We  Our Community.

YOU helped YWCA Cortland win $10,000

By participating in one of the biggest giving events in Cortland County, YOU helped your YWCA win a $10,000 prize, and made your donation count more! The Cortland Community Foundation’s National Philanthropy Day contest raised over $342,000 for 40 local nonprofits. This amount beats last year’s record and shows us that the spirit of giving is alive and well in the community. Congratulations to the other prize winners in this year’s contest:

Highest Total Dollar Amount Raised
1st place: YWCA Cortland
2nd place: Cortland Repertory Theatre
3rd place: Lime Hollow Nature Center
4th place: Cortland County Family YMCA

Highest Number of Donations Received
1st place: CNY Living History Center
2nd place (tie): Cortland County Historical Society
2nd place (tie): Cortland United Presbyterian Church
4th place: Cortland Free Library

YOU make our work possible.
Thank you for making a difference!

Supporters LIKE YOU play an important role in creating a secure foundation for YWCA Cortland. Because of YOU, we are able to provide vital programs to those who need our services most. Your YWCA donation changes lives—now and for years to come. Thank you for your continued generosity and passion for our mission. We can’t do it without you!

Read more below about how your support changes lives 

(testimonials were provided by YWCA program participants NOT pictured below)

Child Care

“I like to go to YWCA Summer Camp so I don’t have to stay home alone all summer.” 2019 Child Care Summer Recreation Participant

The largest provider of child care in Cortland County, YWCA Cortland serves over 700 children ages 6 weeks to 15 years old. The program includes two licensed daycare centers, drop-in care, before and after school care, and summer recreation.

Aid to Victims of Violence

“I do not know what I would have done. Leaving was not something I could do alone. I needed AVV to help me navigate.” Aid to Victims of Violence (AVV) Client

The only comprehensive victim service program in the county, AVV provides free, confidential services, such as a 24-hour crisis hotline, group support, advocacy, counseling, and crisis intervention, to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and other crimes. It also operates off-site emergency housing and offers prevention education programs for all age groups. Last year, AVV received over 3200 calls and housed 80 adults and children.

Mentoring

“The best part about meeting with my mentor is I get to be Me with no one judging me.” 8-year old Bridges for Kids Mentoring Program Participant

YWCA Cortland’s mentoring program aims to improve confidence and self-esteem in our community’s youth so they are less at risk for engaging in risky behaviors later in life. Last year, Bridges for Kids, GEMS (Girls: Empowered, Motivated, Successful), and Kids Club had a positive impact on 251 families and 140 children because of our dedicated mentors.

Health & Fitness

“I had osteoporosis, and after using the YWCA weight room regularly, my bone density improved, and now I do not need to go on medication.” Health & Fitness Weight Room Member

With exercise and aquatics programs for all ages, there’s something for everyone at YWCA Cortland! Over 300 women, men and children strengthen their bodies, hearts and minds with the only warm-water pool in the county, group exercise classes, diabetes prevention classes, senior programming, swim lessons, children’s sports, and much, much more.