EXPANSION FAQ
Since 2001, YWCA McLean County has operated Stepping Stones, McLean County’s only rape crisis center, from spaces originally created for health and fitness programs. The program has continued to grow each year in both staff and clients; this expansion will create critically needed space for clients and their loved ones. The renovated space will provide greater and more equitable accessibility to survivors in a more comfortable, confidential environment built with their safety and well-being at the forefront.
Accessibility, security, and confidentiality of survivors and their loved ones are our top priorities.
With this expansion, we will be effectively doubling the total available counseling spaces, with six private counseling rooms, one group counseling room, and a conference room that can also be used for client purposes if needed as the entire space will be soundproofed and confidential. Survivors will benefit from a private reception area providing maximum privacy when checking in, a peaceful waiting area, a centrally located bathroom allowing survivors to have all of their needs met in one private, confidential Stepping Stones’ suite. The expansion will also allow for a private, inclusive space for all staff and volunteers assisting with the 24-hour hotline.
YWCA is committed to continuing to serve survivors and their loved ones throughout the construction phase of the expansion. Staff will utilize other spaces within YWCA’s main building located at 1201 North Hershey Road in Bloomington, as well as space at our Labyrinth office on Bloomington’s Westside.
Community support of Stepping Stones is critical in ensuring survivors and their loved ones have access to confidential, free services. Sharing information with individuals and businesses you are connected to in our community is one way to provide much-needed support. To make a financial gift in support of the expansion, please click here: https://ywcaexpansion.funraise.org/
Donations can be made online through the link above, through Donor Advised Funds, stocks, and/or Qualified Minimum Distributions from your retirement account.
Yes, we welcome expansion donations to be made over a period of up to three years.
Absolutely! Matching gift programs make a significant impact on fundraising efforts. Simply submit the matching gift information with your company and YWCA’s development team will handle the rest.
The cost of the Stepping Stones expansion is approximately $900,000. YWCA will meet this financial need through all possible avenues, including individual and corporate donations, grants, and possible government funding.
In order to uphold our commitment to access, security, and confidentiality, YWCA Mclean County will provide opportunities for giving impact without naming rights. Instead, donors will leave their mark in this space in a way that there is no possibility of causing direct or indirect harm to survivors.
Supporters of this critical expansion will come together to paint individual pieces of a mural that will literally and figuratively show survivors and their loved ones that their community supports them, every step of the way.
YWCA McLean County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations will be tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Per IRS regulations, please note that no goods or services will be provided in exchange for donations made in support of YWCA’s Stepping Stones Expansion.
EIN: 37-0661264
No, YWCA McLean County has not had a major renovation since 2001.
Click here for detailed information about the expansion: https://www.ywcamclean.org/expansion
If you or your business are interested in investing in the Stepping Stones expansion, please reach out to YWCA’s CEO, Liz German, at lgerman@ywcamclean.org to schedule a meeting and tour.
For accessibility purposes, general inquiries and community interest, we are in the process of creating a virtual tour that can be viewed remotely.