Since 1892, the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee has been the backbone of social change in the community. The agency strives to eliminate racism and empower women through education, supportive services, affordable housing, workforce development, and racial justice programming. The comprehensive services help to remove barriers, build prosperity and secure resources for the more than 15,000 individuals served each year. Working with volunteers and collaborative partners, the YWCA offers low-income women and their families the tools the need to achieve economic self-sufficiency, y changing their lives and their community. Ultimately, the YWCA stands by its mission to promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. In order to accomplish the organization’s mission, the YWCA offers programs that focus on achieving the following goals:

Moving low-income individuals toward economic self-sufficiency;

Providing supportive services for women and their families;

Furthering individual education through coursework and connections to higher education opportunities;

Promoting girls leadership and development;

Helping women become a stronger force in business, political and community forums; and

Addressing the issue of cultural diversity and racism in our community. The YWCA’s primary target population is low to moderate income women residing in the greater Milwaukee area. In addition, as a provider of workforce development programs, the YWCA serves those striving for economic independence through gainful employment, regardless of age or gender. The YWCA has significant experience and success with conducting anti-poverty and asset-building projects. YWCA program participants have access to a variety of quality-focused, culturally relevant services that empower women and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The YWCA offers program participants the following services:

Adult Basic Education instruction, including GED preparation and testing;

Employment and economic development, including self-employment and small business development;

Pre-employment training and preparation, academic skill-building and learning motivation;

Transitional housing and services for women and their families to make the transition from homelessness to permanent housing;

Youth leadership and social development;

Racial justice programming; and

Comprehensive case management.