YWCA of Niagara legacy
Mrs. George L. Chase founded the YWCA in 1915, probably never realizing the legacy she was leaving the women of Niagara County. What started out as a glimmer of interest while traveling in Europe in 1914, developed into the oldest women’s organization in Niagara County.
The ladies of the YWCA did not “gather for tea, alone” as is often imagined. Their accomplishments that first year are still amazing even by today’s standards. The founder of the YWCA of Niagara was instrumental in making strides for women throughout the area by offering prohibition meetings, courses in automobile mechanics, Physical Education classes (started because the YWCA leaders were worried about the women who had to stand for long periods of time at factory jobs), a cafeteria to provide wholesome, inexpensive meals, “first aid” and dressmaking classes, and Nature clubs began for junior members. Over 200 women attended the dedication on May 2, 1915 with more than 800 charter members on record. More than 800 women who believed, as stated in the annual report of 1915, that the mission was “the social, physical, mental and spiritual development of young women.” These women, their ancestors, their friends, and their neighbors in Niagara County have spent more than 90 years fulfilling the mission of the YWCA. The YWCA of Niagara is dedicated to providing leadership for change by providing services and programs that strengthen women, girls and families.
The mission of the YWCA “...is a women’s membership movement, nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of many benefits and values. Strengthened by diversity, the Association draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: Peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. Our one imperative is to thrust our collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.”
World YWCA history is available at: http://www.YWCA.org
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