Rescinded, But Not Resolved: The Threat Remains and the Fight Continues
Message from YWCA Evanston/North Shore on the Federal Funding Crisis and Ongoing Threats
Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen an alarming display of executive overreach, with sweeping policy changes that have put the stability of essential programs—and the well-being of countless individuals—at risk. The recent rescinding of the federal funding freeze is a temporary reprieve, but it does not erase the reality of the ongoing threats we, and other nonprofits across the nation, face. This administration has shown us how quickly and recklessly it is willing to act—placing the lives of women, families, and vulnerable communities in jeopardy with the stroke of a pen.
At YWCA Evanston/North Shore, we rely on federal funding to fuel our programs. The outpouring of public response to the funding freeze was powerful and necessary. The pressure worked. The legal challenges worked. We were heard. But this moment is not a victory-it is a warning. What happens next and when is uncertain, but we must remain vigilant and ready to act.
We rallied across our local and national partners on behalf of our women, families, and most vulnerable communities who need our services to ensure:
Comprehensive, Trauma-Informed Support for Survivors – Providing critical Domestic Violence and Violence Prevention services, ensuring survivors of gender-based violence have a safe haven, compassionate support, and a trusted advocate to answer their call.
Pathways to Economic Security – Empowering women and families with the skills and opportunities they need to achieve financial independence, offering training programs that open doors to meaningful employment and lasting stability.
Advancing Racial and Gender Equity – Driving meaningful change through education and advocacy, creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Accessible, Life-Saving Aquatics Programs – Ensuring that individuals of all backgrounds have access to vital swim education and water safety skills, breaking down historical barriers, and fostering confidence in and around water.
Expanding the Fight: Immigration, Equity, and the Future of Our Work
Beyond federal funding, other executive orders and policy changes—including ramped-up deportations and heightened ICE enforcement, to those that oppose DEI, “woke gender ideology” and the Green New Deal—are already taking effect. These actions directly impact the communities we serve, both in Evanston, a Welcoming City, and Chicago, a Sanctuary City. The risk of funding freezes, policy rollbacks, and direct attacks on the communities we serve have not disappeared—it has simply shifted.
At YWCA Evanston/North Shore, our priority is not just to fight these harmful policies but to ensure that the people who rely on us—survivors, families, women seeking economic security—have the support they need to navigate this moment. We remain steadfast in our mission and will do everything in our power to advocate, protect, and uplift those most impacted.
Our Commitment & Call to Action
This moment makes one thing clear: we must lessen our reliance on federal funding while continuing to fight for policies that protect our communities. YWCA Evanston/North Shore remains steadfast in our mission, and we will not back down.
Here’s how you can stand with us:
Support our work. With federal funding instability, we must rely even more on private donations to keep our services strong. Your support is more crucial than ever, and every dollar matters to ensure that survivors and families continue receiving the support they need.
Stay engaged. Keep calling your representatives and demand they push back against harmful executive actions.
Senator Tammy Duckworth: (312) 886-3506 | Contact here
Senator Dick Durbin: (312) 353-4952 | Contact here
If you don’t know your representative, you can find out here.
The Capitol Hill switchboard is (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you with the House or Senate office you request.
Don’t know what to say? We’ve provided suggested language at the end of this message.
Stay informed. Follow trusted organizations tracking these policy shifts and share information with your networks.
This is a challenging time, and we know the uncertainty is frustrating and exhausting. But we want to be clear: you are not alone. We will continue to fight, advocate, and provide essential services for the over 8,000 we serve annually—no matter what comes next.
Will you join us on this journey? Together, we will continue to fight for justice, advocate for those at risk, and ensure that YWCA Evanston/North Shore remains a place of safety, empowerment, and action.
Warm Regards,
Cherese R. Ledet
President/CEO, YWCA Evanston/North Shore
Use this script when reaching out to your representatives:
I'm reaching out to you regarding the Federal administration's decision to potentially "pause" all federal grants.
Every day, YWCA Evanston/North Shore serves as a lifeline for women and children in the Chicago and North Shore area. But today, these essential services are in jeopardy.
When they don’t receive the funding they need:
They will no longer be able to provide safe and stable housing, putting women and children at risk of homelessness.
Survivors of domestic violence could lose access to safe spaces to rebuild their lives.
Women will not receive the skills and opportunities they need to achieve financial independence that open doors to meaningful employment and lasting stability.
This is just to name a few.
These challenges don’t just affect individuals—they ripple through our entire community, including the over 8,000 that YWCA Evanston/North Shore serves annually.
With that said, please let me know how I can help your team advocate for not only YWCA Evanston/ North Shore but all organizations that assist women and children in thriving. I would be happy to meet your team and (state representative name). Any guidance you can provide would be amazing.
Thank you for standing up for the people!