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

Following two years of organization and planning, the first YWCA association in Atlanta was founded in the living room of Mrs. A. McDermott Wilson. Mrs. Ralph Van Landingham served as the first president and Miss Adele Disbro as the first secretary. Notes from their first association meeting describe: "Through their staunch loyalty, determination in the face of difficulties, ingenuity, and courage, the infant association was guided through its first tremulous days and foundations were laid for lusty growth." The YWCA of Atlanta received its charter from the state of Georgia in 1902.

YWCA Greater Atlanta housed a gymnasium with more than 300 women and girls as enrolled members. That year they opened a boarding home.

YWCA Atlanta became a charter member of YWCA USA.

YWCA Atlanta’s first high school girls' club was organized.

To serve the needs of Black women and girls, "The Blue Triangle" was formed and shortly thereafter renamed the Phillis Wheatley Branch. 

The Phillis Wheatley Branch moved into new headquarters. An early Black YWCA Atlanta Chapter was founded on Spelman College's campus.

For more than 40 years, Black and white YWCA associations co-existed in Atlanta, working parallel to each other. During this period, YWCA Greater Atlanta operated multiple facilities including: the Central Branch, Phillis Wheatley Branch, South Fulton Branch, DeKalb Branch, Midtown Branch, and Ida Prather camp.

The organization provided housing for young women, skills training and educational programs, employment assistance, recreation and social activities including summer camps, tea parties and community gatherings, and served as a meeting place for civil rights leaders, educators, and community organizers.

During the 1960s YWCA USA membership and leadership positions opened to people of all faiths.

YWCA USA Interracial Charter was adopted, starting the process of desegregation for YWCAs across the country.

The current Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA building was constructed. The building served as the civic and social hub for Atlanta's Westside community and Black leaders through the 1980s.

YWCA Greater Atlanta cafeteria opened to Black Americans, becoming the city’s first integrated public dining facility.

YWCA USA’s Direct Action Program began to ensure full desegregation in community YWCAs across the country.

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

Expanding on existing health and fitness programs for women, YWCA USA established ENCORE, an education, exercise, and support program for post-mastectomy patients—the foundation for what would become ENCOREplus.

YWCA Atlanta established the Atlanta Council on Battered Women.

YWCA Atlanta founded the city’s first homeless shelter for women and children (later known as Cascade House, located at 1384 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, rented for $1 from the city).

The first class of the Academy of Women Achievers inducted at inaugural Salute to Women of Achievement event, including:

Rosalynn Carter
Ann Cramer
Johnnie Clark
Barbara King
Skipper Morrison
Eleanor Richardson
Deen Day Sanders
Judith Taylor

YWCA Greater Atlanta opened the current North Highland Avenue campus and launched the current Early Learning Academy model.

Ann Stallard, YWCA USA board chair, was inducted into Academy of Women Achievers; the Ann Stallard Award for Excellence and Leadership was later named in her honor.

A national ENCOREplus program was developed by YWCA and CDC; YWCA Greater Atlanta adapted this program for the Atlanta community.

Georgia Women's Policy Institute (GWPI) launched - a leadership and advocacy training program empowering women to influence public policy and advocate for social change.

YWCA Greater Atlanta hosted its first Conversations forum on race and gender.

Teen Girls in Technology (TGI Tech) launched - STEAM career confidence programming.

Led by Ingrid Saunders Jones and Sarah Irvin, YWCA Greater Atlanta began dreaming about re-envisioned, revitalized historic Phillis Wheatley Westside campus.

Digital Skills Academy (DSA) launched - YWCA Greater Atlanta’s workforce development program focusing on career readiness, business skills, digital literacy, and financial empowerment.

Georgia Women's Policy Institute partnership with Spelman College established to launch a cohort of Spelman undergraduate students.

YWCA Greater Atlanta launched the $19.5 million capital campaign to reopen the Phillis Wheatley Westside campus to expand services and reach more women, girls, and families - particularly on Atlanta’s Westside.

YWCA Greater Atlanta completed the $19.5 million "Collaboration In Action" capital campaign to revitalize Phillis Wheatley Westside campus.

YWCA Greater Atlanta launched the 1902 Society, a giving society for Academy members to ensure long-term financial sustainability of the organization’s mission and programs.

"Legacy in Full Color" by Lacey Longino was unveiled at North Highland Avenue headquarters - a mixed-media mural depicting organization's history with twelve portraits including Phillis Wheatley, Rosalynn Carter, Coretta Scott King, Ann Stallard, Ingrid Saunders Jones, Misty Fernandez, Sarah Irvin, and archival photographs.