YForward: Building for community

A century after the women of YWCA Lancaster first appealed to have their mortgage forgiven, YWCA Lancaster is embarking on a once in a generation effort to leverage the largest asset we have, grow where we are, and radically reimagine our space to equip us to serve this community for the next 100 years and beyond.

Through the YForward Project, we will be adding new affordable housing units for future residents, reimagining our lower level to better serve clients, and increasing our accessibility.

16 new affordable housing units

 YForward will create 16 new living units on the 3rd floor, increasing our capacity by 42%, including new suite-style living units that offer personal bathrooms and kitchenettes. These new units will greater allow us to support individuals and families in every stage of life and situation, and build on our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

New, discrete entrance for clients via Orange St.

A new entrance will be created for clients of our Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center to attend their sessions without having to travel through the main lobby, primary elevators, or stairwells.

Transforming our Garden Level for services

Through YForward, we will transition the Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center and New Choices Career Development Program from the 3rd floor to the garden level, creating a trauma-informed space with private offices, community rooms, and secure waiting areas.


Increasing accessibility with a new ADA compliant elevator

By installing a new, ADA-accessible elevator, residents, employees, clients, and emergency responders will be able to better move throughout our space and enjoy better quality of life.


Want to learn more?

Have questions or want to learn more about YForward and how you can get involved? We’re here to help! Whether you’re looking for ways to support the program, attend an event, or simply learn more about our work, we’d love to hear from you.

Reach out today:
Email: Nancy O’Halloran, nohalloran@ywcalancaster.org
Call us at: (717) 344-2710

Together, we can create pathways for a brighter future.

Join our movement!

For more information about the YForward Project please contact Nancy O’Halloran at NOHalloran@ywcalancaster.org