Throughout our history, the YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations, labor union representation, and the empowerment of women.

1855 – Young Women's Christian Association was formed in London by Emma Roberts and Mrs. Arthur Kinnaird.

1858 – The YWCA movement was introduced to the United States. New York City and Boston opened women's residences.

1860 – The YWCA opened the first boarding house for female students, teachers and factory workers in New York City as women moved from farms to cities.

1870s – Recognizing women's needs for jobs, the YWCA held the first typewriting classes  for women, formerly considered a man's occupation, and opened the first employment bureau.

1920 – Based on its work with women in industrial plants, the YWCA Convention voted to work for "an eight-hour per day law, prohibition of night work, and the right of labor to organize."

1930s and 1940s – YWCAs trained New York City bus drivers, Rosie the Riveters, lathe operators and others.

1942 – YWCA extended its services to Japanese American women and girls incarcerated in World War II Relocation Centers.

1946 – YWCA adopted its Interracial Charter – eight years before the United States Supreme Court decision against segregation.

1963 – The National Board of the YWCA became a sponsoring agency for the summer March On Washington in support of civil rights. The National Board voted support for A Direct Action Program, two-year project to complete desegregation of Community YWCAs.

1965 – The YWCA National Board created the Office of Racial Justice to lead the civil rights efforts and appointed Dr. Dorothy Height as director.

1969 – Racial Justice Institutes were held in eight locations around the United States.

1975 – The YWCA started the ENCORE program, exercise and support for women who have undergone breast cancer surgery.  The program was expanded in 1991, 1992 and 1994.

1980s and 1990s – Work on racial justice continued through public policy action on legislation, through collaborations and by hosting the YWCA Racial Justice Convocation  bringing together key civil rights leaders, public officials, and university representatives  to develop blueprints for racial justice training.

1998 – A major reorganization of the YWCA of the USA was inaugurated. The National Association of YWCA Executives convened a meeting where more than 400 members called for radical restructuring of the organization. During the next four years hundreds of volunteers and staff developed a plan entitled Steps to Absolute Change .

2004 – YWCA of the USA became YWCA USA and the organization launched a revitalized brand that reaffirms the mission and firmly positions the organization for today and the future.

YWCA of Central Orange County
133 N. Grand Street
Orange, CA 92866

714-633-4950
714-633-0621 (fax)

Hours - 9am to 3pm
Monday - Thursday