DAVENPORT, Iowa — Deanna Woodall, vice president of Development, Growth and Empowerment services at the YWCA, has been looking for ways to expand the services of the organization's Empowerment Center.
"The YWCA has been serving the community, primarily out of our Rock Island facility for 107 years," Woodall said. "We serve about 20 to 40 individuals a day and we've seen the demand for our services increase since the pandemic."
To continue the aid, the team wanted to move out of their 2,300-square-foot facility. In October of last year, with the help of a grant, her team purchased the former Temple Emanuel building on Mississippi Avenue in Davenport and has completed many renovations on the new 13,000-square-foot facility.
"We are so happy to finally have a place to call home," Woodall added. "We are going to grow into it."
The team will grow into the building by expanding its existing programs such as its immediate needs pantry, clothing closet and education opportunities. Beginning next year, they hope to provide community showers and laundry facilities for those in need.
"We are very grateful for this opportunity," Woodall said. "This organization has changed lives and it's a good feeling to do so. It doesn't happen without some hard work."
The organization is looking for donations to fill their immediate needs shelves. Items that will be accepted include non-perishable food of any kind, cleaning supplies, laundry supplies and hygiene items. If you are interested in making a donation or are in need of services, you can call the organization at (563) 340-0310.
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