Domestic violence is a growing issue across the country, and this region is no exception.

Let's head out on location and see how the groundbreaking work at the YWCA is reshaping the way we think about dignity and safety for those women and familie in domestic violence situations.

Let's meet CEO Lisa McDuffie.

Lisa, welcome to Business Live.

Lisa McDuffy: Thank you so much for having me, Kristi.

Kristi: So great to be here i the domestic violence shelter.

Much just happening.

We have a construction site today.

We also have so many things happening with the programs and services.

So tell us more about what this YWCA does for the community, for the region and beyond in terms of programing an some of the operational pieces?

Lisa McDuffy: Absolutely.

It's my pleasure.

So the YWCA has actually been in this community for 154 years, if you can believe that.

I mean, we are so proud.

And really, our rich legacy of every single thing we do, our mission is to work toward the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women.

The YWCA is the largest and the oldest provider of domestic violence services, not only in this region, but also in our country.

It is very, very, important for individuals to know that we really are experts said what we do here, and we know that, making sur that women and families are safe from all types of violence in particular, intimate partner violenc is really where we hone in on.

So it's really important for us to make sure that one, our services are available for any and all that are in need.

It is true that we operate in emergency domestic violence shelter, but in addition to that, we have a crisis lin where individuals can call us.

We can help them with the safety plan if they choose not to come in to shelter.

Or at some point, maybe the shelter is not for them right now.

You know, we let them make that choice, but providing them with the right resources is really what's important.

Kristi: So tell us about some of the other programs that the YWCA offers in addition to rape crisis and domestic violence.

Lisa McDuffy: Absolutely.

So we do a variety of other programs.

We have a youth development program that really serves as the health education component in Toledo Public Schools.

And it's all under the umbrella of teen pregnancy prevention.

That allows us to really help young folks understand the importance of conflict resolution, communication skills, identifying a trusted adult that they can go to at any times.

But most importantly, you know this whole notion of, you know, we're growing up, what is social responsibility look like?

So there are service learning opportunities.

And, you know, even helping young folks decide if college is their path or trade.

That's our youth development program.

Kristi: A wonderful programs for young men.

Lisa McDuffy: Absolutely.

And for young men, they can be a part of that development program.

But in addition to that, there is a separate program called Mend.

And it's all about helping young men understand the importance of healthy relationships.

We have childcare resource and referral.

We have a breast cancer education program.

We provide long term, housing.

So we have a permanent supportive housing program for formerly homeless women.

These women, you know are able to live with us forever if they choose to.

65.

Studi one and two bedroom apartments.

And then last but not least, in addition to that, we operate a racial justice department.

And it really is all about making sure everyone understand the importance of race, equity and what we can do to really level the playing field all the way across.

Kristi: Something that we've talked a bit about today is the $18 million capital campaign, and the construction that is happening in the building in which we stand.

Tell us about how the project is impacting our region and will be going forward.

And, well, I look at the project and I think, wow, that is incredible and wonderful.

I also think the need is so great that the YWCA needs all thes new rooms in this extra space, because the need for domestic violence is going up.

Tell us about that.

Lisa McDuffy: I first want to acknowledge our donors and the fact that we wouldn't be in the midst of renovation if it wasn't for them.

It will allow us to more than double the rooms we have currently i our domestic violence shelter.

It will, give us a training room so that we can bring our daycare, providers in to, you know, have the state of the art, lecture and education right here on our premises.

It's going to give us a computer room to help the children that live in this facility.

You know, not only hon in on their skills, but also do homework or you know, even build a resume, if that's the case.

Lending library, lots of other really important space that, quite frankly, currently, our footprint does not allow us to have, we're goin to have a children's play area so that they can exercise those large and small motor motor skills.

It gives us a better opportunity to provide a better service to individuals that come to us regardless of for what reason.

Kristi: Now, so many programs.

How are these programs funded?

What is the the nature of your funding?

Lisa McDuffy: Yeah.

So as a 501 C3, mor than the majority of our funds come from grants.

And our grants may be federal, state, some local.

We are very, very fortunate and that we are pretty successful in securing funds from these grants.

But the fact of the matter is, the secret that's out is most nonprofits need really unrestricted funds to really help their organization, manage the operations.

And behold, we are alway looking for donations to help us pay 100% for all the programs and services that we need to provide.

Kristi: Thank you for offering everyone in this community the safe space.

The YWCA is doing amazing things.

We appreciate you being here and Business life 360.

Lisa McDuffy: Lisa, thank you so much, Christy, for having.

Kristi: Me.

Well, let's go take a look at the former 11ft deep pool and see what that space looks like now.

Love to you.

Okay.

Let's go.

Lisa.

We are here now on th construction site, and I'm here with Brant Gray, who is leading the construction team with Program Solutions.

And Brant, we recognize this poo at least what used to be a pool.

Tell us more about what is happening here at the YWCA and how much has occurre with this 11ft pool at one time?

Brent Gray: Yeah, sure.

So it's obviously it looks like a bunch of stone at this point in time.

There's a 1200 ton of stone went in to fill this pool up.

So the basement level is what we're looking at here.

Brent Gray: This would be administrative space.

The first floor will be administrative space as well.

Kristi: Got it.

Okay.

And then upstairs will have more rooms for the domestic violenc families.

Brent Gray: Correct.

Which was the old gym.

And that is being built.

Out right now as we speak.

Kristi: I sa also talk about the third floor.

Brent Gray: The third floor will house more rooms for victims, as well as the second floor.

So it'll be basement floor, first floor, administrative secon and third floor will be victim.

Kristi: Shelter when all is said and done.

Brant, what will this look like?

Brent Gray: Drywall finishes ceiling grids so you won't se the structural steel here that.

We have now.

Floor coverings, but.

It'll be beautiful.

It'll be quite an asset for the community.

Kristi: 100%.

Thanks so much, Brant.

You're welcome.