Ms. Alizza Punzalan-Randle, CEO
420 West Clinch Avenue, SW
Knoxville, TN 37902‑2198
865-523‑6126
https://www.ywcaknox.com/
Educating Youth – $183,750
The YWCA’s Educating Youth Program (EYP) provides high-quality, evidence supported, out-of-school time programs for free or on a sliding scale (SKIPP only). Provided at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Community Center (PWC) in East Knoxville, EYP relies on mutually respectful relationships with high-risk, minority (97%) students and families to encourage improvement and ensure positive outcomes. Focused on addressing the root causes of academic and behavioral problems, EYP offers both short- and long-term solutions through creative, recreation-based methods.
Freedom Inside – $30,000
YWCA’s Freedom Inside (FI) address the needs of incarcerated women who have experienced domestic violence. Using evidence-based models, FI works with women in the Knox County Detention Facility to provide pre-release mental health treatment, support groups, and release planning and upon their exit, clients receive help with their transition, including ongoing case management and therapy, coordination of care, and tangible benefits like housing assistance and employment training. As a result, clients seek safety and stability and are significantly less likely to be rearrested compared to the regional recidivism average.
Health & Fitness Club W – $20,000
YWCA’s unique health and fitness program, Club W, meets high-risk, low-income clients where they are and provides holistic, easy-to-access health, fitness, and nutrition programming. Club W’s focus on individuals who lack the opportunity and self-esteem to access traditional fitness programming is evidence-based and tailored to meet the individualized needs of clients. Grounded in research about health disparities in socioeconomically challenged populations, Club W aims to create healthier individuals, connect clients to resources to meet their health needs, and empower pregnant women to make informed decisions their maternal health.
Keys of Hope Women’s Housing – $75,000
YWCA’s Keys of Hope Women’s Program (KOH) provides at-risk women with an affordable, safe, supportive, focused environment necessary as they seek to overcome life-long problems and obstacles. KOH promotes financial stability and independence among women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness through transitional housing and comprehensive services. The only program of its kind in East Tennessee, KOH houses 58 women at a time for a weekly fee of $60 for up to 24 months.
Reach Program – $40,000
The YWCA’s Reach Program will offer structured, incentivized internships to high-risk youth, aged 15-18, in East Knoxville at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Community Center (PWC). Created as a response to youth-expressed needs and supported by evidence, Reach will offer academic assistance and accountability, marketable job skills and experience, and soft skills (conflict management, professionalism, financial literacy). As a result, youth at risk of academic failure, drop out, community violence, gang affiliation, and trauma will be equipped with essential skills needed to navigate employment and seek independence.
Reducing Chronic Absenteeism – $36,000
The YWCA’s Chronic Absenteeism Reduction Program (ReCAb) will provide high-quality, effective, evidence-supported, and targeted case management for students with significant absenteeism at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Community Center (PWC). Through creative and strategic methods (solution- focused and peer-led), ReCAb will provide individualized assistance and Knoxville’s most vulnerable students using evidence-supported practices and strong individual and community relationships. Mentorship to students struggling with the underlying circumstances of their chronic absenteeism. Focused on the promotion of academic achievement and long-term goal setting, ReCAb will effectively reduce absenteeism among Knoxville’s most vulnerable students using evidence-supported practices and strong individual and community relationships.
Supporting Youth Experiencing Trauma – $24,000
YWCA’s Supporting Youth Experiencing Trauma (SYET) provides essential community-based trauma care for youth ages 9-15. Using a validated trauma screening tool and an evidence-based, best practice curriculum, YWCA and partner organization youth who are screened in can participate in SYET’s 10-week program at no cost and youth whose trauma needs exceed the program’s capabilities are referred to appropriate mental health care and assisted to ensure effective treatment for every child screened. Youth who complete the program have fewer trauma-related symptoms and have overcome traumatic experiences to more effectively negotiate difficulties.
Victim Advocacy Program – $60,000
YWCA’s Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) uses evidence-based approaches to advocate for victims of domestic violence, promote victim-friendly practices among helping professionals, educate the community about domestic violence dynamics and prevention strategies, and practice successful primary prevention techniques. VAP focuses on victim needs and safety through planning, court and community advocacy, referral services, psychoeducation, and a spectrum of programs that any victim in need can access. VAP’s community education and prevention strategies are focused on individuals who work collaterally with victims, community members who need resources, and men and boys.
“We’re a free, confidential service. I think that’s something that’s just amazing about our program. The victim’s biggest thing is safety – that’s what they’re searching for, and that’s what we provide.”
Catherine Jones, Domestic Violence Victims Advocate