YWCA Clinton

YWCA Clinton's mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA Clinton has been a part of the Clinton community for 110 years. Our various programs and services include fitness and aquatics programs featuring Clinton's only indoor pool and classes tailored to all ages and abilities, our Children's Center, the largest childcare provider in Clinton, the Empowerment Center, the leading homelessness provider for Clinton and Jackson Counties, and 50+ senior programs. Annually, we host the Clinton Half Marathon, Coldest Night of the Year, and Woman of Achievement Awards.

With your generous contributions, we will ensure that families can access safe and reliable childcare. Additionally, we aim to bolster our homelessness prevention programs, providing vital resources and support to individuals and families experiencing or on the brink of homelessness.

A donation to YWCA Clinton this Great Give Day helps to sustain our organization so that we can continue to serve our community for 110 more years!

Testimonials

"A family with an infant came to us looking for childcare in 2023. Last year, we discovered the child was having seizures. While in childcare, we noticed an increase in her seizure activity. Observing her behavior, the staff can identify when an episode begins and provide appropriate care. Staff can track the frequency and duration of each episode to create documentation that the medical team uses to treat her condition. With the parents' permission, the YWCA worked with the child's medical team to report data and create a seizure action plan. This plan also serves as a roadmap for the family at home. We discovered the child was often refusing medication at home and would come to daycare unmedicated.

Several YWCA staff members are trained in medication administration and assist the parents with giving the child her medication at school if they need to. Due to the large amount of data recorded by the staff and the use of security cameras, we have provided the family and medical team with accurate information to assist with treatment. YWCA staff met with the VNA Childcare Nurses to receive additional seizure training. We are happy to report that the child takes her medications consistently, and episodes have decreased. She is now more comfortable in the classroom and is excited to actively participate in the day's fun activities." -YWCA Children's Center

"We have a child named “Max” who has been with us since shortly after first birth. As an infant, he was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, which resulted in serious issues with his heart. He underwent major heart surgery and later needed a feeding tube. Once Max was released from the hospital, we worked with the parents and doctors in Iowa City to obtain the proper documents and procedures to ensure he could safely attend childcare. Max comes from a single-parent home and his mother needs to know he is in a childcare facility that can care for his specific needs and be an active partner in alerting her to any healthcare issues as they arise.   Over the years, Max has had more surgeries and hospitalizations. This child attends our after-school program as well as our extended care program. Getting Max proper nutrition and communicating with his mom about his health and behaviors are essential. We also work with his visiting nurse to further identify any health-related concerns. They have been able to spend time with him to ensure that he is getting his homework completed." -YWCA Children's Youth Program

"Crystal Herman experienced a transformative moment when she was baptized at a local church, symbolizing her journey away from a troubled past marked by struggles with mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. Her troubles began two decades ago with drug misuse, which led to periods of sobriety followed by relapses. She had intended to live with her sister but was unable to due to a background check that left her experiencing homelessness firsthand. She found herself at the Victory Center Ministries' women's shelter, but her struggle with mental health complicated matters further. She found stability through medical intervention, support from the shelter, and newfound faith nurtured by her time there. Herman's story underscores the importance of having access to safe and secure shelter, along with guidance and support from those looking to help.

Crystal was just housed in our Permanent Supportive Housing Program and has achieved so much already! Her experience of homelessness has transformed her. Crystal is a beautiful, courageous, and encouraging woman. Since entering our program, she has received two promotions at her job. She got her driver's license and bought her own car; she attends church every Sunday and believes her personal faith journey will help her stay clean and sober. Crystal is truly an amazing woman who has proven that with determination, anything is possible." -YWCA Empowerment Center