memory of Carol Rogne
Jill and Holly DeVries in memory of Katy Krogstad
Linda and Thomas Dooher in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Linda and Thomas Dooher in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Joan and M.R. Eckrich in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Kathleen and Thomas Fellman in memory of Mary Moe
Jane Ferguson in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Wendy and Gary Fine in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Fran Fjelde in memory of Doug Isaacson
Dianne Gibb in memory of Dorothy Stangler
John Green in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Brian Hayer in honor of Margie Bailly
Joan Indvik in memory of Gordy Indvik
Marti and Dale Johnson in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Doreen and Jack Kennelly in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Karen Kruse in memory of Dorothy Nystul
Mary and John Lang in memory of Harlan Tenhoff
Molly and Daniel Lusk in memory of Gordon Indvik
Rosalie Martin in memory of Gordy Indvik
Kim Meyer in memory of David Kerssen
Randa Meyer in memory of Jody Campbell
Nancy Millette in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Roberta Mohagen in honor of Helen Kerian
Elaine Nelson in memory of Gordy Indvik
Patricia and John Osborn in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Joseph and Germaine Paul in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Joanne and Wallace Radtke in memory of Christine Haase
Lianne Rockstad in memory of Lynn Larsen
Dr. Lori Scheel in memory of Bruce Middaugh
Jean and David Seifert in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Dawn Siewert in memory of Jody Campbell
Sue Sjeklocha in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Eileen and Duane Wagner in memory of Gordy Indvik
Diane and David Wanner in memory of Maxine Pfeifer
Diane and David Wanner in memory of Gary Larson
Linda Webb in memory of Gordy Indvik
Linda Widner in memory of Dorothy Stangler
Carolyn and Wilbur Wright in memory of Dorothy Stangler
TOP NEEDS
You can donate the things women need on their journeys to independence. The families we serve need:
Twin- and Full-Size Sheets & Zippered Mattress Protectors (new and gently used)
Toilet Paper & Paper Towels
Infant Formula and Diapers (especially size 4)
Antiperspirant
Women’s Underwear (new, sizes 6-8)
Please drop donations off at YWCA Emergency Shelter Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM, or ship to 3000 University Dr. S, Fargo, ND 58103.
View YWCA’s Needs List and shop our Amazon Wish List at ywcacassclay.org/needs
YWCA Cass Clay
4650 38th Ave. S, Suite 110 Fargo, ND 58104-8529
JOIN US THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5!
