2024 Impact Report

www.ywcaneks.org

(785) 233-1750

(888) 822-2983

YWCA IS DEDICATED TO ELIMINATING RACISM, EMPOWERING WOMEN AND PROMOTING PEACE, JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND DIGNITY FOR ALL. JOIN US.

2024

MISSION IMPACT REPORT

A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP Dear Friends, This past year was one of transformation, resilience, and renewed commitment at YWCA Northeast Kansas. As we reflect on 2024, we are proud to share this report with you—not only as a summary of what we accomplished together, but as a symbol of strength through transition.

The first half of the year brought the successful completion of the renovation and expansion of the second shelter. This long-awaited milestone increases capacity and enhances safety for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This achievement stands as a testament to the strength of community partnership and the enduring mission of YWCA Northeast Kansas.

Mid-year marked a leadership transition, with a continued focus on sustaining and advancing critical work. We celebrated the 5-year anniversary of the Day Center, marking five years of providing a safe space, healing resources, and a welcoming environment for individuals rebuilding their lives. Key improvements were also made to the Kids Quest Before and After School Program, increasing both accessibility and educational impact. Amid these successes, we have navigated a year of uncertainty and change, with national and local elections bringing new questions—and new urgency—to our advocacy work.

Through every change and challenge, one constant has remained: Your support.

Whether through donations, volunteer hours, advocacy, or presence, this support has been essential in maintaining momentum. With your partnership, we continue to provide life-changing services, invest in youth and families, and lead with courage on issues of racial and gender equity.

We are proud of what we accomplished together in 2024, and we are energized by what’s ahead.

As we move forward, we invite you to stand with us, to be a part of the movement, and to help shape a more just and equitable future for all.

With gratitude and solidarity,

Kathleen Marker Former CEO, YWCA Northeast Kansas

Cheri Faunce CEO, YWCA Northeast Kansas

WE COULDN’T CHANGE LIVES WITHOUT YOU! At YWCA Northeast Kansas, our volunteers are more than helpers— they are powerful agents of change. From supporting survivors at the Center for Safety and Empowerment, to assisting with youth programs, advocacy efforts, and community events, our volunteers make our mission come alive every single day. In 2024, we were honored to work alongside a growing network of compassionate, committed individuals who showed up with time, talent, and heart.

Whether organizing donation drives, staffing events, supporting clients in crisis, or lending a hand during building renovations, our volunteers made an extraordinary impact. Their dedication not only strengthens our programs—it uplifts our entire community. We are deeply grateful for every hour given, every voice raised, and every act of solidarity.

Together, we are building a stronger and more just future for all.

2024 BY THE NUMBERS 80 VOLUNTEERS 4,001 HOURS SERVED $123,470.86 SAVED

2024 YWCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gina Millsap, President Library Consultant/Executive Coach

Mallory Lutz Little Government Relations

Mother Doreen Rice, Vice President St. David’s Episcopal Church

Jaclyn Mullins DL Smith Electric

Angela Lewis, Secretary Shawnee County

Lan Danielson Prairie Band Casino & Resort

Theresa Dodson, Treasurer Evergy

Todd Payne OFG Financial Services

Jennifer Vance, Governance Chair Envista Federal Credit Union

Lauren Wolf Aetna Better Health of Kansas

Cortney Streeter Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Dr. Scott Teeter Retired Physician Dr. Bassima Schbley Washburn University Kate Duncan Butler Office of the Deputy Disciplinary Admininstrator

SUPPORTING SURVIVORS The Center for Safety and Empowerment (CSE) provides survivor-centered, trauma-informed services to individuals experiencing sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking in Shawnee, Brown, Jackson, Nemaha, and Wabaunsee Counties. All services are free and confidential. Through both direct advocacy and community education, CSE works to end genderbased violence in Northeast Kansas.

In 2024, CSE marked a major milestone—the 5-year anniversary of the Day Center, a safe and welcoming space where survivors can access critical services, meet with advocates, and begin the healing process. Since its opening, the Day Center has become a cornerstone of YWCA’s survivor support efforts. From January through December 2024, CSE provided services to 174 survivors at the Day Center alone.

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS Construction began on a shelter expansion. From January 2024 to December 2024, CSE provided 5,815 bed nights of emergency shelter and hotel services to 246 individuals. The shelter expansion will more than double our capacity.

CSE Advocates answered 4,292 hotline calls in a 12-month period, and continued monitoring the text-to-chat hotline as well.

Our text-to-chat hotline expanded to 20 hours of operation per week.

Our advocacy and education efforts in rural communities included a Healthy Relationships presentation at Holton High School and a three-part Human Trafficking awareness series hosted in partnership with the Jackson County Coordinated Community Response Team.

YOUTH SERVICES Empowering families means starting early—and standing beside them every step of the way. At YWCA Northeast Kansas, we recognize that eliminating racism and empowering women begins with creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for children and their caregivers.

In 2024, our Early Learning Center served children ages one and walking through Pre-K, offering a curriculum that promotes academic readiness, emotional development, and social inclusion.

With lessons in literacy, writing, emotional regulation, and even potty-training—services many centers do not provide—our teachers nurtured growth while modeling our core values.

Outside the classroom, our Kids Quest program provides beforeand after-school enrichment in multiple USD 501 Topeka Public Schools, offering consistent care, mentorship, and fun in a safe environment.

From daily routines to long-term support, YWCA Northeast Kansas is committed to helping families thrive—because when children and caregivers are supported, entire communities grow stronger.

PROMOTING JUSTICE What sets YWCA apart is our commitment to comprehensive social services, combined with our dedication to creating a more just world through advocacy and issue education. We carry on a long tradition of social action and advocacy to advance our mission at the local, state, and national level.

Together with our community, YWCA Northeast Kansas advances the fight against racism, gender-based violence, and social injustice through collective action and advocacy. In 2024, we championed policy change that supports women, families, and marginalized communities—including advocating for Senate Bill 71, which increases penalties for buying commercial sex.

We also expanded civic engagement through YWCA USA’s YWomenVote initiative and the Get-Out-The-Vote campaign to engage and empower underrepresented voters during the critical election year.

With support from YWCA, the Coalition to Interrupt Violence in Communities (CIVIC) launched as a grassroots, public healthcentered initiative to address the root causes of violence—poverty, systemic injustice, and trauma. CIVIC builds trust, mediates conflict, and provides direct support to individuals at the highest risk, redefining violence prevention in Northeast Kansas through inclusive, community-led strategies.

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY, AND COURAGE In 2024, three signature YWCA Northeast Kansas events—Concealed Revealed, the Women of Excellence Awards & Gala, and Week Without Violence—mobilized our community to uplift survivors, celebrate changemakers, and envision a world without violence.

Now in its 20+ year legacy, the Concealed Revealed Art Auction continued to showcase the transformative power of art as a tool for healing and advocacy. Thanks to the generosity of artists, sponsors, and attendees, the event raised vital funds to support the Center for Safety and Empowerment, helping to provide services like shelter, crisis support, counseling, court advocacy, and art-based healing opportunities for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.

The Women of Excellence Awards & Gala celebrated bold, visionary women whose leadership, voices, and shared wisdom continue to inspire positive change across our community. This uplifting event brought together community members to celebrate 24 remarkable honorees, each embodying excellence in leadership, service, and resilience. Proceeds from the evening advanced YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

Our annual Week Without Violence brought together survivors, advocates, students, and community leaders for a powerful week of events centered on education, healing, and collective action. From public art displays and empowerment workshops to poetry performances, film screenings, and our Statehouse rally, the week reminded us of the strength and unity of our movement to end gender-based violence.

Together, these events serve as a powerful reflection of our community’s commitment to justice, equity, and healing. Whether through art, advocacy, or celebration, YWCA Northeast Kansas is proud to be a catalyst for change—and we’re just getting started.

STAND WITH US At YWCA Northeast Kansas, every volunteer, donor, and advocate plays a critical role in advancing our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

WHEN YOU GET INVOLVED, YOU HELP US Provide safety and support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.

Deliver high-quality before and after school care to children through Kids Quest.

Advocate for racial and gender justice through education, training, and community action.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Donate Your financial support fuels critical services for women, children, and families across Northeast Kansas.

Volunteer From supporting events to helping at the Center for Safety and Empowerment, volunteers are vital to our daily work.

Partner Businesses and organizations can amplify our impact through partnership and sponsorship opportunities.

Advocate Join us in speaking out for racial justice, gender equity, and the rights of survivors. Your voice matters.

YWCA Central Office and the Center for Safety and Empowerment 225 SW 12th St, Topeka, KS 66612 | 785-354-7927 | 24-Hour Hotline: 1.888.822.2983 | Text YWCANEKS, followed by your message to 847-411 (monitored daily, 1 - 5:30 pm) YWCA Northeast Kansas Day Center 1309 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604

Holton Office 215 E. 5th St., Suite 110, Holton, KS 66436 | 785-362-2222

info@ywcaneks.org | ywcaneks.org

FOLLOW US @ywcaneks