Women Helping Women

YW Housing is a private, non-profit agency, which provides permanent and transitional housing linked to necessary community services for homeless or would be homeless women, and women with children in Clark County.  Women Helping Women, soon to be renamed Second Step, is a vital MENTOR support program of YW Housing and strengthens our goal to empower women and their families as they complete life planning objectives that move them closer to self sufficiency. 

GOAL/MISSION:
To ”match” an adult woman, community friend/mentor with an individual resident of the YW Housing transitional program. To provide supportive nurturing role modeling for a women who is in transition and is eager to identify and develop her skills, talents and potential. To become a team member with a unique agency/partnerships that supports this woman’s recovery, her efforts to reunite with her children, and creatively meet the challenges of multiple system demands in her goal to become a contributing self sufficient community member.

WHO IS MENTORED?
YW Housing residents or alumni…adult women age 18–60; women live in YW Housing supported transitional housing for up to two years and receive case management from YW Housing professional staff…our women often have histories of drug/alcohol addiction, treatment and are in recovery; may also have mental health difficulties and/or have been victims of family violence; some may not have children but most are usually the primary caretakers for several dependent children; many may be or have been entangled in the criminal justice system; all are employed or in an academic program to upgrade their employment skills; and are voluntarily requesting a MENTOR to walk along side them throughout this transition period.

WHO CAN MENTOR?
We are seeking adult women to women mentors (minimum age 25) to be part of a team approach that supports our women residents in their efforts that promote healthful personal growth and economic self sufficiency.  We are looking for everyday women who have the time (1 year) and commitment to engage, encourage, guide and ” cheer on” women and children who are often stereotyped, labeled and forgotten within our communities.  We are looking for women who are flexible, patient and tolerant, who are self directed as well as able to be assisted by YW Housing staff and services.  We are looking for women who are familiar with challenge and change.  We are looking for women who are interested in helping other women and their families get a little closer to their dreams. 

TRAINING:
Potential mentors can also take advantage of excellent targeted ” issues” family violence/resources and diversity training opportunities offered by staff through our YWCA partner quarterly volunteer training.

TIME COMMITMENT REQUIRED:
One year commitment and ability to have some type of meaningful, weekly contact, with at least two in person meetings per month.  Ability and interest in attending monthly ”mentor support” /feedback group meetings.

CURRENT WAITING LIST:
Changeable…no real waiting list at this time; We currently have 51 women, many of whom also have children living with or visiting them, in YW Housing residences or in our permanent housing program.

LOCATION:
Second Step
c/o YW Housing
3609 Main Street,
Vancouver, WA 98663

CONTACT:
Martha Brett, Mentor Coordinator
(360) 798-5415
mbrett@ywcaclarkcounty.org
YW Housing
3609 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98663