NORFOLK, VA – The YWCA South Hampton Roads announced today that it received $2 million, the largest single gift in its history, from MacKenzie Scott.

The author and philanthropist noted that her team of non-profit advisors and leaders from historically marginalized sectors carefully examined more than 6,490 organizations and the YWCA South Hampton Roads was among the 384 she funded.

The announcement marks Scott’s commitment to supporting organizations that serve the most vulnerable as part of The Giving Pledge, through which the world’s wealthiest individuals dedicate the majority of their wealth to giving back.

“MacKenzie Scott’s gift to the YWCA South Hampton Roads is transformational,” said Stephanie Dickens, chair of the YWCA Board of Directors. “Our long-standing history and dedication to eliminating racism and empowering women are directly aligned with MacKenzie Scott’s efforts to address racial and gender inequities. Her investment will help the YWCA strengthen our ability to support the needs of the Hampton Roads community and increase our impact.”

The YWCA South Hampton Roads’ mission is exemplified on a daily basis through its programs and services such as the Norfolk Family Justice Center, the first in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the newly expanded emergency shelter and housing program. The YWCA South Hampton Roads provides comprehensive, evidence-based and innovative services to victims of interpersonal violence, particularly to minorities and those in underserved communities.

Kristen Pine, chief program officer and co-director of the Norfolk Family Justice Center remarked, “This gift will allow us to continue adapting our programs and services to best serve victims of violence. The ability to enhance our focus on violence prevention in addition to intervention, expand advocacy and programming surrounding issues of racial and social injustice, is paramount to furthering the mission of the YWCA South Hampton Roads.”