The YWCA was founded in 1855 and is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. It has always served as a life-long positive force among women and girls, and as a catalyst for social change designed to achieve equity and equality. Annually, 25 million women and their families meet, learn, and grow at YWCA’s in 122 countries.

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In the US, the YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and to empower women, efforts essential to realizing a vision of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. To these ends, through a broad base of social services and advocacy, the YWCA dismantles barriers faced by women, girls, and people of color as they develop and sustain healthy lives.

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Women and girls come to the YWCA in times of transition for safe housing, job training, and career counseling. They come for affordable YWCA mission-based child care and skill-building programs for their families. They come in times of crisis as survivors of rape or domestic violence. They come to develop leadership skills and to engage in public advocacy for women and civil rights.​​​

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YWCA’s are known as safe and welcoming places to build stronger lives. And, YWCA’s are active places where committed volunteers and staff lead efforts to improve the futures of women, girls, and people of color, everywhere.​