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 donations help us round out our services and fill in gaps of service that aren’t funded by grants. We celebrate those who have invested in Empower Yolo and its clients and with those who believe in the vital mission of Empower Yolo,” says Farman.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Empower Yolo has successfully operated a 24-hour crisis line, a confidential shelter, and resource centers throughout the County. Our comprehensive programs include emergency services, counseling, legal advocacy, housing support, teen education, youth services, support groups, benefit enrollment, health education, food and clothing assistance, financial empowerment services, free tax preparation, and more. These vital resources play a crucial role in supporting families within our community.
Empower Yolo recently celebrated the re-dedication of our shelter in honor of the Starkweather Family, whose generosity and unwavering support have profoundly impacted our agency and the community we serve.
A client named Shar shares her story. As she spoke about the years of abuse and control she endured from her husband, tears began to roll down her face. Her emotions turned to hope as she spoke about her experience with Empower Yolo and the lifesaving services she received, including safe shelter, food, and clothing for herself and her children. She began to smile as she described the housing assistance and support in finding an apartment and a job. With a sense of renewed independence and empowerment, Shar enthusiastically said, “When it’s time to pay my rent, I’m so excited I can pay my own rent!”
We take great pride in the work we are accomplishing to serve thousands of clients across our programs. Empower Yolo is the County’s sole provider of free services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. In 2024, 213 survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, of which 109 were adults and 82 were children, received shelter for 10,439 bed nights.
Through the voices of our supporters, we are reminded of the impact of our work for the most vulnerable in our community, especially during these uncertain times.
“I support Empower Yolo and donate often to provide resources needed by clients escaping abuse and violence. I’ve experienced the powerlessness that overwhelms families in abusive relationships, and I want to “empower” survivors to feel safe and move forward to change their lives. Empower Yolo’s work is driven by compassion and purpose. But most importantly, the staff are competent and accommodating in an ever-changing social environment. Empower Yolo offers a broad range of free services for traumatized clients. The threat of grant funding being cut motivates me even more to step up and donate to ensure that services can continue.” – S.G.
“I support Empower Yolo because of all the wonderful ways they serve people who have needs such as families and children, providing food, housing – and many other ways to help people through the problems they are experiencing.” -Carol.
Supporters are also appreciative of Empower Yolo’s dedicated staff and advocates. “Empower Yolo helps our strongest yet most in-need population. Their staff genuinely cares about the work they are doing. Knowing I help such a wonderful organization that aids others who need it most means the world to me!” – anonymous donor.
“The people at Empower Yolo serve with a big heart and see beyond the need to offer real help and support to those in the community. Thank you for the great work and BIG difference Empower Yolo makes in our Yolo community.” – Maria.
Through its steadfast presence in the community, Empower Yolo works diligently to provide wraparound services for anyone who needs them while building and maintaining the trust of those we serve. “I’ve been giving to Empower Yolo yearly since 2014. Empower Yolo has earned my financial support by providing essential, compassionate services to our community’s most vulnerable citizens. In its commitment to clients, Empower Yolo adapts and responds to the ever-changing needs of individuals and the County. A client might enter Empower Yolo’s lobby seeking end-of-the-month emergency food and leave with a therapy appointment for long-ago sexual assault, enrollment in medical insurance, and a client navigator to contact for ongoing needs. I trust Empower Yolo to make the most of the dollars I donate,” says Farman.
Empower Yolo offers our sincere appreciation for the generosity and unwavering support of our donors and sponsors. Their commitment is vital to our mission of promoting safe, healthy, and resilient communities, and we are excited to continue fostering these important relationships as we move forward together.