about us

Since 1878, the YWCA of San Francisco & Marin has drawn together members of our community to empower women, families and individuals in order to obtain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.

We continue to serve our community by providing services and programs that enable individuals to live their lives to their fullest potential and be part of the YWCA tradition in making a positive difference in the lives of women, girls and families.  We welcome you to learn more about our services and programs in San Francisco and Marin.

History

The first Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) was established in London, England in 1855. By 1858, women in New England and Mid-Atlantic cities such as New York and Boston had joined the movement to advance the economic, political, social and emotional growth and empowerment of women and girls.

The United States of 1858 would have five years to wait before the Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves … sixty-one years before the passage of the federal Woman Suffrage Amendment gave women the right to vote … and one hundred and six years before the Civil Rights Act outlawed discrimination.

Throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries, the YWCA was in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations, labor union representation, and women's health initiatives.  Today the YWCA advocates on behalf of 2 million women and girls in the United States, and 25 million women worldwide in over 100 countries.

The YWCA of San Francisco and Marin continues to be a resource for individuals and families who need assistance to make their lives in one of the most ethnically diverse and most economically challenging cities in the United States.

YWCA San Francisco & Marin History Timeline

1878

San Francisco YWCA organized with early programs including sewing classes for little girls, a kindergarten, and residences for women who are homeless or just out of the hospital.

1889

New Residence at 1259 O’Farrell dedicated.

1906

Downtown YWCA centers destroyed in fire, but the residence at 1259 O’Farrell escapes damage. YWCA of San Francisco becomes a charter member of the YWCA of the U.S.A.

1909

YWCA opens first cafeteria to serve working women and girls.

1917

YWCA builds and opens a community center at 620 Sutter Street.

1918

International Institute organized by National YWCA as program of San Francisco YWCA.

1930

YWCA admits Negro groups to 620 Sutter Street swimming pool. It is the first integrated swimming pool in the City.

1932

Noted architect Julia Morgan contributes architectural plans for Chinese and Japanese Centers at 940 Powell Street and 1830 Sutter Street.

1958

Marin Center opens with offices at 1010 B Street, San Rafael.

1978

YWCA celebrates Centennial.

1980

YWCA partners with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to renovate and convert the 940 Powell Street Apartments to provide affordable housing for 120 San Francisco seniors.

2002

YWCA San Francisco receives the “Chinese Historical Society of America’s Distinguished Community Service Award” for serving the Chinatown population since 1916.

2004

Received “Certificate of Honor” from Mayor Gavin Newsom on behalf of 125 years of service in the City and County of San Francisco.

2007

New Executive Director, Judy Case, hired with 12 years of YWCA experience. The YWCA Come Into the Sun (CITS) Program is redeveloped and revived. In 6 months the program served 70 San Francisco youth involved in the San Francisco Juvenile Justice System, the majority of whom were girls.

2008

YWCA of San Francisco and Marin celebrates 130 years of service to the community. Girls Leadership programs are expanded and a new technology program for girls in Chinatown called TechGyrls/Digital Connectors is launched.

2010

YWCA expands the 50+ Employment Support Program in Marin with an increase of 30% new clients. The YWCA develops Life, Inc. a youth goal setting and career exploration program and expands to three schools and the Marin Youth Center. The YWCA leases new office space at 900 Mission Avenue in San Rafael. English as a Second Language and an open computer lab are added to the services in San Francisco.

2011

Moved into the new YWCA Marin Center at 4380 Redwood Highway, San Rafael, CA 94903. 415-479-YWCA!!!