By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

YWCA accepts first donation of 2017, aiming to bounce back from a tough year

Jan 12, 2017 | 4:33 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The Lethbridge and District YWCA had to lean on limited donations through the past year, but is determined to “make things work” in 2017.
 
The first donation of the new year came Thursday (Jan. 12) afternoon from the annual Lottie and Katherine Austin “Advent Tea”. The 19-year fundraiser has collected over $16,000 for the YWCA to-date, $1,205 this past year alone.
 
CEO, Jennifer Lepko, says the funds from the Austins are primarily used to teach women budgeting and economic development skills, but may also be allotted to other areas of the organization as deemed necessary.
 
“[It just shows] that continued support in what we do, what we stand for, our mission, vision and values… I think that shows huge community engagement and it really is meaningful for us and our clients,” Lepko said.
 
In 2016, Lepko noted that client numbers across all programs nearly tripled due to what she believes was economic stress in the current downturn.
 
A trend of more violent cases of domestic abuse meant that 1,900 women and children also had to be turned away from the Harbour House, since there were no vacant beds. Lepko thinks that number will expand to over 3,000 in 2017.
 
“Generally speaking, our donations are down. We’re not seeing the same funding coming that we have seen in the past,” Lepko continued.
 
“However, we are seeing a number of people step up that haven’t stepped up before, so it’s helping us maintain… But we’re going to make it work. We’re going to provide the services regardless.”
 
She added that she hopes a facility expansion will be possible in the near future, and the YWCA may be looking to start a capital campaign soon.