whY Help? Initiative - Strengthing the Family Center

Where Local Families Find Refuge

Andrea Cambern and I have will unite on Saturday, October 17, 2009, to celebrate the United Nation’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The “How May I Serve?” event will be hosted at the YWCA’s Family Center, located at 900 Harvey Court in Columbus, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Andrea and I will speak to raise awareness, increase volunteerism, and provide donor information for the Family Center.

But we need Y-our Help.

This year’s event is the kick-off for the annual event committed to bringing awareness to the issues of poverty and homelessness in Greater Columbus. Event attendees should come prepared to offer hands-on support by reading to children, spending time with families, and helping to prepare the food for the dinner serving.

How May I Serve?
Give me an hour of your time! We invite you to be a part of the YWCA - by volunteering, donating, or joining us for this event and others. Please, tell your friends, and write to me if you have any questions or concerns!
Make a difference! Be a part of the collaboration to rebuild lives by strengthening our community with your priceless donation - your time.

In 2008, the Family Center served more than 650 Columbus families, including 1200 children. Recognized by the National Community Development Association as a national model for emergency shelters, the Family Center is one of only four centers in the U.S. to offer such a high quality of support to families experiencing housing crises.

The Family Center quickly assesses and refers families to appropriate next-step housing and supportive services enabling families to obtain housing and leave the emergency shelter as soon as possible. Serving as the front door also requires YWCA to build collaborative relationships and networks of community support, by which families can receive the support they need to sustain housing.

The Family Center houses over 50 families each night, and also provides meals, assistance with finding permanent housing, and job placement services.