YWCA receives grant from Maryland Bar Foundation in support of legal services for victims of domestic violence

Arnold, MD - The YWCA is pleased to be the recipient of the Maryland Bar Foundation’s (MBF) community giving initiative. On February 28th, the MBF presented the YWCA with a check for $7,000 in support of the organization’s Legal Services Program. This program is a component of the YWCA’s continuum of care to assist victims of domestic violence in obtaining peace and protective orders. Marla Zide of the MBF shared why the Foundation was specifically attracted to the work of the YWCA, stating “The grant committee is attracted to projects that provide direct legal services to Maryland residents. YWCA is one of the only direct service providers of legal assistance in Anne Arundel County. We are thrilled that the funds provided by our foundation will allow the attorneys at the YWCA to increase their reach into the community”. Funds will directly support the costs of an attorney related to representing victims of domestic violence in peace and protective orders.

The YWCA serves over 2300 clients per year in the Legal Services program. Services include advocacy, support in filing petitions, legal representation in peace/protective orders, connection to pro-bono attorneys for additional services, and resource and referral information in Anne Arundel County District and Circuit courts. Program Director, Ann Potthast, reaffirmed the need for services, “The recent Crofton murder and the fact that last year deaths attributable to domestic violence more than tripled in Anne Arundel County over the prior year illustrate the need for more intervention. Legal assistance empowers survivors and representation in obtaining court protection is often a lifeline to victims of repeated physical attacks by their intimate partner.” The services have had an incredible impact on the community. A prior legal client shared her experience, “The YWCA not only helped provide the courage and enforcement tools needed to keep me and my son safe, they also helped change the tone of my life from fearful to fearless.”
Additionally, the YWCA Legal Services program provides a direct connection to the balance of YWCA services that may benefit their clients. These services include the YWCA’s domestic violence safe house shelter, 24-hotline, licensed therapy, and hospital accompaniment. All services are offered on a sliding fee scale to ensure access to all victims of intimate partner violence. YWCA CEO, Molly Knipe, shared her appreciation of the grant, “The YWCA is only able to serve the number of individuals we do because of the commitment of our community. The Maryland Bar Foundation is an integral partner in ensuring that individuals affected by domestic violence are afforded every protection available to them under the law; we are so grateful”.
For information regarding services, volunteering, or contributing to the YWCA, please visit www.annapolisywca.org or call (410) 626-7800.

About the YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

The YWCA has been serving the Annapolis and Anne Arundel community since 1920. The core mission of the organization is to protect, inspire and empower women and children. The YWCA realizes its mission by providing services to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services range from a 24-hour hotline to refuge at the only domestic violence safe house in the county. The YWCA also offers courses to rehabilitate offenders and outreach initiatives to educate youth on healthy relationships. Key services such as counseling, support groups, and legal services provide the cornerstone of the YWCA’s potential to enable victims to leave their abusers and regain independence in a secure environment. For more information, visit www.annapolisywca.org or call 410-626-7800.