Message from the Board President

Today the YWCA stands as it has for more than 135 years as a source of support and education for all women of all ages throughout the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond. The problems we face have changed to some degree as society has changed but the underlying need for support and encouragement for all women will never end.

Our mission is to "empower women" and the YW views the elimination of racism in society as a critical imperative in achieving our overarching mission. Our efforts to empowering women and eliminate racism are evident in the quality day care services we are helping to build with over 3,250 day care providers reaching more than 24,000 families. They are evident in the housing assistance, legal and financial counsel that provides vital support for some when it is needed most, and in more than 100 new businesses that graduates of YW Enterprising women launched in the past twelve months. The women whose lives we touch everyday are a central part of the emerging new era for the YWCA in the history of our city's greatness.

As we enter a new era of service, we intend to provide a critical connecting role in this community by partnering with organizations that have similar interests for greater impact.

We will also continue to speak out against, and work toward the elimination of racism which continues to divide us as a community, and rob us of the full use of all the talents needed to help our city reach its full potential.

A major part of our work will be to connect women who have accomplished a great deal with those who are starting their careers. 

Stayed tuned to the YWCA as we launch new initiatives that address the emerging interests of women. And please let us know how you would like to be part of the YWCA…because we want to be part of your life.

Mary Smith Peters
Associate Dean of Students
Point Park University

President of the Board
YWCA