YWCA updates Glendale commission on new Safe Haven program, training with fire department

The Glendale Commission on the Status of Women heard an update from the YWCA of Glendale and Pasadena on a new Safe Haven initiative that the organization says has begun rolling out in partnership with city first responders.

"So I'm here to give an update on the safe haven initiative. It did launch," Yomi Liu of the YWCA told the commission, adding that leadership and Fire Chief Brooks have completed a DV 101 training focused on survivor-centered approaches to make survivors feel welcome and safe at fire stations.

The YWCA said the initiative will include additional community trainings and short-format sessions for partners, and that it expects to measure impacts over time. Liu told commissioners that "it takes, on average, survivors, 7 times before they are able to, flee in abusive situation," and framed Safe Haven as a repeat-access option for people who may need to leave unsafe homes multiple times.

Commissioners praised the partnership and the recent public events that promoted the initiative. Commissioner Diane said the program was "a terrific idea" and reported that a Soroptimist International Glendale audience spontaneously applauded when the initiative was announced. Commissioners also said the YWCA has offered a short (30-minute) training via Zoom and that longer advocate sessions and expanded peer-counselor training are planned during the YWCA's centennial year.

The presentation noted Chief Brooks' involvement and thanked YWCA leadership and city staff for organizing the kickoff. Commissioners asked no substantive follow-up questions during the presentation; the item was informational and the commission did not take formal action on this report.

The commission should expect further discussion or invitations for YWCA trainings at future meetings as the organization expands its offerings and seeks to track the initiative's community impact.