YWCA Central Alabama
Delivers Critical Services During COVID-19 Pandemic
YWCA Central Alabama is serving on the frontline of this public health crisis and will help vulnerable families, women, and children pick up the pieces when it concludes.
The YW endeavors to strengthen communities in Jefferson, St. Clair, and Blount counties by providing shelter, housing, food, child care, youth programming, advocacy, and domestic violence services.
While YWCA adheres to COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, we’re also finding creative ways to continue crucial services and prepare for life after the coronavirus pandemic. We hope you’ll help us provide shelter, dignity, hope, and a strong foundation as we help those we serve to find the strength to rebuild their lives.
Here is how you can help:
DONATE: NATIONAL YWCA EMERGENCY FUND
“While we are all focused on our mission, we also take an active role in doing our part to eliminate the spread of COVID-19. We telework. We are social distancing. We continue to follow crucial guidelines from our CDC and health officials in hopes of bringing an end to this pandemic.”
– YWCA Central Alabama alert to staff
COVID-19 YWCA Central Alabama response:
YWCA Central Alabama has taken proactive steps to protect our clients, staff, and community. Based on CDC and other health officials’ preventive measures and social distancing recommendations, it is with heavy hearts that we suspend the following activities effective March 16, 2020, until further notice (allowing staff to work remotely): Outreach, volunteers, meetings, events, My Sister’s Closet, Family Resource Center, Child Development Center, and Supervised Visitation and Exchange.
Staff is still available via email and telephone. For general inquiries, email ywcacommunications@ywcabham.org. For additional updates, please follow @YWCACentralAL on social media.
YWCA Central Alabama’s critical domestic violence shelters in Jefferson and St. Clair counties and 24-hour Crisis Line will continue with normal access. If you need help or have questions about domestic violence, please call (205) 322-4878 (HURT). Please take care of yourselves and each other.
General Info About YWCA Services
Even during a pandemic, YWCA Central Alabama continues to advance our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
- YWCA Central Alabama shelters and housing remain operational with essential personnel.
- The YW’s 24-hour Crisis Line, (205) 322-4878 (HURT), is available 24/7.
- The majority of the staff is working remotely, so calls made to (205) 322-9922 are automatically re-routed to the appropriate departments.
- The YW offers remote advocacy, counseling, and family law services for Blount, Jefferson, and St. Clair counties. In addition, domestic violence survivors who need referrals, resources, and/or assistance with filing a protection from abuse (PFA) petition in Jefferson County may call a YWCA advocate (8 a.m.-5 p.m., M-F) at (205) 600-9068.
- Access to all YWCA Central Alabama facilities is restricted to only essential personnel and functions. The situation is being monitored, so the official date of return to normal operations will be announced accordingly.
- Please refer any questions to ywcacommunications@ywcabham.org.
In-person, In-kind Donations & Volunteerism:
Out of an abundance of caution, access to YWCA Central Alabama facilities is temporarily limited for anyone who does not have to be onsite. Safety measures include encouraging online ordering of wish list items with direct delivery to YWCA Central Alabama (Attn: In-kind Donations) when possible. For information about volunteering, visit our volunteer engagement page. Refer questions to (205) 322.9922 or ywcacommunications@ywcabham.org.
Upcoming Events:
- Domestic Violence 101 Training Goes Virtual – Join us online for our Dynamics of Domestic Violence training. This training session addresses how transformation becomes possible when individuals, families, and communities have access to both knowledge and tools. Join the conversation, raise community awareness, and learn the many signs of domestic violence. Contact Community Education and Advocacy Coordinator Knetta Adkins, M.S. at kadkins@ywcabham.org.
- Volunteer Training Goes Virtual – Join us online for our monthly “Let’s Get Acquainted” Volunteer Orientation. To become a YWCA volunteer, we invite you to get to know us better through our YW at a Glance orientation, which is a required step that allows us to briefly share our mission and programs and complete necessary paperwork for available opportunities. View upcoming opportunities for volunteers and sponsors. This training is held monthly on the first Tuesday. Contact Volunteer Manager Valerie Johnson at vjohnson@ywcabham.org.
- AmeriCorps Recruitment is in Full Swing –YWCA Central Alabama’s AmeriCorps program has kicked off its recruitment season and seeks more than 32 people, from young to senior adults, who want to spend the 2020-2021 year generously improving the lives of others. Those interested in serving may visit here to apply or find out more. Contact Senior Director of AmeriCorps Angela Abdur-Rasheed at americorps@ywcabham.org.
- CREW Camp for Teens – While the YW continues to monitor public health advisories related to COVID-19, its Family Resource Center (FRC) has begun accepting applications for this year’s CREW Internship. Follow us on social media (#YWCACrew2020) to stay informed. Click here for the CREW Internship job titles/descriptions. Learn more about CREW 2020.
- Anytown Alabama 2020 – Due to the uncertainty about the continued trajectory of the virus, the YW has had to make some very difficult decisions. After much deliberation and consideration, we have canceled Anytown Alabama 2020. We could not, in good conscience, ask our staff and camp leaders to move forward with the camp at a time when schools and many other events are canceled. This is the right decision to make at this time. Details about the 2021 camp will be posted soon.
YWCA USA’s COVID-19 Statements
- YWCA statements on COVID-19
- YWCA USA applauds passage of CARES Act, urges additional support for nonprofits
YWCA Central Alabama in the News
- Domestic violence during a pandemic and shelter in place – AL.com
- YWCA USA establishes fund to support local associations – WVTM13
- Domestic violence rises amid coronavirus outbreak – WVTM13
- YWCA’s Purse and Passion is going to be virtual – Birmingham Business Journal
- As crisis calls increase, domestic violence shelters – WBRC
Information from YWCA USA
- Organize Your Butterflies Podcast – As the country navigates the best management of novel Coronavirus, Alejandra Castillo, CEO of YWCA USA, chats with Dr. Meg Doherty.
- NowThis Facebook – How to Support Domestic Violence Survivors During COVID-19
COVID-19 Resources
General Information
- Alabama COVID-19 Public Health Dashboard
- YWCA USA Resources List
- COVID-19 Resources – Office of the Governor of Alabama
- Alabama and other states’ public policy resources
- Jefferson County Department of Health’s COVID-19 Response Website
- July 15 is New Tax Filing Deadline
- ALTogether.org, Official Guide to COVID-19 Relief Efforts in Alabama
- City of Birmingham Mask Requirement
- Beware of Scams
- Beware of Stimulus Check Scams
- COVID-19 Resources for Patients
- Alabama Department of Labor – Unemployment
- Free Wi-Fi For 60 Days
- 9 Tips to Be Productive When Working at Home
- Made in Alabama: Information and Resources for Businesses
- I’m Worried about My Income and Food
- Magic City Acceptance Center’s Coping During COVID-19 Self-care Virtual Workshop
- What You Need to Know about COVID-19
- Travel Guidance
- Hand Hygiene
- Handwashing
- Guide to Coping During Social Distancing
Kids & Families
- Check the picnic tables at 1135 14th Ave. South for FREE sack lunches, 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at One Place Metro Family Justice Center
- No Sew Masks
- Sew Masks
- The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Mask giveaway (adult and child sizes)
- Pick Up Free Meals During the Short-Term School Closure
- Sample Daily Schedule
- Magical Moments Daily Live Storytime
- Library Livestreams
- Sing Along At Home with Emily Arrow
- James Spann Meteorology for Kids
- LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems
- ABCmouse.com (access code: SCHOOL1208)
- ReadingIQ.com (access code: SCHOOL1208)
- Adventureacademy.com (access code: SCHOOL1208)
- BornReady.org Parent Resources
- Scholastic Learn at Home
- PBSkids.org
- Storylineonline.net
- Lakeshore Learning Free Resources
- Today.com’s List of Virtual Field Trips
- Virtual field trips
- 150 Enrichment ideas
- 275+ Enrichment Activities for Children While Parents are Working Remotely
YWCA Central Alabama will continue to update
this page as new information becomes available.
For more information on COVID-19 and how you can keep you and your loved ones safe, please refer to the World Health Organization and/or the Centers for Disease Control. Please note that YWCA does not recommend or endorse any particular source, and references above are meant as suggestions.
Please support YWCA Central Alabama by donating online or texting YWCA to 41411. You may also choose to support the YWCA USA COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Community Resiliency Fund.
