YWCA Greater Kansas City

The YWCA Greater Kansas city is committed to the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women and girls. The YWCA strives to complete this mission through community-based social services and cultural programs.

The YWCA Greater Kansas City first began serving Wyandotte County, Kansas in 1901 and has strong resolve in continuing to establish program locations in Kansas City, Missouri. In addition to character development programming for girls and young women, the YWCA Greater Kansas City is committed to eliminating barriers to health and financial sustainability that are present as a result of racial and gender disparities. The YWCA’s gender-specific approach targets the unique needs of the diverse communities, who experience these disparities at disproportionate rates. The YWCA’s efforts are structured in three departments: Girls’ Programs, Women’s Programs, and Racial Justice & Cultural Programs.

The Girls’ Program Department aims to provide rich opportunities for girls and young women to develop healthy lifestyles, leadership and civic qualities. The following programs are provided in school and community settings: Girl Power, Health Bridge, Healthy Relationships, Lunch Bunch, and Green Girls Summer Camps. Girl Power, Health Bridge, and Healthy Relationships programs will all incorporate the educational resources provided through this grant into the Breast Health Awareness sessions.

The YWCA’s Women’s Program Department focuses on empowering women through employment opportunities in non-traditional fields. The YWomenCAN program informs community members about non-traditional career paths and fields which include less than 25% female representation. YWomenCAN hosts multiple information sessions each year to inform women of opportunities within high paying fields which are seeking women employees. These career workshops then link interested program participants with educational opportunities and apprenticeships necessary to move into a sustaining career field. In 2010, YWomenCAN began to deepen programmatic impact by beginning a case management approach to tracking women’s needs and successes and providing tailored action plans and referrals for necessary resources.

The YWCA Greater Kansas City is committed to promoting the Racial Justice & Cultural Events in our community. Currently, the YWCA is partnering with El Centro to sponsor a monthly Artwalk specifically targeting themes of women, children, and minorities. Our Artwalk is scheduled for every second Friday each month in Downtown Kansas City, Kansas.