YWCA Announces Closing After 130 Years
By: Alexandra Sutter WMBD/WYZZ
Updated: October 3, 2012
PEORIA -- A non-profit that has been in Peoria for more than 100 years is ending all operations and programs. The YWCA made the announcement this morning.
The news comes after years of financial struggle.
Vice-Chair for the Board of Directors Joy Duling said, "It's just gotten to the point of there's been this perfect storm of financial influences and we've made the decision to cease operations."
A bulk of its services help the homeless.
Duling said more than 200 people depend on the YWCA every day.
Right now, taking care of its clients is still its first concern. Duling said, "At this point we're working with other agencies that might be able to transition these programs."
Another big concern for the YWCA is what to do with all of the dedicated employees. One employee tells us she's not letting the announcement phase her, she's focusing on her clients.
Operations Director Kristy Schofield spent two years living where her clients do - in the YWCA'S transitional apartments. She knows how important the service is, because it was there for her. She said, "To me personally, because I am a graduate of this program 17 years ago and I know the benefits and how important this program is to the community. You know the legacy of the YWCA programs lives within me, so i'm completely sure something wonderful is around the corner."
Duling remains positive that the community will help to pick up the pieces. "No one in Peoria wants to see programs for persons who are homeless cease to operate, so we're encouraged that there are other agencies that are interested in picking these up and carrying them forward."
Twenty-two employees will lose their jobs with the closure.
It was just over a year ago the YWCA lost its building in Lakeview Park. The building is owned by the bank and is still sitting vacant.
