YWCA Receives $80,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

BREMERTON, Wash. -- The YWCA of Kitsap County recently received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation of $80,000 to support YWCA programs, including the only shelter for abused women and children in Kitsap County.

In 1999, the YWCA helped over 5,000 women, men and children through programs and services ranging from emergency shelter, programs for at-risk children and youth, parenting programs, legal advocacy for victims of domestic violence, a 24-hour crisis line and more. The grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will provide operating reserves for the YWCA ALIVE and family outreach programs.

"This past year has seen a lot of growth both in our programs and in capital endeavors that have impacted our reserves," said Linda K. Joyce, executive director of the YWCA. "This gift ensures that programs like our emergency shelter can move forward with a strong foundation, and continue to offer hope for victims of family violence."

Recently celebrating 52 years of service to Kitsap families, the YWCA Community Center is located at 905 Pacific Avenue in downtown Bremerton, with a satellite office on Bainbridge Island. The YWCA of Kitsap County provides support, advocacy and referrals to victims of domestic violence and their children and to families with children at risk for neglect and abuse. For more information about YWCA programs and services, please call 360.479.0522.