Dear YWCA-SGV Family and Community Partners,

As we mark the passage of time since the devastating Eaton Fires swept through Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025, we honor the lives lost and acknowledge the profound impact on tens of thousands of residents, many of whom are the clients we serve, with dedication and compassion. The fire’s destructive path, spanning over 14,000 acres and affecting nearly 23,000 residents in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre, has left an indelible mark on our community. Yet, in the face of unimaginable adversity, our agency has stood tall and ready amongst others, providing unwavering support, resources, and essential supplies to those affected.

For me, this effort is both deeply personal and professional. Having raised my family in Altadena for over 20 years, watched my children attend local schools, and built business and faith-based relationships in the area, I have had the privilege of forming lasting connections with over 300 families impacted by the fires, including more than 200 who experienced full losses of their homes, businesses, or income properties. My involvement in local civic groups has further deepened my commitment to supporting this community. Altadena, with its diverse and vibrant foothill communities, was an amazing place to live, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility to help with its relief, recovery, and rebuilding.

Professionally, as the CEO of the YWCA of San Gabriel Valley, I was heartbroken to see the hundreds of seniors we serve through our meals, and healthy aging programs in the impacted areas. However, our agency’s 40-plus years of service allowed us to mobilize quickly, providing vital assistance to our long-term clients and beyond. We successfully transferred displaced survivors to nearby senior centers within our extensive service region, which spans over 25 cities in San Gabriel Valley. We also worked with our county officials and partners to reopen the Senior Meals Program in Loma Alta Park in May of 2025. Expanding beyond seniors, we also offered a helping hand to many other survivors of all ages and households who were fire-impacted and in need.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our board, staff, and partners, we’ve been able to provide personalized and customized support to over 1,000 families through our fire relief initiatives. Our comprehensive program includes distributing essential items, offering financial assistance, case management, food, gas, VISA gift cards, emotional well-being activities, organizing our Holiday Hope and Relief Drive, supporting collaborative community events, and maintaining an active partnership with the Eaton Fire Collaborative. As we move forward, it’s clear that ongoing funding and support will be crucial in addressing the unmet needs that persist. Our agency remains committed to this community, just as we have for over 40 years, and we will continue to work tirelessly alongside those impacted, other nonprofits, civic groups, government entities, and philanthropic funders to ensure a robust and responsive recovery and rebuilding plan.

If you’re inspired to join us in making a difference, we invite you to learn more about our impact and explore ways to collaborate. To view our Fire Relief Impact Report and see the tangible results of our collective efforts, please click below.In Solidarity, Debra M. Ward, MPH