YWCA's Residence for Women Gets a Makeover, Seeks Tenants

When Kim Berly was down the was there to pick her up and help her stay on track toward achieving her dreams—no matter what life threw in her path.

The 44-year-old moved into the YWCA’s Residence for Women, at 69 North Broadway, in 1992. She eventually moved out, got an apartment with a friend and started working at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Then the recession hit—bringing with it cutbacks, causing Berly to lose her job. Soon thereafter, Beryl ended up breaking off her engagement with her fiancé.

“I was a mess,” said Berly.

Beryl knew that the YWCA would there to help again. She calls Lori Stanlick, the executive director of residence housing and clinical, her “saving grace” and said the YWCA gave her food, clothing, medication and the health and employment services she needed. 

“This is a beautiful place to start over, or for your first place to live,” said Beryl. “There are so many things people need to know about the Y and take advantage of. If anyone is looking for a place to stay—it’s a nice, clean, neat place with reasonable rents. The staff is excellent, they are in your corner 100 percent.”

The YWCA, the sole provider of low-income supportive housing for women in Westchester, is currently taking applications for units at Residence for Women, which just underwent a $25 million green renovation (see details below).

“Our mission is to eliminate racism and empower women—housing is key to empowerment,” said YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester CEO Maria Imperial.

Imperial says the basic necessity of housing helps women on the path to self-sufficiency and becoming contributing members of society. The renovation of the 88,000 sq. ft. Tudor building will also help the local YWCA to continue its legacy—which started in 1929 when the organization provided housing to five women in White Plains.

“It’s especially important in this sort of market and economy to provide affordable housing,” said Stanlick. “Many women are coming to us on fixed budgets, perhaps unemployed, and they need that safe place to come. Many of our women are avoiding homelessness.” 

The renovation includes the rehabilitation of 185 existing units and the construction of eight new units, with new green features like an insulated/reflective roof, new windows and cooling systems—as well as accessible features for those who are disabled. Funding for the tax credit project came from various grants and assistance programs.

Beryl said she loves not having to turn off all the light switches after everyone since they are not on a sensor system. The “Sister’s Village” recreation and sitting area—which includes books, entertainment and will soon have computers—is her favorite part of the Residence for Women.

Nilijah Shorts prayed for help while going through a rough period of substance abuse and poverty and found the YWCA. Her favorite part of the renovation is the new wood floors in her room. The 40-year-old praises the YWCA staff for always going the extra mile, like driving her to her first doctor’s appointments. This extra loving touch has helped the women to achieve their goals.

“I made a promise to her [Stanlick] and myself that if she would let me come in, I wouldn’t let it go to waste,” said 49-year-Kathryn Russell.

After moving into the Residence for Women, Russell signed up for school within two days. She went to the Culinary Tech Center in Yonkers, now interns at Pace University in White Plains and has a better relationship with her family. Shorts graduated her drug treatment program, attends AA and works at White Plains Hospital. Beryl is starting her phlebotomy EKG training in March, will be taking advantage of a nursing assistance program, and is learning how to do taxes—all while job hunting.

“I’m just taking advantage of everything [at the YWCA],” said Beryl. “It’s awesome. I can’t say enough about it. I’m happy and it’s beautiful.”

The YWCA Residences for Women offers services relating to disabilities, medical illness, a history of being battered and substance abuse. They also offer case management and supportive services, like employment counseling, job training and referral, as well as help with resume writing and preparing for interviews.

The YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester is accepting applications for units, to qualify you must be a single woman, aged 18 or above, and earn no more than 50 percent of the area’s median annual income ($37,8000). Rent is $499 a month and includes a furnished room, and access to kitchen, laundry and the YWCA's services.

Call (914) 428-1130 or visit ywcawpcw.org for more information

If you would like to volunteer or donate to the YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester, contact Danielle Cylich at (914) 949-6227 ext. 147 or at dcylich@ywcawpcw.org.