The YWCA has always been at the forefront of fighting for all social movements and representing their members. Whether that means eliminating racism, empowering women and the youth, fighting for healthcare and equality for all, the YWCA’s efforts go towards supporting all of its types of patrons. 

The beginning of the YWCA dates back to 1855 when Mary Jane Kinnaide, a local philanthropist, created a safe house in London for all the nurses traveling to and from the Crimean War. That home gave women support, aid, and helped them further their education in a safe, Christian atmosphere. That safe house in London was copied all over Europe, as well as the United States.  It wasn’t until 1894, that the Young Women’s Christian Association was established globally.

While the YWCA began as a Christian movement aimed at protecting women from the dangers of urban life, the organization continued to adapt along with the times, becoming more progressive as the times adapted and the socialist movement became more legitimate. By the 1920s, the YWCA turned into a completely secular organization, keeping its efforts towards helping women but also straying away from the church and beginning their own movement with their own empowerment.   

Many of the YWCA fractions in Europe were banned as World War 2 took over their countries. Nonetheless, these women still continued to support each other through any means necessary, as well as aid and help refugees and neighbors alike.  Since then, the organization has been committed to working with supporting and aiding refugees, helping with the HIV crisis, as well as fighting for all women’s human rights. The YWCA, since its very beginning, has been in place to support other women in vital ways while advocating for equality. 

The YWCA now has a presence in over 100 countries and continues to grow every day. The Boulder chapter, in specific, was founded in 1922 after a YWCA representative came to visit Boulder and decided a community would be effective there. Ever since the official opening of the Bouder YWCA on May 15, 1922, there has been a safe space for all types of women to come in and relax, gain help and insights, as well as develop meaningful relationships with other women throughout the community. 

Still, nearly a century later, the Boulder YWCA has continued to help women all over the country thrive and reach their highest potential. To celebrate the successful 100 years of this chapter, the Boulder County YWCA is putting together an incredible event to highlight their successes, as well as continue to advocate for what the YWCA stands for. Through this event, more Boulder patrons will become aware of what the YWCA is, and how transformative it can be for so many types of people.