History
The YWCA is an international membership of women of different faiths, ages, experiences, and ethnic origins—working as an association to empower women and eliminate racism to realize the common vision of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.
Since 1922, the YWCA Princeton has dedicated itself to providing programs that facilitate growth and leadership for women and minorities, in particular to support individuals as they move toward self-sufficiency. The YWCA Princeton Board of Directors, and those of its national and international sister YWCAs, comprise the largest all-women governing body in the world.
See the YWCA's historical timeline.
YWCA Princeton's Milestones:
| 1948 | Princeton’s two YWCA chapters merged, uniting African-American and white communities. |
| 1958 | YWCA Princeton was first YWCA to elect African-American Executive Director. |
| 1963 | Pearl Bates Scholarship fund established, enabling economically disadvantaged members of the community to participate in programs. |
| 1967 | YWCA Public Affairs Committee worked to end housing discrimination in Princeton. |
| 1971 | YWCA helped found Professional Roster, a placement service for women seeking jobs. |
| 1972 | A pilot After-School Program for children of working parents was inaugurated, and ENCORE, Princeton’s program for breast cancer survivors was established (adopted as a national YWCA program in 1977; became Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) in 1985). |
| 1984 | The national YWCA Tribute to Women was adopted program to recognize outstanding women in the community. |
| 1990 | English as a Second Language program expanded to serve the growing immigrant population. |
| 1995 | The Child Care Center at the Valley Road School was established to enable school success through English language and literacy focus, for non-English speaking children ages 2.5 to 5. |
| 2006 | Current administrative and programming staff includes more than 30 full-time and 200 hourly instructors. An active volunteer force of 400 provides one-on-one programming assistance, professional support, and event planning. The 13-18 member Board of Directors comprises a broad range of skills and expertise and is representative of the community’s diversity. |
See what we have going on TODAY.
The YWCA Princeton advances its mission and meets the changing needs of its community through its ongoing programs of literacy: pre-k to citizenship, English as a Second Language, early childhood and youth programs, recreational and rehabilitative aquatics, breast cancer support, and women’s fitness.
