Vision: The YWCA of the Greater Baltimore Area, Inc. envisions a network of women of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds working together to build more fulfilling lives, promote racial justice, and reinvigorate communities throughout the Greater Baltimore area.

Local, regional, national, and international scope: The YWCA of the Greater Baltimore Area, Inc. is a 501(3)c non-profit serving Baltimore City, Baltimore County, northern Anne Arundel County, and Harford County. We are affiliated with the national YWCA which has 2.6 million members in 300 local associations. The national YWCA works on behalf of all YWCA's to advocate for national programs and policies to empower women and eliminate racism. We are part of the international YWCA with over 25 million members in 122 countries working to advance the welfare of women worldwide. The international YWCA is the world's oldest, largest multicultural women's organization in the world.

History: The YWCA was founded in 1883 to shelter and assist single young women entering the workforce in Baltimore City. Often coming from rural areas, these women faced harsh working and living conditions. Reflecting the times, a separate Colored YWCA was founded in 1896 to serve the same needs for African-American women and became a revered cornerstone of the African-American community. In trailblazing fashion, the two YWCA's merged in 1920 after many years of mutual support. Today, the alliance of women of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds forms the backbone of the YWCA.

Programs: With an annual budget of $2.8 million and 70 employees, the YWCA offers a variety of programs focused on safe, affordable childcare, housing, and economic empowerment of women of all races. Our programs include: daycare and after-care programs serving several hundred children at school locations throughout the Greater Baltimore area; daycare for low-income children in the Upton area of Baltimore City; a transitional housing program and support services for formerly homeless families; and 90-day emergency shelter services for women and children in Baltimore County.

Future Plans: In 2008, the YWCA celebrates its 125th year of service and leadership. Our plans for the next 125 years are ambitious. We are:

• Enriching our current programs based on standards of excellence.
• Developing new programs promoting racial justice and the economic empowerment of women based on innovative programs developed by the national YWCA. We are seeking corporate and community partnerships for these programs.
• Convening a blue ribbon panel to plan the renovation and assess the development potential for our historic Franklin Street headquarters.