Our Mission
To empower women. To eliminate racism.

About the YWCA of Greater Atlanta
Founded in 1902, the YWCA of Greater Atlanta is a membership movement whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. We fulfill our mission with programs that empower Atlanta ’s women and girls through education, advocacy and unity. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together people who strive to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership and power to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.


Our Programs

Empowerment through Advocacy

Women in Transition and Supportive Housing
The Women in Transition (WIT) and Interim Housing programs provide quality temporary housing services for homeless women and their children. Qualified staff assist residents in creating individualized case plans to meet the goals and needs of their family. WIT advocates on behalf of each family and provides resources and referrals for long-term housing, healthcare, financial literacy, child care, job readiness and advanced employment and educational opportunities. The 18 month program also provides six months of quality aftercare services for clients who transition into self-sufficiency.

Empowering Youth Entertainment Diversity Education Program
Developed in partnership with The Anti-Prejudice Consortium ( APC), Empowering Youth Entertainment ( EYE) is a diversity education program for youth, ages 13 -19, that uses drama as a means of exploring attitudes toward racism, discrimination, intolerance and prejudice. EYE participants develop and perform productions for area middle school students, and also are trained to facilitate peer discussions on the importance of responsibility and tolerance. Following the presentation, students continue exploration of the issues discussed during the performance through writings that serve as the basis for future EYE productions.

Empowerment Through Education

Early Childhood Education at the Northeast Intown YWCA
The YWCA’s quality and affordable Early Childhood Education program stimulates learning that promotes the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children ages 6 weeks through 4 years. Program activities are age-appropriate and address the infant, toddler and preschool developmental stages of a child’s life. Additionally, the Northeast Intown YWCA offers a first-rate pre-K program to help prepare children to successfully enter into kindergarten.

KYDZONE After-School Program
KYDZONE provides a safe, enriching and structured environment for working mothers and their families in eight metro-area sites during after school hours. Participants, ages 5 -12 are encouraged to grow and develop by engaging in a range of effective, curriculum-based and age-appropriate activities that focus on academic enrichment, community service, communication strategies, nutrition,financial literacy and fitness recreation. Through a partnership with the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, the YWCA offers additional fitness-based activities to youth at select sites in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome area.

TGI Tech
TGI Tech seeks to increase girls’ confidence and competence in technology by helping young women, ages 13 -18 years-old, overcome barriers and stereotypes in technology, math and science. The program provides girls with innovative learning opportunities to raise their interest, confidence and competence in these areas, while helping them develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. TGI Tech prepares young women to enter a world of non-traditional, technology-related careers like engineering, computer science and biotechnology. The program also links girls to successful women in technology, math and science professions for mentoring and encouragement.

Financial Education Program
The YWCA of Greater Atlanta recognizes that financial literacy is an important element in creating stability for women of all ages and economic backgrounds. Basic and advanced financial literacy programming is an essential component of the WIT program and financial literacy principals are introduced to youth in our KYDZONE After-School program. In 2006, the YWCA hosted the MONEY: The Power to Empower WOMEN Financial Empowerment Conference, which brought together the most respected financial professionals from around the country to deliver insightful, impactful and educational information to the Atlanta community.

Empowerment Through Unity

Membership
Since our inception in 1902, the YWCA has relied on the support, enthusiasm and commitment of female leaders in the Atlanta community to carry forth its mission. Whether it is protesting for women’s suffrage, organizing a boycott for racial equality, starting the first homeless shelter for women or leveraging connections and relationships for the organization, our members play an essential role in fulfilling the goals the organization sets. Today, YWCA members work together to support our mission as volunteers, spokespersons and advocates. They network among each other and throughout the community to create opportunities for women’s growth and leadership and to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people

Salute and the Academy of Women Achievers
For more than 20 years, the YWCA has honored Atlanta’s premier female role models through the Academy of Women Achievers . Each year, 10 women are nominated by their peers into the Academy and are recognized at the annual Salute to Women of Achievement luncheon in May. These women represent what every young girl hopes she can become and will become with opportunity and support. The Academy of Women Achievers is the first major program to recognize the professional and civic accomplishments of Atlanta ’s women. Members of the Academy include Jane Fonda, Mayor Shirley Franklin, Monica Kaufman, Gladys Knight and Rosalynn Carter.

Empowerment through Advocacy

• Women in Transition and Supportive Housing
• Empowering Youth Entertainment Diversity Education Program

Empowerment Through Education

• Early Childhood Education at the Northeast Intown YWCA
• KYDZONE After-School Program
• TGI Tech
• Financial Education Program

Empowerment Through Unity

• Membership
• Salute and the Academy of Women Achievers