YWCA Lancaster is on a mission with you to eliminate racism and empower women.
The roots of gender and racial inequality are deep and pervasive. For more than 130 years, YWCA Lancaster has been committed to eliminating racism and empowering women.
With its rich history, the YWCA remains steadfast in its commitments, structuring many of its programs to support the principles it has embraced. We not only intend to raise awareness of the issues, we intend to effect real change.
We work proactively and collaboratively to identify and address the needs of our diverse community.
Our goal is to assist individuals in achieving their potential and enriching their quality of life.
Center for Racial and Gender Equity ↘
YWCA Lancaster's Center for Racial and Gender Equity provides comprehensive anti-bias and anti-racism trainings to organizations, individuals, and businesses across the county. In addition, we engage in advocacy and education to turn our mission to eliminate racism and empower women into action through community-building opportunities.
Our full range of consulting, training and education, community engagement programs, racial equity resources, and annual events offers opportunities for all to develop the knowledge and resources to move towards racial equity.
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Education and Training
Learn more about our Racial Equity Institute, single/multi-day trainings, and customized workshops
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Policy and Advocacy
We advocate for community action and policy that advances human rights for women and families.
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Meet-ups and Gatherings
Opportunities to build community and develop stronger empathy around our shared movement.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center ↘
YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center (SAPCC) is Lancaster County’s designated rape crisis center. SAPCC provides support, advocacy, and no-cost counseling for victim survivors of sexual abuse, for significant others, and for other family members. All counseling services are confidential. Staff members or trained volunteer advocates are available 24 hours a day through our sexual assault hotline: 717.392.7273
SAPCC is also deeply committed to heightening the community’s awareness of child sexual assault issues through primary prevention programs.
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Sexual Assault Hotline
24-Hour Sexual Assault Hotline provides no-cost support to anyone impacted by sexual assault.
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Crisis Counseling and Therapy
We offer no cost counseling and therapy to anyone impacted by sexual abuse, harassment and assault.
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Medical and Legal Advocacy
We provide support to victim survivors for medical exams and guidance through the legal system.
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Support Groups
We offer spaces for individuals hoping to connect with others who have experienced similar trauma.
Centers for Child Enrichment ↘
YWCA Lancaster's YWonderful Kids program provides safe, engaging before and after school care, as well as a supplemental Kindergarten WRAP program. Designed to support working families, our program balances learning and fun, helping children develop social skills and connect with positive role models. Join us in nurturing the potential of every child.
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Child Enrichment Center
We provides a nurturing, safe, and educational environment for children ages 1-5. Our program supports early childhood development through engaging activities that foster social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. With a focus on school readiness, we create a strong foundation for lifelong learning in a caring and inclusive space.
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School Age Enrichment Centers
We offer enriching before and after-school care for children ages 5-12. We provide a safe, supportive space for homework help, creative play, and hands-on learning experiences. Designed to complement the school day, this program helps children build confidence, develop leadership skills, and explore their interests.
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Kindergarten Enrichment Centers
We provide extended care for kindergarteners beyond school hours. This program combines structured learning activities with play and exploration, offering children a balanced and supportive environment that bridges the gap between half-day kindergarten and the workday for families.
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Mama La Lechera
We provide a welcoming space for mothers led by experienced facilitators, the group offers support, education, and encouragement to help mothers build confidence and create strong bonds with their babies.
New Choices Career Development Program ↘
YWCA Lancaster's New Choices Career Development Program empowers individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency through career counseling, job search skills, and support services. Our program helps participants build confidence, develop new skills, and successfully transition into the workforce.
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Research and Employment
We help individuals find employment through non-traditional means and networking, as well as acquire skills to conduct unconventional job searches and tap into community resources available to help.
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Life Skills
We provide participants with soft-skills to set goals, solve problems, resolve conflict, manage stress, set boundaries, communicate effectively and prioritize needs.
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Continuing Education
We help you become what you wanted to be when you grew up! With New Choices you can find out about ways to pursue short-term (certificate or degree) educational programs.
Kepler Hall Residence Program ↘
YWCA Lancaster's Kepler Hall Residence Program offers safe, affordable housing and supportive services for women in need. Our program provides a stable environment where residents can focus on personal growth, employment, and achieving independence.
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Emergency Shelter
YWCA Lancaster has 6 Emergency Family Shelter rooms for single parents with children up to 18. Emergency Family Shelter is a short-term shelter.
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Permanent Residence
Female-identifying individuals and families who live at YWCA Lancaster’s Kepler Hall Residency often come from abusive relationships, can no longer afford their current housing due to loss in income, or are transitioning from drug and alcohol treatment programs. The nurturing support provided by the Residence staff has helped many families to get back on their feet and to live fulfilling independent lives.