Stand with US. Stand with THEM.

Earlier this week, the reckless actions of our Federal Government placed the lives of our community at risk with a freeze on funding to organizations across the country, including those perceived to not live up to Presidential executive orders which oppose DEI, “woke gender ideology” and the green new deal. 

At YWCA Metropolitan Chicago we rely on federal funding to fuel our programs, so we rallied with others to oppose these risky, harmful actions.  We fought back on behalf of the individuals and families who need our services:  

• Parents who spiraled into panic contemplating the risk of not having childcare

• Childcare operators concerned they wouldn’t make payroll, discussed the possibility of closing their doors

• Job seekers whose newly built confidence was crushed by the thought of remaining unemployed

• Survivors of gender-based violence, who wondered if someone would be there to answer the call  

Our community experienced a momentary nightmare.   

Today we find comfort that the Federal Government has rescinded the funding freeze alongside a federal judge blocking their actions. Make no mistake, nonprofit organizations across the country like YWCA Metropolitan Chicago are under intense scrutiny and we anticipate more moments when we need to be ready to resist and keep up the fight. I am writing to ask for your help today. 

Over half of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s annual budget comes from federal sources. These funds fuel the YWCA’s programs to build a safer, more economically vibrant Chicago region that we all benefit from in our daily lives.  

This isn’t partisan, this is about people and basic human needs. YWCA Chicago will always be a bridge to anyone who needs help. This is what caring for our neighbors looks like.  

HELP US RESIST. WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY: 

• Make a gift to YWCA Metropolitan Chicago today. We must prepare for the real possibility of significant cuts, so we must prepare to resist future attacks on our funding. Your support today, along with the support of hundreds of others across the YWCA donor community, can ensure we will continue be here holding steadfast in our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

• Contact your Senators and Representative in Congress. The Capitol Hill switchboard is (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you with the House or Senate office you request. If you don’t know your representative, you can find out here. Don’t know what to say? Here is some suggested language.  

Will you stand with us? We need your help to ensure we can continue to provide high-quality services and programs to more than 100,000 people each year. 

Warm regards,