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
History
Collaborative Partners

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

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.