The Josiah W. and Bessie H. Kline Foundation awarded the YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s Domestic Violence Legal Center with $75,000 during the 15-16 fiscal year. As the sole legal service provider for victims of domestic violence in Dauphin County, the Legal Center staff has the expertise needed to ensure that victims are not further victimized by the criminal justice system at no cost to the client. When the Legal Center lost a critical stream of funding, Dauphin County residents affected by forms of abuse were more at risk than ever without having access to free and comprehensive legal representation for Protection from Abuse Orders and divorce in addition to cases of child support and custody. Without the support from the Kline Foundation, the YWCA Legal Center would not have been able to provide access to these life-saving services for victims of domestic violence.
The Grace Pollock Child Development Center has provided quality, comprehensive care to hundreds of children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age for the past 15 years at the YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s Allison Hill location. When the facility was built, we were not able to anticipate the growth of the program and the demands on the space. Last year we received a generous grant of $100,000 from the Josiah W. and Bessie H. Kline Foundation that enabled us to completely renovate the kitchen and afterschool space, add a bathroom, and paint and carpet the space. The effect of updating and renovating the childcare spaces is hard to measure. The bright colors on the walls and floors create a very welcoming atmosphere that appeals to parents and children alike. The professional kitchen facility enables our cook to produce nutritious, quality meals for the children at breakfast and lunch. The staff has commented that they enjoy coming to work in a clean, bright facility in which to inspire our youngest clients. Thank you Kline Foundation board members for brightening our daycare facility. Come visit!