Since 1906, the YWCA Cass Clay has provided women and children in the community with educational and leadership opportunities, support and encouragement, as well as safe and affordable housing. The YWCA strives to empower women and children socially, economically, politically, spiritually, and physically through comprehensive programs and supportive services.
Racial Justice
The vision of the Racial Justice program is to expand racial understanding among members of different races, with the ultimate goal of elminating barriers that foster racism. The program seeks to bring anti-racism and diversity training into the community - from elementary, high school, and college classrooms to local businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches, and hospitals.
Emergency Shelter
The YWCA Emergency Shelter is a secure facility, staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer safe, temporary shelter for women and children facing homelessness. Basic necessities such as food, clothing, hygeine products, and transportation assistance are provided as well as comprehensive case management to assist residents in becoming independent.
Shelter Children’s Services (SCS)
Located within the shelter, SCS provides a safe and developmentally appropriate environment for children of program participants, along with support and education for the entire family. SCS offers licensed on-site child care, tutoring, school transportation, school supplies, school liaison assistance, parent education, clothing, food, diapers and special activities for children. The YWCA continues to partner with the Fargo Public Schools; the Study Buddies Coordinator serves as the Homeless Student Resource Coordinator for children in the district.
Education and Employment (E&E)
The E&E program offers comprehensive employment and educational readiness training to assist unemployed and underemployed women. Support services include job counseling, advocacy and referrals, career clothing, personal care items, resume writing, college tours and supportive assistance for special needs.
Shelter Faith Community Nurse (SFCN)
The SFCN provides health related resources on-site and addresses clients’ immediate health concerns. The SFCN offers case management, advocacy, and education to residents on health issues such as disease prevention and early detection.
Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing
The Transitional Housing (TH) and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs provide secure, affordable housing and help participants develop the skills needed to achieve independence. Support services include case management, financial assistance with rent and utilities, transportation and childcare. Women and their children may participate in the TH program for up to two years, and in the PSH program for as long as they need the additional support.
Other Emergency Assistance
Food, clothing and personal supplies (diapers, shampoo, soap, feminine products, bedding, and school supplies) are given to community members not needing housing services, but seeking assistance. The YWCA is able to provide these families with basic supplies to help them make ends meet and remain in their own home.
A Child’s World
A Child’s World (ACW), one of ten nationally accredited child care centers in North Dakota, provides high quality childcare for children in an environment that supports all families, regardless of their income, diversity or family structure. ACW believes in the importance of early childhood development. The children enrolled are taught lesson plans that are part of the anti-bias curriculum using developmentally appropriate teaching techniques.
The mission of A Child’s World is to prepare children to make their mark on the world.
