Since its beginnings in 1888, YWCA of Schenectady, dba YWCA NorthEastern NY, has been a constant innovator in providing programs and services to meet the changing needs of the community. We are a charter member of YWCA USA, the oldest and largest women’s membership organization.
Their mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. To do this, we offer comprehensive domestic violence services and safe shelter; affordable housing and housing services; early learning curriculum; counseling; advocacy; and more.
The main program services areas of YWCA NorthEastern NY are:
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS
- Shelter – the only licensed domestic violence shelter in Schenectady County; offers a secure place for victims and their children that is staffed 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year.
- Hotline – a 24-hour emergency hotline for victims – 518.374.3386
- Advocacy – advocates located at Schenectady Police station, Family Court, and Child Protective Services.
- Counseling provides free and confidential individual and group counseling
- Economic Empowerment – assists domestic violence victims and homeless/formerly homeless women in obtaining employment, education, and financial stability; provides life skills counseling, employment exploration, communication techniques, and stress and time management.
- Domestic Violence Holiday Assistance Program – provides women, men and children with gifts, wrapping paper, and household items that were generously donated from community members and organizations.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Our Housing Program provides safe housing and services for homeless and/or low-income women. Support services for the women include advocacy, counseling, support groups, information and referrals, health and recreation opportunities and an emergency food pantry and clothing closet.
- Single Room Occupancy (SRO) provides 55 housing units on-site for single homeless women.
- Rosa’s House Program provides 25 apartments in the community for single homeless women.
- Stepping Stones Program provides four apartments for women and their children in the community.
EARLY LEARNING CENTERS
- Two Sites – located at Washington Ave & Schenectady County Community College, both offer full-day early learning.
- Licensed & Accredited – NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited, voluntary participants of QUALITYstarsNY, and NYS licensed early childhood education centers
- Developmentally appropriate curriculum: Each center utilizes the Creative Curriculum, a learning environment focusing on the emotional, physical and cognitive development of children from six weeks to five years old.
- Early Head Start available for children ages 6 weeks to 36 months