Glendale YWCA gets a helping hand

YWCA of Glendale will be making much-needed renovations at its local shelter for abused women thanks to a pair of donations.

Soroptimist Glendale presented a $10,000 check to the local community center this month, while Community Foundation of the Verdugos made a recent $8,000 contribution.

The $18,000 will go toward to the YWCA-managed Sunrise Village, a 45-day emergency shelter that provides housing, meals, counseling and social services to victims of domestic violence and their children.

Work is expected to begin on rehabbing a bathroom and kitchen in the next few months, said Michelle Roberts, executive director of the local YWCA.

Some of the money will also help pay for new furniture in the shelter.

“Our bedroom furniture is old hand-me-downs … [the grant] allows us to buy some sturdier beds and bunks designed for shelter environments. They get wear and tear 365 days a year,” Roberts said.

And by 365 days a year, she means that the shelter’s 10 beds are almost always at capacity. About 120 adults and children stay at Sunrise Village every year, Roberts said.

She said she appreciated the donations from both groups. Both of their donations will be the first step toward an expansion to accommodate more families.

Soroptimist Glendale is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in the community and was initially provided the grant money by USC Verdugo Hills Hospital to donate as its members saw fit.

For years, YWCA’s shelter has been doing important work in Glendale, said Councilwoman Paula Devine, who is a past president of the local Soroptimist chapter.

“Their help is invaluable in this community for women that are in dire situations … We’re elated we can help a community resource like the YWCA,” Devine said.