Our Response to COVID-19
As the situation around COVID-19 develops, we are continually evaluating our procedures and practices to ensure the safety of our staff, residents, and community members. Despite these difficult times, we remain steadfast in our dedication to advancing the well-being of Utah women and their families through safety, opportunity, and advocacy.
SAFETY
We are committed to serving those in our shelter and housing, which last night served close to 200 women and children. We are practicing social distancing, offering “to go” food services for all residents from our café, and adapting our residential children’s programs to safely serve children who are not currently in school.We know that during times of crisis and uncertainty, those experiencing domestic violence may experience increased violence, isolation, and fear. Individuals in need of services are encouraged to utilize our 24-Hour Crisis Line at 801-537-8600 or toll-free at 1-855-992-2752. Walk-in services are still available through the Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center from Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM.Current SLAFJC clients are encouraged to call our main office line – 801-236-3370 – and we will get them connected to a guide and services as quickly as possible.
OPPORTUNITY
Beginning Monday, March 23rd, the Lolie Eccles Early Education Center will be closed for two weeks to ensure the safety of the children and families who utilize our services. We will reevaluate our strategy as we near the end of this two-week period, and will carefully monitor the situation and child care licensing guidelines.Following Center for Disease Control guidelines, YWCA Utah is reformatting, canceling, or postponing all in-person public events for the next eight weeks (until mid-May).The Southern Utah Real Women Run event has been rescheduled to the fall, date TBD. We are currently exploring options to offer our May 2nd Spring Candidate Training virtually. Additionally, we are looking into remote sessions for YWEmpowered for the month of April.
ADVOCACY
The YWCA will be live streaming our Legislative Recap Breakfast through Facebook Live on March 31st at 8 AM, in order to still convey crucial information while maintaining the safety and well-being of our community members. Stay tuned for details, and follow us on Facebook!
THANK YOU
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our YWCA staff. As a 24/7 operation, we cannot simply send everyone home during this crisis. Our shelter advocates, kitchen staff, children's programs, operations, maintenance and more are all crucial to ensure that our participants and residents stay safe. We are working hard to keep people as safe as possible, and we couldn't do it without them and you!