For nearly 50 years, the YWCA of Chester County has been part of the largest women's membership movement in the world, whose mission is the empowerment of women and the elimination of racism. As a fully accredited association of the YWCA of the USA (and the World YWCA), the YWCA/CC is committed to this mission through programs provided to women and families throughout Chester County that emphasize peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people and the elimination of racism.

Description:
The YWCA of Chester County is a multicultural organization that exists to help underserved women and children in the county. Our clients are primarily women who are going through transitions in their lives, and at-risk children. On My Own provides resume writing, mock job interviews, computer training and financial literacy for women in transition. The Mothers' Center is a support group for mothers and provides daycare for their children. Homeshare is a living arrangment for people who want or need to share their homes for financial, security or companionship reasons with those with specific housing needs and limited financial resources. The Summer Enrichment Program provides elementary aged, at-risk children with academic and recreational camp experiences. It is also a mentoring program for counselors in training aged 13-16. Project Piggy Bank is a financial education program for children aged 8-16. An After School Program, TEAM -- teaching, enrichment, activities and more -- helps children with homework and other educations activities.

History:
Founded in the early 1950's in West Chester, when an interracial group of individuals met to discuss and take action to secure public housing for "people of color," The YWCA was incorporated in 1964 and has been in operation continuously since that time. From early programming that provided shelter for abused women to the Homeshare program, housing issues have been central to the ongoing programming. Through the years, programs/services have met a variety of needs of women and families with well baby clinics, programs for teen mothers, A Women's Resource Center, Displaced Homemakers Program, Domestic Violence Center/shelter, Linking the Generations, Mother's Center and a Widowed Persons Service. We are currently adding new programs, such as a program of education for women seeking to better their lives.

Contact person: Ellen C. Albright, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (610) 692-5014

Address:

123 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.ywca.org/chestercounty

Directions:

Take Route 100 south into the Borough of West Chester. Turn right (west) onto Chestnut Street (which is a one-way street) which is the second stoplight after passing the West Chester Golf Course on your right. Turn left at the. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Market Street, 5 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	Yes