Who We Are
Serving the Winston-Salem community for over 100 years, the YWCA of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is affiliated with the national YWCA whose mission is “eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.” Our local YWCA was founded in 1908 by church women in the community to assist girls coming into the city to work for Reynolds Tobacco Company and Hanes Knitting Company.
The YWCA continues its commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women by continuing to fund programs right here in our community. We offer programs that empower low income and at-risk children, empower women to live successful lives as they recover from substance abuse, & empower YWCA members to live healthy lives. These programs include: After-School & Summer Camp at our Best Choice Center, Youth Intervention Services such as Teen Court & Work & Earn It, Residential substance abuse program at the Hawley House, Project New Start (a program for incarcerated and post-release women), and a Preventive Health & Diabetes Wellness Program at the YWCA Wellness & Fitness Center.
Mission & Values
Mission
The YWCA of Winston-Salem is affiliated with the national YWCA whose mission is “Eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”
Locally, the YWCA supports this mission through “Change for Life” programs that:
Empower low income and at-risk children
Empower women to live successful lives as they recover from substance abuse
Empower YWCA members to live healthy lives, with special emphasis on chronic disease prevention & management
Focus on Women and Community
The YWCA of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is dedicated to empowering women, promoting equality, and supporting at-risk youth. Through programs focused on health, education, and juvenile crime prevention, the organization works to break down systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities for all.
Ongoing Impact
The YWCA remains a vital force in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, offering essential programs for women and families. Guided by a strong commitment to social justice and equity, its legacy continues to shape its mission and impact today.
Values
The YWCA of Winston-Salem is a welcoming organization that reflects the rich diversity of people in Forsyth County and offers targeted, evidence-based programs that enable participants to fulfill their life-changing goals.
Core Values
Welcoming
The YWCA welcomes people from all races, cultures, and economic circumstances to be full participants in its staff, board and membership.
Impactful
Programs and activities will have a measurable impact on individuals’ established goals.
Ethical
An organization with the highest ethical standards in all that we do.
Respectful
In every interaction, staff will treat members, program participants, and each other in a respectful and friendly manner.
Professional
Facilities and programs will be conducted in a safe, clean, and professional manner.
Our History
Over a Century of Empowerment
The YWCA of Winston-Salem has been a vital part of the community since 1908, committed to empowering women and eliminating racism through impactful programs and services. From its earliest days, the YWCA has focused on advancing health equity, expanding educational opportunities, and supporting youth through initiatives to prevent juvenile crime.
The YWCA movement began in London in 1855, arriving in the United States in 1858 with the founding of the first chapter in New York City. Just fifty years later, the Winston-Salem branch was officially established at the First Presbyterian Church, responding to the growing needs of women—particularly young women migrating from rural areas to urban centers—by providing a safe, supportive space to thrive.
A major milestone came in 1914, when the organization selected the historic S. F. Vance property at the corner of First and Church Streets as the site of its first permanent home. This property had once belonged to Colonel Gibson, a Germanton native, and later to Dr. W. H. Wheeler and Mr. Vance.
In 1917, the new YWCA facility officially opened its doors, featuring modern amenities of the time including a swimming pool and tennis courts—a bold testament to the organization’s commitment to women’s wellness and recreation.
For over a century, the YWCA of Winston-Salem has stood as a beacon of hope, resilience, and progress—continuing its mission to uplift women and build a more just community.
Collaborative Partners
The YWCA has strong collaborative partners across all programs and services.
These important partners cover/include:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Nutrition
- Financial
- Local nonprofits throughout our community
