Who We Are
The YWCA St. Joseph is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
At its founding in 1888, YWCA St. Joseph began a series of programs, each designed to fit the times, but all supporting one central mission: eliminating racism and empowering girls and women. We remain one of only two YWCAs in the state of Missouri, offering practical assistance to support brighter futures of women and families in the St. Joseph area.
Danielle Brown, CEO
A Legacy of Hope
In its earliest years, the YWCA St. Joseph provided housing for young ladies coming to our community in pursuit of work and education. Later on, we reached into the wider community with help during the years of the Great Depression. In the mid-1900s, the YWCA St. Joseph was on the forefront of efforts toward racial integration and racial justice. Those goals continue to drive us and lay a foundation for all that we do.
It’s true — what started as a group of women going door-to-door for donations in the late 19th century has grown beyond what those founders could have imagined. In recent years, the YWCA St. Joseph has served over 500 women a year and given over 16,000 nights of shelter to women and children in need.
Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice,
Freedom and Dignity for all.
YWCA MISSION
Our Values
Compassion
Serving all individuals with empathy, kindness and a sincere desire to help.
Integrity
Committing to honesty, fairness, and adherence to moral and ethical principles in all of our actions with those we support and those who support us.
Responsiveness
Acting positively to meet the changing needs of our community and of those in need.
Accountability
Having an obligation to operate transparently and to answer to our constituents, funders and community.
Courage
Speaking up and taking action for equality and empowerment despite opposition and obstacles.
Key Dates in YWCA National History
Annual Reports
YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and we’re committed to accountability and transparency in everything we do. Below you will find resources that illuminate our financial position, outline how we allocate our resources, and showcase the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we welcome your support of our mission!