In The News

This October, as we recognize both Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and National Bullying Prevention Month, Empower Yolo launches its 11th Annual Paint Yolo Purple (purple representing Domestic Violence Awareness) campaign—a month of action dedicated to...

Yolo County, CA – The Empower Yolo board of directors is proud to announce the appointment of Celina Alveraz as the organization’s new executive director, effective September 1, 2025. With Alveraz’s proven leadership and deep roots in the community, the board and...

Empower Yolo board members recently had the opportunity and honor of meeting and interviewing Fran Rockwell and Donna Moore, two extraordinary trailblazers and founders of the Yolo County Sexual Assault Center, which later evolved into Empower Yolo. Delving into the...

Yolo County, CA – After an incredible 15-year journey marked by extraordinary growth and a profound impact on the community, Lynnette Irlmeier, Executive Director of Empower Yolo, and her husband Bill Irlmeier, Facilities Manager, have announced their retirement...

Empower Yolo’s youth programs are gearing up for another fun and enriching summer of activities for local youths. With community support, camps and leadership programs aim to empower kids and support families throughout the summer. Shelter Camp - The Starkweather...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote access to mental health services. It’s an opportunity to educate, advocate, and support one another in improving mental well-being. At Empower Yolo, we understand that...

Yolo County, CA – Empower Yolo is proud to announce that it has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 4 by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. This recognition comes as part of a statewide celebration hosted by the California...

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Child Abuse Prevention Month, campaigns to raise awareness about sexual violence, and support survivors.  Sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact. In California more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men...

Yolo County, CA – Empower Yolo is proud to announce the renaming of its shelter to the Starkweather Family Shelter in honor of the Starkweather family’s extraordinary generosity and commitment to the organization’s mission. The family has played a pivotal role in...

Empower Yolo wants to express gratitude for the incredible individuals and organizations who have ensured the success of Empower Yolo this year. “The financial support of community members is essential for us,” says Cathy Farman, board chair of Empower Yolo. “Private...