The YWCA introduced their new CEO Erica Baerwald Thursday who says she is excited about being phase-3 of the Hope Lives Here Capital Campaign.

She says Phase 1 was the transitional housing unit which has been open for a year and has experienced great success while Phase 2 was internal infrastructure pieces.

Phase-3 of the campaign will include the infill of their pool space which allows them to bring some of their employment and learning programming in-house.

The Hope Lives Here capital campaign was launched in 2022 to raise 19 million dollars for the YWCA.

She said recently she got to attend their Women Trade Journey Program graduation which Baerwald describes as inspirational to watch 19 women graduate from the program and find employment in the trades.

Baerwald says the women’s children and mothers are their celebrate with them as they looking forward to their future in a new way. She notes these women are constantly overcoming barriers such as finding childcare to be on the job site for the practicum portion of the training.

Baerwald also invites people to come down and enjoy some fresh baking in their cafe downstairs at the YWCA as they work on coming up with a new name for the cafe.
.