About Us
The YWCA is proud to be the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for our community. We offer a safe and inclusive space where community members can access support, resources, and educational opportunities to achieve their full potential. Our programs focus on youth + family development, victim services, and advocacy. Through our shelter, resources, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, we provide dignity and opportunities throughout Northwest Ohio.
YWCA of Northwest Ohio is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
We work to bring out the individual strengths of women, families, and youth to foster resiliency and self-sufficiency. Our philosophy, in keeping with the mission of the YWCA to empower women and families, centers on providing the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Join us in creating a more equitable and thriving community for all.
Dignity, Empowerment, & Interconnectedness
At the YWCA, we are steadfast in our commitment to Dignity, Empowerment, and Interconnectedness as integral components of our mission. We work to bring out the individual strengths of people and to foster resiliency and self-sufficiency. Our philosophy, in keeping with the mission of the YWCA, centers on providing the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Join us in creating a more equitable and thriving community for all by promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. At the YWCA, we are steadfast in our commitment to equity as an integral component of our mission.
We believe fostering an inclusive environment is essential for achieving our goals of equity and justice. We are dedicated to creating spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
FAQs
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YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. We have been working at the forefront of the most important issues for more than 130 years in Northwest Ohio. Our priority is improving the lives of girls, women, and families through advocacy, local programming, and services.
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No. YWCA serves anyone in need of our programs or services.
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The first YWCA was established in 1855 in London, England. Our first United States-based chapter formed in 1858, and our first national board was established in 1906. The YWCA has existed in the Toledo area since 1870, when the Women’s Christian Association opened a residency for young women who came to “the big city” (Toledo) to work. In 1891, it incorporated to become affiliated with the National YWCA. Locally, we’ve been on a mission for over 130 years, right here in Toledo, Ohio.
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YWCA is a national organization with over 200 local associations around the United States. YWCA USA provides a range of technical assistance and capacity-building services to local YWCAs, maintains the YWCA brand, and advances the organization’s strong national presence from our seat in the nation’s capital, positioning our iconic, multi-tiered organization for increased impact, stability and sustainability in the future.
We also have an international arm, World YWCA, which is a global movement working for women’s empowerment, leadership and rights in more than 120 countries.
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Originally, our organization was founded in 1855 in London, England as “Young Women’s Christian Association". In 2015, we made the official change in name to "YWCA" to reflect our more diverse and inclusive nature. We have grown and diversified from the original "Christian Sisterhood" that we began as. We are a secular organization, welcoming all in the community.
Today, our organization is driven by a commitment to dignity for all, no matter someone’s religion. Our updated name provides YWCA with the opportunity to engage a broader spectrum of individuals in our crucial work.
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No, the YWCA stands as a separate organization that has never been associated with the YMCA brand. Though we can understand the confusion, we are separate entities in all respects.
Leadership Team
Our Board of Directors and Management Team are dedicated to making a real impact in the Northwest Ohio community. We are committed to providing essential support and resources for those in need of domestic violence assistance, sexual assault assistance, breast cancer awareness and education, teen pregnancy prevention education, and access to affordable, quality childcare. Together, we strive to create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for all individuals and families in our community.