Empower Yolo

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation

0% complete

$100,000 Goal

Founded in 1977, as the Yolo County Sexual Assault Center, Empower Yolo was started by five women from Davis, CA who identified a need and began providing crisis intervention services out of an apartment. Soon thereafter, domestic violence services were added, and the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center became Yolo County's sole provider of specialized services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In 1980, the Harper House, the county's first shelter for battered women and children, was opened. In November of 1999, Empower Yolo's current confidential shelter facility -- the 35-bed Wallace and Vannucci shelter, opened to residents in place of Harper House. In February 2014, in an effort to more effectively encompass our vast programs and services, as well as highlight the connection between client, organization and community, the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center became Empower Yolo, Providing Hope. Ending Violence.

On January 1, 2016, Empower Yolo and Yolo Center for Families merged to become one agency under the name Empower Yolo. The merger allows Empower Yolo to better serve clients in Yolo County offering more comprehensive services. Empower Yolo's free and confidential services include: 24/7 Crisis Hotline, Residential Services (including emergency confidential shelter for individuals escaping domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking; transitional and rapid rehousing; and the KE shelter which homes crime victims); Legal Advocacy (including restraining order clinics; court accompaniment & advocacy; limited DACA immigration assistance); Counseling (including individual, family, child, empowerment program, support groups, and Alternatives to Violence program); Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Teams; Prevention Education and Outreach (including presentations, community fairs/tabling, professional trainings throughout Yolo County, and Teen Education presentations and groups in local high schools); Family Resource Centers (in Davis, Woodland and Knights Landing); Youth Services (including: Play School Experience, Child Abuse Treatment Program, Response to Human Trafficking of commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC), children's health insurance enrollment, and After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) after school program); Health Education (including health insurance and CAL Fresh enrollment programs, peer health educators, promotoras, and Knights Landing Medical Clinic); Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re-housing Program; and Economic Self Sufficiency (including financial literacy classes, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program); women's support group.

Empower Yolo's shelter is pet friendly. Often, people will not leave an abusive situation if they know they will have to leave a beloved pet behind. Empower Yolo expanded in 2019 to provide temporary emergency shelter, resources, supplies, and emotional support to survivors and their pets in crisis. We have been able to reach even more survivors with these expanded services.

In December 2020 our shelter kitchen remodel project was finally completed. The staff and clients love the new kitchen as it dramatically improves our ability to support individuals and families who come to us at the most difficult times of their lives.

Throughout the pandemic, Empower Yolo was unwavering in providing services to victims of abuse and vulnerable families in Yolo County.  Domestic violence rates were higher because shelter in place and quarantine at home was not safe for victims of abuse. The board of directors supported the agency throughout that challenging time, and staff members worked nonstop, in all roles necessary to support clients. When many agencies closed Empower Yolo remained open to support survivors of abuse and families in need. 

Since the pandemic Empower Yolo has seen an increase in need for basic necessities such as food, clothing, and help with rent and utilities. We’ve also seen an increase in need in several program areas including food distribution, counseling services, and other services for survivors of abuse, vulnerable families, homeless, and immigrant clients. 

In 2022 Empower Yolo celebrated its 45th anniversary – providing services to survivors and families in need for 45 years in Yolo County. Our anniversary theme was "Welcome Home" which focused on our safe house and our housing programs. We more than exceeded our goal of moving 45 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking into permanent housing during our 45th year. 


Mission

Empower Yolo's mission is to promote safe, healthy, and resilient communities through community outreach and educational programs about available resources to promote health, stability, and self-sufficiency for individuals and families.

Empower Yolo's purpose is to provide:

(a) Twenty-four-hour crisis intervention, emergency shelter, confidential counseling, training, legal assistance, and other services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and child abuse

(b) Resource centers for community services to improve the health, social, educational and economic outcomes of Yolo County residents

(c) Community outreach and educational programs about available resources to promote health, reproductive equity, stability, and self-sufficiency for individuals and families

Needs

Empower Yolo is raising funding to help support these important programs for the community.

Shelter: $45 provides one night shelter for a survivor and their pet.

Empower Yolo operates a confidential, pet-friendly safehouse for survivors of intimate partner violence; it is the only facility of its kind in Yolo County. While known for providing a refuge from violence, the shelter also serves as a platform for education, empowerment, and support, aiding survivors in their journey towards healing and rebuilding their lives. Upon arrival, residents receive more than just accommodations; they gain a committed partner in their journey for self-sufficiency. Our advocates collaborate with each resident to create goals, tailored to their individual circumstances and aspirations. We understand that true safety and stability aren't achieved merely by securing housing but by ensuring access to essential services and fostering community connections. Embracing a holistic, trauma-informed, and compassionate approach, we acknowledge the diverse needs of survivors of personal violence.

Human Trafficking:

Human trafficking is a pervasive issue affecting millions globally, including within the United States, California, and Yolo County. Human trafficking victims require a comprehensive range of services to address their multifaceted needs including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and case management. Providing a safe and secure environment is paramount, ensuring victims have access to basic necessities and a supportive network. Empower Yolo’s human trafficking advocate coordinates various services, and offers specialized support tailored to the unique needs of trafficking survivors, such as trauma-informed care and culturally responsive services, which are essential for promoting healing and empowerment on the path to recovery and self-sufficiency.

Women’s Group:

The Latina Women's group, which meets in Woodland and Knights Landing, provide a vital space for support and connection among women in the community. Meeting regularly, this group offers a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in a supportive and culturally sensitive environment. Members find solace and strength in one another, fostering a sense of empowerment and solidarity. The group addresses a wide range of topics relevant to Latina women and their families. By coming together, these women not only build meaningful connections but also cultivate resilience and confidence as they face life's challenges.

Play School Experience:

Empower Yolo acknowledges the significance and advantages of early play-based interactions for children. The "Play School Experience" offers parents, caregivers, and children the chance for meaningful engagement through play. Parents acquire strategies to enhance their bonds with their children, while children develop crucial neurological, psychological, and social skills. Parents get valuable resources needed to help the family thrive, and the positive interaction with other parents and the teacher decrease their stress and they create networks that will help them in the future. Parents also exchange parenting advice and address concerns, creating a supportive environment where they can share their milestones and experiences.

Equity Statement

Empower Yolo does not discriminate based on age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, physical or mental disability.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Empower Yolo

Year Established

1977

Tax id (EIN)

94-3027535

Mission Category

Human Services

Operating Budget

$1,000,001-$5 million

Organization Need

Funding: Unrestricted

Demographics Served

Low-income individuals/families, General population, Women/Female-identifying

BIPOC Leadership

Board Chair

Local Counties Served

Yolo

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

175 Walnut Street
Woodland, CA 95695

Service areas

Yolo County, CA, US

Phone

530-661-6336

fax

530-661-3021

Social Media