ywca columbus

a small start

In 1886, something extraordinary began when five women set out to find a home for Columbus’ first YWCA.

They found a 12-room house, and offered shelter to 25 young women who had recently moved to Columbus and were looking for a safe place to stay.

World War I brought more women to YWCA’s door—more than we had room for. Thanks to the generous donation of community member Mary Sessions, we soon had a facility with enough space for hundreds to gather.

In 1929, YWCA got what it had never had before: a permanent home in downtown Columbus, funded by Mary Griswold. Since then, the Center for Women has become a meeting place for thousands who have found opportunities to grow and make an impact in our community.

a big commitment

Over the last 130 years, YWCA Columbus has made incredible strides to eliminate racism and empower women in central Ohio.

In 1910, we founded the first public childcare program in Franklin County.

During World War I, we created a center for African-American women and girls, providing emergency housing and hostess houses for African-American troops.

In the 1940s and 1950s, we pushed to integrate racially segregated housing at YWCAs across the U.S.—modeling interracial partnerships and encouraging civil rights work.

Today, we touch the lives of more than 12,000 women and families through thoughtfully planned and critically needed programs that support and empower women of all kinds.

the mission continues

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

To learn more about YWCA Columbus, click here.

To learn more about the history of the national YWCA, click here.

1886
began with a society of 5 women leasing a 12 room home for homeless girls

1910
opened first public childcare program for working mothers in Franklin County

1915
organized the Girl Reserves to develop “productive and dependable young women”

1918
added curriculum to our childcare and became the first kindergarden in Franklin County

1923
organized the Blue Triangle Branch, a center for African American women

1929
opened and dedicated the Griswold Memorial Building

1938
congratulated by the Columbus Urban League President for serving African Americans in our cafeteria

1943
housed relocated Japanese American women in the Griswold Building

1946
adopted the Interracial Charter, a landmark policy for racial justice

1952
fully integrated our staff, board, swimming pool, and residency

1970
adopted “The One Imperative, to thrust our collective power towards eliminating racism”

1974
Mary Miller, YWCA staff member, led the way to Ohio’s ratification of the ERA from the third floor of the Griswold Building

1986
celebrated first 100 years with the first Women of Achievement Event

1989
first School Age Childcare program begins in Westerville
started serving homeless families with the Interfaith Hospitality Network
awarded first ever HUD grant for our Women’s Residency program

1992
first class of Bright Futures Leadership Program

1994
created Racial Justice Dialogues for legal professionals

1995
began $15 million Griswold Building renovation campaign

1997
first annual Woman to Woman Luncheon

2005
Family Center opens

2005
started Leadership Luncheon Series, networking for professional women

2007
Family Center awarded the Audrey Nelson Award, designating it a national model

2008
Racial Justice Program designated by the National YWCA as a Hallmark Program
Chase Gen Y Leadership Project inaugural class

2010
School Age Childcare program wins Educational Council Award

2015
The Mary Griswold Building renovation begins

2016
130th anniversary of YWCA Columbus

2017
Renovation complete, Center for Women opens