Blog

YWCA Lancaster is devastated by the loss of eight lives, six of whom were Asian women, murdered in a series of spa shootings on Tuesday, March 16 in Georgia. This tragedy reflects hate against Asians, against women, and against immigrants in America. Let it be known, this is not the first instance of anti-Asian violence. […]

Born and raised in Dauphin County, Deborah Wilson Gadsden has worked in child welfare for nearly half a century. In December, she became the first Black woman to chair the YWCA Lancaster board of directors. When granted the opportunity to chat with her, I began by asking what her greatest passion was, personally as well […]

Lancaster, Pa. (February 11, 2021) – A historic first in Lancaster; a focus on Black artists in visual, performance, or spoken word.  The Black Artist Waystation will highlight the breath of creativity in our community with three Exemplars receiving $500 honorariums.  A full program of display will happen Juneteenth of 2021. When: February 15, 6-8pm, Black Artist […]

Lancaster, Pa. (January 21, 2021) – YWCA Lancaster welcomes seven new members to the Board of Directors with three-year terms. The mission of the agency is to eliminate racism and empower women. The elected members are an impressive group of women, selected among dozens of community business and civic leaders referred for the openings this […]

YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.  On President Biden’s first day in office, he signed 17 Executive Orders and we were thrilled to see the critical issue of racial equity being addressed on day one. As an organization, the Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for […]

Lancaster, Pa. (January 5, 2021) – YWCA Lancaster announces the return of New Choices, a program first launched 35 years ago as a collaborative effort between YWCA Lancaster, the Junior League of Lancaster and Lancaster County Career and Technology Center. Founded in 1985, New Choices has been successfully aiding individuals in transition and has assisted thousands of Lancaster individuals to plan and achieve their career, educational, and personal goals. This […]

Lancaster, Pa. (December 15, 2020) – Today, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced donations to 384 organizations driving change around the world, and YWCA Lancaster was included with a gift in support of our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We are so grateful to Ms. Scott for her game changing philanthropy worldwide and for elevating […]

Lancaster, Pa. (December 17, 2020) – YWCA Lancaster’s Center for Racial and Gender Equity (CRGE) welcomes The GIANT Company as a Founding Partner. The GIANT Company’s support comes as it continues its work to support local community organizations dedicated to racial equality and advancing diversity and inclusion. “The GIANT Company is proud to be the […]

“In this time of racial and social reckoning, I want to be on the right side of history, helping to lead the YWCA forward with equitable and sound solutions.” Deborah Wilson Gadsden. Ms. Gadsden is a 47 year veteran of the child welfare arena in Pennsylvania. As a Training Specialist with Family Design Resources, she […]

The Mayor has taken up the question of the unfinished work of Thaddeus Stevens and reminds us, there is a role for everyone.  What are you doing within your sphere of influence? #whoweareLancaster Lancaster has a unique identity, perhaps best known as the home of our Plain communities and their distinctive culture and traditions. This […]