Who We Are

YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Our programs address the fact that far too many individuals experience violence, and lack economic security, and these issues disproportionately impact women and people of color. If we want to empower all women, we must also tackle racism.

When all women and families can reach their full potential, our communities thrive.

Everything we do is based on the belief that all women and families have the right to be safe and choose the direction of their lives.

Since 1889, we have served children and adults in the community through a variety of programs. Current offerings include:

  • Center for Racial and Gender Equity’s Justice Now & Workplace Excellence and Belonging, Lancaster County’s premier justice-centered training for individuals, businesses, and community organizations.

  • Kepler Hall Residence Program, which houses single low-income women and provides emergency shelter for up to 6 single parent families.

  • Child Enrichment Center, which provides child enrichment for children aged six weeks to five years, and before/after school care for the school districts of Lancaster and Penn Manor.

  • Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center provides no-cost counseling services to victim survivors of sexual violence, as well as anyone impact by sexual harassment, abuse or assault, as well as prevention education in schools, businesses and community organizations.

  • New Choices Career Development Program, a life-changing opportunity for Lancaster and York County’s individuals in transition to achieve economic self-sufficiency through personal development, career guidance, and job training. (Please note the New Choices program is currently on pause until further notice.)

Our Cultural Values

We will strive to make sure the intersections of each personʼs identity feel affirmed and included.

We will honor our mission by proactively reflecting and acting on how racism and sexism influence our biases.

We will meet the moment with continuous learning and innovation by centering the power of community care and joy.

We will embrace accountability and responsibility by operating with integrity and transparency.

We will listen to understand rather than to respond so all points of view are understood.

We will approach conflict in productive and respectful ways by understanding the intent and acknowledging the impact of our actions.

We will demonstrate these values in the way we lead, hire, educate, counsel, present, and serve by centering the voices and needs of communities impacted by systemic oppression.

Annual Reports

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and we’re committed to accountability and transparency in everything we do. Below you will find resources that illuminate our financial position, outline how we allocate our resources, and showcase the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we welcome your support of our mission!

FAQs

  • YWCA Lancaster is committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our programs encompass a wide range of services, including the Racial Equity Institute, residential programs, childcare, sexual assault prevention and counseling, and career development initiatives.

  • Our 24-hour sexual assault hotline is available for immediate support. Call 717.392.7273 to speak with a trained advocate who can provide confidential assistance.

  • Yes, YWCA Lancaster provides childcare services through the YWonderful Kids program, catering to children from six weeks to five years old. Additionally, we offer before and after school care in the Penn Manor School District and we serve the School District of Lancaster at our downtown Lime St location.

  • Your support is vital to our mission. Consider volunteering your time, making a donation, or attending our events. Visit our Get Involved page for more information on contributing to positive change.