Honoring Leadership, Continuing the Mission - Stacie Blake

Stacie Blake, CEO of YWCA Lancaster, has tendered her resignation after seven years of outstanding service to the women, children and families in this community. Stacie is a bold and visionary leader who has transformed YWCA Lancaster into an organization that’s built to meet the community’s needs now and into the future. She will complete her service in December, 2026

During her tenure, Stacie started the Center for Racial and Gender Equity, convened a coalition and published the Lancaster County Equity Profile, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania; relocated the Lancaster County Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center to a new garden-level space, creating a trauma-informed environment with private offices, community rooms, secure waiting areas, and a private entrance; expanded housing affordability by limiting private rent in the building to no more than 50% of income and adding 17 low income units within the building and under her leadership, participation has grown in all of our programs. 

YForward Campaign - Revitalizing YWCA Lancaster

YWCA Lancaster celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the YForward Campaign Stage III renovations in April 2026.

Perhaps most consequential, she launched the YForward Campaign, to revitalize our building — the largest asset we have — so we can grow where we are and reimagine how we serve this community for the next 100 years and beyond. Stacie raised over $13 million to support this impactful project and the first 3 phases are complete, one phase remains. For this work, YWCA Lancaster was honored by The Central PA Business Journal, Real Estate & Development Summit 2026 and the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County 2026 C. Emlen Urban Award. 

We will miss Stacie’s transformational leadership and we are deeply grateful for her contributions to YWCA Lancaster’s legacy. She has helped build the strong, resilient organization we are today — one that is well prepared to navigate change in our communities. 

The Board of Directors has engaged a search firm and assembled a committee to find our next CEO. Board members Dr. Gretchel Hathaway (Chair) and Karen King (Vice Chair) will be leading these efforts.  

Focusing on Our Mission

Since 1889, YWCA Lancaster has worked to advance our mission of service to community and since 1965 we have led a mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  That will not lapse during this time of transition. The Board is very engaged with the organization and committed to its long-term success. 

Your support has carried us through every chapter of our history, and we invite you to stay with us through this one. Our YForward Campaign remains underway to raise the final dollars needed to reach the full $22 million goal. 

We remain focused on our important mission, no matter what.

Thank you for your continued support of YWCA Lancaster. 

With deep and sincere appreciation, 
YWCA Lancaster Board of Directors