YWCA's new CEO continues core programs

 

After 22 years of working with the U.S. State Department and seeing the world, Janine Wynne recently settled in Spokane as CEO of YWCA Spokane to support survivors of domestic violence and to empower women and girls.

Since starting on Nov. 3, Janine has had two months to shadow her predecessor, Jeanette Hauck, who is retiring after 14 years.

Janine has been impressed with the network of people who bring to life the YWCA  Spokane programs including its board of directors, staff, volunteers and partners to meet the needs of vulnerable people in the community.

"How the YWCA supports domestic violence victims, works to eliminate racism and empowers women resonates with me as a mother. I want to help each woman realize her potential in all areas of life," Janine said.

"We use a trauma-informed model to support survivors of domestic violence, providing pathways to safety, stabilization and healing. We also help families and children experiencing poverty and trauma access early childhood education and build the economic and life skills needed for long-term stability," she said.

She sees that YWCA Spokane, which serves 14,000 people each year, is a trusted place for domestic violence survivors to come in the door, have their immediate needs addressed and access programs and services to help them thrive.

"The needs in the community are increasing. We are on track to receive more calls this year on our domestic violence helpline than we did last year because the economic outlook is more uncertain. This creates pressure on us to respond to survivors," Janine said.

"As funding across the nonprofits faces challenges and as public funds are more constrained, there is more pressure on nonprofits. The nonprofits cannot fill the gap in public funding," she explained.

Janine also will engage "the dedicated network of people" who support domestic violence survivors and other vulnerable people in the community.

YWCA Spokane now has a staff about 83 people, plus volunteers from the community helping in programs like Our Sister's Closet to assist women needing clothing for job interviews or because they fled their homes and left their belongings.

Volunteers make sure donated clothing is appropriate and schedule appointments to help women find the clothing they need.

"We also have a 24-hour help line and a confidential safe shelter with 20 beds. When it's full, we rely on hotels as a temporary option," she said.

As services shift, Janine said the need for shelter beds has increased with shelters for single women closing.

Our Sister's Closet is part of the Women's Opportunity Center that offers support groups and classes to help domestic violence victims connect with each other. YWCA advocates also offer classes to improve women's economic empowerment. One is called "The Road to Renting."

Janine said YWCA Spokane operates Early Childhood Education Assistance programs that provide free preschool, health and support for families facing economic insecurity.

"Early intervention prepares kids for kindergarten," she said.

Since coming, Janine has met with staff providing direct client services, learning how they try to understand the needs of those seeking help," she said. "We then guide survivors to access a range of resources. As systems are overwhelmed and needs continue to escalate, we also rely on The Fig Tree Resource Directory to find support outside what we offer.

"It provides details on who other helpers are, what services they provide and how we can collaborate," she said. "There are so many organizations doing critical work. We need to help each other."

Janine grew up in a family of five children in Gardnerville, Nev., and left home after high school, intent on seeing the world. She completed undergraduate studies in political science at the Washington University in St. Louis. She continued studies to earn a master's degree in public affairs in 2001 at the University of Texas in Austin. That program included studying the Russian language in Irkutsk on Lake Baikal.

Her years as deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration involved overseeing programs that addressed gender-based violence prevention, health and shelter for refugees and other vulnerable communities worldwide. From that experience, Janine brings dedication to advancing safety, dignity and opportunity for all people.

For example, when visiting the Cox's Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh, she saw how important it is for children, who are displaced because of war and conflict, to have even a few hours of education, especially for girls.

Janine values the YWCA's programs to support women and girls in meeting their dreams and in building a healthier community.

"Our advocates give survivors hope in a time of extended vulnerability," she said, expressing her commitment to continue such services.

Because her job required much travel and living in Arlington, Va., Janine wanted to find a position on the West Coast near family, including family in Spokane.

"I left the State Department to change my priorities, to focus on my family and my health, and find deeper professional connections," she said.

In her work with the State Department, Janine observed the struggles women and girls face globally, including heightened risks of gender-based violence in times of crisis. She also saw the importance of deepening engagement with local communities and women in seeking solutions.

"Spokane has an incredible community of people supporting their neighbors in need, working to help those facing barriers to opportunity," she said.

Janine outlined what she sees as priorities, challenges and opportunities at YWCA Spokane.

"Our first focus is to maintain the work in core areas the community expects of us, particularly in supporting domestic violence victims," she said. "Pressure is up as needs increase and funding challenges grow, so we need to look at what is essential, what our strengths and core values are."

Her second goal is to support the many compassionate staff "who show up to serve every day. I am overwhelmed with their commitment," she said.

Her third emphasis is to build partnerships in the community, so the YWCA collaborates across Spokane, the state and the nation.

"We need to understand where community partners need the YWCA to be strong, as we strengthen collaboration and partnership to direct people to the best support," she said.

For information, call 326-1160 or visit ywcaspokane.org.