United Medical LLC is mobilizing individuals, businesses and community partners to help YWCA Delaware close a $650,000 gap in its $1.5 million Resilience Fund campaign by March 2027. The fund, a one-time special initiative, is designed to sustain critical services as nonprofit funding becomes increasingly uncertain. Kemal Erkan, CEO and founder of United Medical, chairs the fund's Advisory Committee and has been honored with the Dorothy Height Leadership Award for his commitment to equity and opportunity.
The urgency stems from the reliance of many YWCA Delaware programs on federal support. The Resilience Fund will act as a financial safeguard for services including safe housing, 24/7 support for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking, financial counseling, and youth development. With $850,000 already raised, the remaining $650,000 is critical to preventing service disruptions for thousands of Delawareans—9,594 individuals participated in YWCA programs in 2025 alone.
"Reaching $850,000 reflects a meaningful commitment from this community, but the remaining $650,000 is critical," Erkan said. "We have an opportunity to prepare before a funding gap becomes a crisis for the people who depend on these services."
The campaign follows YWCA Delaware's October 7 Celebration Breakfast, which highlighted the organization's intergenerational impact under the theme "Generation to Generation, Empowering Every Story." The event also introduced The Story Exchange, an interactive experience connecting guests with stories of resilience. Managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, the fund will release resources only with YWCA Board approval when significant funding gaps arise, ensuring continuity for current clients while preparing for growing community needs.
Melissa Gonville, CEO of YWCA Delaware, emphasized the human stakes: "For someone seeking safety or a family working to regain stability, reliable support can make all the difference." The campaign has garnered support from sponsors including Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, J.P. Morgan Chase, TD Bank and New Castle County, reflecting broad community investment in the mission.
United Medical encourages supporters to contribute to the Resilience Fund by visiting www.ywcade.org/resilience-fund. More information about United Medical is available at www.umusa.net, and details about YWCA Delaware's programs can be found at www.ywcade.org. The push to secure the remaining funds underscores a broader effort to protect vulnerable populations before a funding crisis hits, making every donation a step toward sustained stability for women and families across Delaware.
