YWCA Richmond

YWCA Richmond is a nonprofit organization in Richmond, Virginia, dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women while promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

History

YWCA Richmond was founded in 1887 by a group of eight women concerned about housing, safety, and stability for female workers in Richmond. It is the oldest YWCA in the South and has been a leading force in empowering women and children for over 130 years. Over time, the organization has expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of the Greater Richmond community.

Mission and Vision

The mission of YWCA Richmond is to eliminate racism and empower women, while its vision involves transforming lives by creating access to opportunities, strengthening resilience, and advancing equitable systems for lifelong success.

Core Services

• Domestic and Sexual Violence Support: Provides comprehensive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the Greater Richmond and Chesterfield areas.
• Educational Programs: Offers programs aimed at preventing violence.
• Advocacy: Advocates for social justice and racial equity in the community.
• Early Childhood Education: Operates the Sprout School, offering quality early childhood education.

Impact

YWCA Richmond has made significant impacts through its programs:

• The organization has answered over 10,345 calls at its regional hotline.
• Recognized over 300 outstanding women for exceptional leadership over 41 years.
• Engaged more than 2,900 people in its 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge.

Values

YWCA Richmond operates based on core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and innovation. These values guide its commitment to cultural sensitivity, transparency, partnership, and creative problem-solving.

Volunteer and Community Involvement

YWCA Richmond encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities, including one-day events and longer-term projects. Volunteers are integral in supporting the organization's mission and services. Group volunteer projects are also available for companies and groups wishing to contribute.

[1] https://ywcarichmond.org [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Women's_Christian_Association_(Richmond,_Virginia) [3] https://ywcarichmond.org/about/ [4] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/5c09046bcbf94d2f93cc53579161bff0-ywca-richmond-richmond [5] https://ywcarichmond.org/get-involved/