About Us

Women Posing for a Picture, Advocacy, YWCA Greater Atlanta

The YWCA Greater Atlanta is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

By harnessing the potential of every woman, YWCA brings real change to the fight for gender equality and racial justice. These are the building blocks for a world where social justice exists for all.

We address the needs of women and girls at multiple levels, providing direct services and programs in tandem with public policy analysis. Our services and programs focus on three key areas: Advocacy & Social Justice, Education & Economic Empowerment, and Health & Safety for Women and Girls.

Annual Reports for YWCA Greater Atlanta can be found on Guidestar.

The YWCA is proud to be the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for women and their families in our community.

YWCA Greater Atlanta, a 501 (c) charitable organization, is a local chapter of the national organization, YWCA USA, and has been a voice for change for women and families in Georgia since its founding at Spelman College in 1902. Our organization’s foundation is built upon a history of mobilizing diverse groups of women leaders to identify community problems, advocate for solutions, and create more equitable communities in Georgia.

Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.

YWCA MISSION

Our Values

Respect, Caring, and Kindness

Being United

Social Justice Conference, Advocacy, YWCA Greater Atlanta

Advocacy and Social Justice

Classroom, Advocacy, YWCA Greater Atlanta

Education and Economic Empowerment

Honesty and Integrity

Non-Violence

Health and Safety for Women and Girls, Advocacy, YWCA Greater Atlanta

Health and Safety for Women and Girls

Justice and Fairness

The Dignity of All People

Excellence

Responsibility

Key Dates in YWCA History

  • 1858

    The first association in the U.S., Ladies Christian Association, formed in New York City

  • 1902

    Founded YWCA Greater Atlanta

  • 1946

    Interracial Charter adopted, starting the process of desegregation

  • 1960s

    Membership and leadership positions opened to non-Christians

  • 1963

    Direct Action Program begun to ensure full desegregation in community YWCAs

  • 1970

    The One Imperative (“To thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.”) adopted

  • 2015

    Corporate name changed from “Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America, Inc.” to “YWCA USA, Inc.”