YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a significant gift from author and philanthropist, MacKenzie Scott. In the past four months, Ms. Scott has given gifts totaling $4,158,500,000 to 384 organizations across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley was selected to receive funding, alongside other organizations nationwide who were identified as having “strong leadership teams and results, with special attention to those operating in communities facing high projected food insecurity, high measures of racial inequity, high local poverty rates.”
Rachel Haverkamp, Interim Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley, noted, “We are honored and humbled to receive this generous gift, alongside so many outstanding nonprofit organizations. YWCA has been a beacon of hope for women and their families in our community for over 120 years. 2020 has been an especially challenging year for the women and families we serve.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, YWCA has continued to provide safe housing through the Keys of Hope Women’s Program and Scattered-Site Housing Programs across YWCA’s six-county service area; victim advocacy services for individuals fleeing domestic violence; and essential after-school and virtual learning support for students in our East Knoxville community. “We are grateful for this gift to ensure that YWCA continues to carry out its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,” said Haverkamp.
Three other local nonprofits, Goodwill Industries – Knoxville, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, and United Way of Greater Knoxville were also selected to receive support from Ms. Scott. YWCA is honored to be recognized alongside these organizations who are also making a difference in the Knoxville community.