DAYTON — A local foundation in the Miami Valley donated a large amount of money to fund a program that supports victims of domestic violence.
KeyBank Foundation donated $300,000 to YWCA Dayton, and the money is aimed at helping survivors of domestic violence receive training needed for jobs.
News Center 7’s Trinity Corbett spoke to a program participant about how investing in the program will make a big difference for women like her.
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“I feel alive again. I smile, I run around here. It’s a purpose,” said Sandy Hay, a YWCA Dayton program participant.
Hay recently completed YWCA’s Workforce Development Program, and now she can provide for herself, which is something she struggled to do before when she was homeless.
“And I lost everything, now look what I have. I have a job. I have an apartment that’s absolutely beautiful,” Hay said.
YWCA Organizers said KeyBank’s investment helped them provide stipends for the women as they trained them for the workforce.
Keely Watkins, director of strategic initiatives and workforce development, said this program has a deeper meaning for survivors of domestic violence.
“There’s lack of self-esteem, confidence. A lot of times they have never handled their own finances,” Watkins said. “It’s not just about the workforce, it’s about restoring them to wholeness.”
KeyBank leadership said that the $300,000 donation will be issued over the course of three years. The organization can use the money for as long as possible to help as many women find jobs.
“The work they do here truly matters, and this was an opportunity for us to step in as a community partner and really offer them an opportunity to develop this social enterprise program,” said Jeff Bardonaro, KeyBank Market President.
Through the program, Hay was able to begin working with YWCA Dayton. She’s in charge of cleaning and maintenance for the YWCA building and when her supervisor texts her, she’s ready.
“I get excited when it goes off. I literally jump up and go,” Hay said.
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