YWCA of the Hartford Region
History
The YWCA of the Hartford Region is part of a legacy that has been at the forefront of most major movements in the United States and is a pioneer in race relations, labor union representation and the empowerment of women. The YWCA dates back to 1855 in London, England, where Emma Roberts and Mrs. Arthur Kinnaird formed the first Young Women's Christian Association.
Three years later, the Association "crossed the pond," and the YWCA USA was founded. Today, it is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world.
The YWCA of the Hartford Region was established in 1867, born out of the needs of women drawn to Hartford with hopes of financial independence and a better life. The YWCA of Hartford's first home, located on Asylum Street, supported women in need with housing, an affordable cafeteria, employment services and a warm and caring community.
The situation for women has drastically improved since the 19th century, but women and people of color still face discrimination in our society. Each year, the YWCA of the Harford Region addresses these issues by providing:
- Vital childcare services, serving seven towns and 600 children weekly
- A strong advocacy voice for issues affecting women and girls
- Safe and supportive housing for more than 60 individuals
- A child abuse prevention program, helping children and parents during difficult times
- Leadership and development skills for 150 teenage girls
- Financial education to over 450 women to achieve economic empowerment
- Free tax preperation to over 125 individuals through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance initiative
The YWCA of the Hartford Region is as committed to eliminating racism and empowering women today as we were when our doors first opened 141 years ago, and we look forward to bringing new possibilities to the women and girls of our community in the future.
YWCA National and International
YWCA USA, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has associations in approximately 300 U.S. communities, serving more than two million members and participants at 1,330 sites. The YWCA has associations in 122 countries that serve 25 million women and their families. The YWCA USA is a women's membership movement nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of its beliefs and values. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. The YWCA will thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, and by any means necessary.
Throughout its history, the YWCA has been at the forefront of America's most significant movements, blazing numerous trails in race relations and women's rights. Click here to learn more about the YWCA's many "firsts." |
