A Brief History of the YWCA

Since the 1850s, the YWCA USA has been creating opportunities for women’s growth and leadership through empowerment and supporting peace and justice for all people. Starting in 1858, the organization was founded in New York City and was originally known as the Ladies Christian Association. In 1866, women in Boston organized the first official Young Women’s Christian Association. Branches of the YWCA began to open locally following this. By the 1900s, there were hundreds of local YWCA branches across the United States. In 1906, the national organization was officially formed. In 1926, the YWCA of Alliance was opened.    

Worldwide, the YWCA has more than 25 million members across 122 countries, which includes 2.6 million members who contribute to the 200 local associations across the United States. Together these participants work towards the common mission and help strengthen their communities and fulfill the YWCA mission.

—Erin Malysa