ENID, OK - The YWCA recently discovered potential financial mismanagement by a former employee and is fully cooperating with federal officials. The alleged discrepancies from several years ago were discovered by current staff members after the YWCA was contacted by authorities regarding another case.
“We are heartbroken and angry that it appears that the YWCA has been victimized,” said Kendall Conger, their Board President. “For over 100 years, we have been standing up for victims and offering hope and healing. As a board, we are committed to finding justice, protecting the organization from future misconduct, and continuing to serve those in our community who need our programs.”
The board acted swiftly to work with federal officials and the investigation is ongoing. They are also working with industry experts to revise and amend their financial policies and implement additional separation of duties.
“Our doors are open, and we continue our work to decrease domestic violence and sexual assault, serve women and children in crisis throughout Northwest Oklahoma, and be a partner to other social service agencies in Enid,” said Courtney Strzinek, Executive Director and CEO.
“Although this happened before I became Executive Director, I accept responsibility for the sound operation of our agency and we will participate with law enforcement to allow our organization to continue doing our important work,” said Strzinek. “Together with staff and board, we have already begun work to revise our governance documents and put additional layers of accountability in between staff and board. We will recover from this.”
The need for crisis services for women has seen an increase over the past 15 months. During the last year, 125 women and their children stayed in YWCA’s Crisis Center Shelter. Crisis intervention services were provided to 800 women, protecting them and helping them reintegrate into safer situations.
The YWCA serves five counties and promotes safety, justice, strength, and recovery through a variety of programs. If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, please contact the YWCA Enid on their 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 580-234-7644 or visit the YWCA Front Desk at 525 S. Quincy.
