The YWCA Women's Live And Learn Center Approved By City Council

San Antonio TX

20 March, 2022

2:24 PM

Description

Press release from the City of San Antonio: March 18, 2022 CONTACT: Amador Salazar [email protected] SAN ANTONIO (March 18, 2022) — Yesterday, City Council unanimously approved the YWCA Women's Live and Learn Center in District 5. This project is primarily for young women aged 17-25 who are domestic violence survivors and/or exiting out of foster care with an opportunity to gain vital, lifechanging skills while receiving the workforce development training that they need to get ahead in San Antonio. Some of the wrap around services will include on-site childcare, job training, access to food, financial literacy, and preventive mental health services. Councilwoman Teri Castillo stated the following regarding the project, "Today we approved a rezoning that is in line with the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan, the City's Domestic Violence Plan, and a plan that expands the YWCA's commitment to empowering young women on the West Side of San Antonio. The YWCA Women's Live and Learn Campus is a monumental first step toward bringing women and their children out of the shadows of an abusive home or a failing foster care system and empowering them." Throughout the process District 5 engaged in a robust outreach process which consisted of the Councilwoman and District 5 staff members block walking the surrounding neighborhood multiple times while facilitating and participating in ten community meetings. "I want to thank District 5 residents who provided input, the YWCA for sharing their vision, and City staff who diligently provided guidance and answered questions for everyone throughout the process. San Antonio is serious about ending domestic violence and houselessness, and this project proves it." The multiple community meetings created space for dialogue that improved the overall scope of the project. Additionally, there is a letter of intent that provides an opportunity for the Westwood and Los Jardines neighborhoods to continue community input and dialogue through a YWCA Community Advisory Committee. The committee would provide oversight as the plan progresses forward through the three phases of development. Members of the committee would provide input on design, which home builders to work with, identify partners for career training, and more. YWCA CEO Francesca Rattray added, "Today, YWCA had the opportunity to be a voice for the many women who will be served by the Women's Live and Learn Center. We look forward to working with City Councilwoman Castillo to create opportunities for young women on the West Side." This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author's own.