*Financial abuse is experienced in up to 99% of domestic violence cases, according to some estimates, and it occurs across all socio-economic, educational, racial and ethnic groups. Well over half of homeless women have lost housing because of violence committed against them, and over 80% of homeless mothers have experienced severe physical and/or sexual abuse.
We post employment opportunities here and on Facebook and Instagram. Most YWCA jobs are also posted on Indeed. For the most up-to-date information, please call our office at (509) 525-2570.
It is the policy of the YWCA to consider all applications for employment equally without regard to an applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, ethnicity, income, veteran status, marital status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. The YWCA does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications. All application materials for posted positions will be retained for one year from the date received.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that YWCA employment practices are equitable, consistently applied, in compliance with Federal and State laws, and in compliance with any contractual obligations set forth by our funding agencies, so long as those obligations are not superseded by said law.
YWCA Walla Walla is seeking our next Executive Director — a visionary leader with the passion and commitment to guide us into the future. This is a unique opportunity to strengthen our impact and help build a safer, stronger community for survivors and families.
Do you know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity and help us spread the word!
The ED position is open until filled, with priority given to applications received by October 17, 2025. Applicants can read the comprehensive position profile at the button below, and apply below with a cover letter and resume (as one combined document). The search committee is asking applicants to please focus the content of the cover letter on these three questions:
Why are you interested in this role?
How do your experience and interests align with the mission of YWCA Walla Walla?
Why are you interested in an onsite role based in Walla Walla, Washington?
Learn more through our search partners at Valtas Group.
A. YWCA Fun Factory is a mobile ten-week summer recreation program that visits neighborhoods throughout the Walla Walla Valley. The Fun Factory brings FREE outdoor fun, crafts, games and other activities to places where kids gather.
Q. What ages is it for?
A. We see kids as young as 4 and as old as 12 or 13. Most crafts are designed with ages 5 – 10 in mind, but all are welcome to come give it a try.
Q. What are the dates?
A. This summer the van will roll out every weekday from June 23 – August 15 (except July 4).
Q. How does it work? Where do I sign up?
A. No need to sign up. Each stop lasts about an hour. Some kids live close enough to a Fun Factory location that they can show up on their own. Others are dropped off. And if a parent or other adult wants to stay, that’s OK too. (Adults can even make the craft, as long as they promise to share the glue and glitter!)
Q. What does a Fun Factory day look like?
A. Each day of the week is different. Imagine one week’s activity is paper bag puppets. On Monday, the van might take puppet supplies Ten Ton Studios in Waitsburg, to the library in Dayton, and then, if the YWCA office gets a confirmation call by 1, all the way up to Starbuck School. The next week, those locations will have a different activity. Once the schedule is published, you will know what to expect and can put an entry like “Fun Factory – Touchet Library – Thursdays at 2:45” on your calendar and show up every week if you like.
A. At each stop you’ll find three or four enthusiastic, energetic leaders who love making things and playing games with kids. You’ll know you are at the right place when you see the white Fun Factory van and the Fun Factory leaders (Ollie, Paige, Helena, and Maggie) in their bright tie-dye shirts.
Q. What if it’s too hot to play? Or too smoky to breathe well?
A. Click hereto check the heat index and air quality numbers for your stop’s ZIP code. Here’s when we will move Fun Factory activities indoors:
If the heat index is 101 or higher,
or if the air particulates are 151 or worse,
And In locations with no indoor option, we will cancel for everyone’s comfort and safety.
A Georgia native who studied engineering and served his country in the Marines during Vietnam, Tom Stanley moved here in 1980 to keep the line running at Continental Can. During his time there, the can lines were the company’s best across the country.
When the plant closed in 2002, Tom went to work in agri-chemicals, till we found him and he become the YWCA Plant/Facilities Director.
Tom understood the importance of well-maintained facilities to show the community that their investment in the YWCA was in good hands. His meticulous care extended the useful lives of all our YWCA buildings and systems.
Pedestrians routinely complimented the YWCA grounds and asked who did the work – Tom and his staff of course! And building users were regularly astounded at how clean the restrooms were, even on weekends.
Tom retired this spring after 22 years of faithful service, including many years as YWCA’s lone male employee.
Said Tom (imagine this in his Georgia accent), “I loved my time at the YWCA. It was wonderful to work with people who care so much.”
On a chilly morning in December, the team at Underriner Honda of Walla Walla gathered with anticipation for their annual holiday car giveaway.
General Sales Manager Pat Custer took a moment to explain the process. “The United Way gathers nominations,” Pat shared. “Once applications are approved, our staff has the honor of making the final selection.”
A partnership of care
United Way Blue Mountain’s Executive Director Christy Lieuallen explained the criteria. “Trusted partner agencies like the YWCA identify clients who would benefit from a reliable vehicle and who can manage the ongoing costs of ownership, like insurance, fuel, and maintenance. We collect, organize, and review the applications before submitting them to the dealership,” she explained.
When Karen Angel, YWCA Advocate/Campus Advocate, learned about the opportunity, Grace and her children immediately came to mind. A family of 5, they barely fit in their borrowed Ford Focus. More worrying were the car’s growing mechanical issues.
Karen also knew that the car hadn’t been Grace’s only struggle. When she checked in at the shelter about the family’s food security and discovered Grace was skipping meals to be sure her kids would have enough, “it broke my heart,” she said.
Grace was a perfect fit for the criteria. “She is responsible and resilient,” Karen said. “And I knew how much she would benefit from a reliable vehicle appropriate for her family.”
Grace’s success impressed everyone at the shelter, said Karen. “Not even a month after moving out, she got promoted to a supervisor position.” This made her a full-time employee, which would help reduce her family’s financial stress and secure her ability to handle the responsibilities of car ownership.
YWCA Advocates at the presentation included Karen Angel, Alisha Gonzales, and Lana Bushman. Christy Lieuallen represented United Way.
Once the decision was made to nominate Grace, Karen and Lana Bushman, YWCA’s Director of Client Services, got to work on the application, completing it during a busy week with only moments to spare.
A thoughtful selection
After the nominations were narrowed to a few finalists, the dealership staff made the final choice. “Her courage and dedication to her children stood out,” Pat said. “She’s faced so much and has worked hard to create a strong, loving home.”
Blake Underriner, owner of Underriner Honda, shared the history of the giveaway. “My parents started this program 10 or 15 years ago at their first store in Billings,” he explained. “We later expanded it to include our dealerships in Walla Walla and The Dalles.” Blake emphasized that the owners provide the car and cover a year’s worth of any necessary repairs. But what made him most proud was how the dealership’s staff embraced the project. “They chose the car, donated their time fixing it up and detailing it to make it as perfect as possible. They even pooled their own money to buy gifts for the kids.”
During the presentation, Pat struggled to hold back tears. “I get emotional this time of year,” he admitted. “No child should go without at Christmas, and I’m so grateful to work for an owner who cares this much.”
Gratitude and joy
The presentation brought immense joy to everyone involved, but the highlight was the reaction from Grace’s family. Grace had decided that this special occasion warranted missing a little school, so her children arrived at the dealership with no idea what awaited them.
Product Specialist Teya demonstrates the van’s audiovisual system.
“This is ours?” Grace’s older daughter asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Once they grasped the reality of their new eight-passenger Honda Odyssey, the children eagerly explored its features, especially the screen and DVD player. A friendly debate ensued about who would get to pick the first video.
“That’s easy,” said one brother, gesturing to his younger sister. “The littlest should pick first.”
Between the dealership’s employees and several YWCA Advocates, plus United Way’s Christy, quite a crowd was assembled to witness the moment, one filled with smiles, gratitude, and the promise of brighter days ahead for Grace and her family.
The kids enthusiastically dove into their gift bags and thanked the staff for their generosity before loading everything into their new vehicle.
For Underriner Honda and YWCA Walla Walla, this day was about more than just a car. It was a way to fuel hope and drive change in our community, one family at a time.
How you can inspire community support as a Table Captain
Wendy Cheng has been a dedicated YWCA Luncheon Table Captain for so long that she’s lost count. “Maybe 15 years?” she speculated.
Over time, her involvement grew, and she co-chaired the event for several of its 25 years alongside Claire Siegel and a few other friends.
One common misconception Wendy shared about being a Table Captain (TC) is that you’re responsible for purchasing tickets for the entire table. Yes, a few TCs may choose to treat the whole table, but most simply extend invitations to a few friends who purchase their own tickets.
Another myth is that you have to recruit friends who will be big donors. “Yes, the luncheon is a fundraiser,” Wendy says, “but the goal is to have a diverse cross-section of the community attend. The luncheon is also about growth—introducing new people and new energy to our mission of helping survivors break free from domestic violence.”
Wendy suggests starting small by inviting groups you’re already a part of, like workout buddies, book clubs, or church friends. She recalls her own humble beginning, filling just half a table by asking four tennis friends to join. From there, word spread. Soon, friends were asking to bring co-workers or family members, and she found herself filling not just one-half, but two full tables of ten.
Today, the process is simpler than ever with online ticketing. Wendy provides her guests with easy instructions: choose an entrée, note any allergies, and pay online. If you prefer, checks are fine too.
“It’s really that simple,” she says. “Then all that’s left is showing up to enjoy lunch, reconnect with friends, and hear an inspiring speaker.”
Wendy’s story shows that being a Table Captain isn’t about having deep pockets or a vast network—it’s about sharing your passion for the YWCA mission and creating opportunities for others to get involved. If that sounds like something you would enjoy, reach out to Kirsten: kschober@ywcaww.org. Or call 509-525-2570 and let the YWCA office know you’d like to learn more about being a Luncheon Table Captain.
Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) succeed when they center on kids’ needs
WHEN A CHILD is being abused, the No. 1 priority is that child’s safety and well-being.
Children are vulnerable,and they may lack the vocabulary and power to speak for themselves. In her new role at the YWCA, Leslie Bumgardner, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Coordinator, is helping make sure those kids have a voice.
“I’m excited about bringing a team together,” Leslie said, “getting everyone who’s committed to what’s best for children around a table regularly.”
The ultimate goal is to have a fully accredited Child Advocacy Center (CAC), a process that will take time.
Meanwhile, Leslie is looking forward to strengthening partnerships between team members. Those partnerships are vital because children respond best in a protective environment where they feel safe and can tell their stories – just once – to the people who can help stop the abuse and provide needed support. That’s the essence of a CAC.
WHY MDTs MATTER A key component of the CAC model is the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Leslie has been meeting with Child Protective Service investigators, law enforcement personnel, counselors, advocates, and other expert professionals to prepare for improved collaboration among these entities.
“We can do better for kids when we put them at the center of the process,” Leslie said. When efforts are not well coordinated, the independent process of each agency involved can lead to unnecessary and repetitive interviews that re-victimize a child, forcing them to relive the trauma over and over.
The CAC model is designed to transform the process. As MDT members gather and share information about a child’s case, they smooth the way for that child to begin healing, receive justice, and experience trust.
ADVOCATING FOR CHILDREN “Coordinated, child-centered responses have been found to accelerate the healing process for kids. We’re so grateful to everyone who encouraged the YWCA to lead this work,” said Executive Director Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin.
By next year, YWCA Advocates specially trained in child advocacy will join MDTs collaborating to provide better outcomes and support for children and families.
“Everyone is working hard to do their best for children,” Leslie said, “and I can’t wait to build a team that pulls together all the folks already working passionately for young victims of violence and sexual abuse.”
Friday, June 14, was a day filled with love, memories, and tradition as Brianna and Joaquin celebrated their wedding where Brianna’s grandmother and great-aunt tied the knot more than 50 years earlier.
Brianna’s great-aunt Norma and great-uncle Frank exchanged vows in the YWCA reception room in 1972, and her grandparents, Mary and Merle, followed a few months later, on June 29, 1973.
This connection to her family’s past made the choice of venue particularly special for Brianna.
“When we were trying to find places to have the wedding, we weren’t sure where to start because I don’t belong to a church, and all the venues around here were larger than we needed and so expensive,” Brianna shared. “Then my grandma Mary mentioned the YWCA since she and her sister had gotten married there, so we checked it out and thought it was a great idea.”
BACK IN THE DAY In the early 1970s before ending domestic violence became a big part of the YWCA mission, the building was a safe, affordable place where young women could rent rooms while they attended college or were starting their careers. The reception room, like today, was used for YWCA programs as well as a variety of other community events.
“My great-aunt Norma’s wedding was in December, and my grandma’s was in June like ours, but at 8 pm.”
Since the building wasn’t yet air conditioned, an evening wedding may have an attempt to beat the heat. “My grandma told me her wedding day was so hot that the cake started to slide,” Brianna recalled with a smile.
Carrying on her family’s tradition was deeply meaningful to Brianna.
“I’m very close to my grandma on my mom’s side of the family,” Brianna said, “so I’m happy I get to share this with her.”
Although some beloved family members were missing, including her great-aunt Norma and grandfather Merle, who both passed away in 2022, their presence was felt.
Brianna’s great-uncle Frank attended the wedding, and her uncle Michael walked her down the aisle.
ENDURING LOVE The Bahm Torrez wedding at the YWCA wasn’t just a celebration of love between two people but a beautiful testament to enduring family bonds and traditions that span generations.
It felt very cool to continue my family’s YWCA wedding tradition,” Brianna said. “It will always be something interesting I can tell people about our wedding day.”
Need a room for a meeting or party?
Whether you’re planning a simple meeting with snacks or a family reunion with far-flung participants joining by Zoom, the YWCA kitchen and reception room may have what you need.
Learn more about rates and what’s available by calling 509-525-2570 or emailing the office manager, Karla, at kcastillo@ywcaww.org.
