Devon donates $1 million to YWCA

As part of a $15 million capital campaign to expand the YWCA shelter in northwest Oklahoma City Devon Energy Corp. made the first major corporate gift of $1 million.

Rendering of YWCA shelter expansion

The shelter was built in 1989 and has 55 beds for women and children in abusive situations. The YWCA reports the shelter is full most of the time, and many victims go without services.

Courtney Hamar, public relations and development coordinator for the YWCA Oklahoma City, said the new building will include 85 beds. In the existing building, there will be 52 beds for extended stays.

The three-year campaign is in its second year. Hamar declined to report how much money has been raised to date. No groundbreaking or completion date has been announced. Hamar said those will be contingent on raising the needed funds.