YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley

Established in 1905, the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley, an independent 501(c)(3), has long been a pioneering voice in the fight for racial, economic, and gender equality. From our pre-1920 racial integration plan to the early 1970s founding of the nation's first Big Sister program and the area's first rape hotline, we have long been on the cutting edge of responding to the needs of women. Our mission is simply stated: "The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all."

We serve over 2,600 community members annually in the Pasadena area, with special emphasis on low-income communities, women, youth, and minorities. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, we served 2,631. While the YWCA has Christian roots, we are open to all, and our programs have no religious content. We provide a variety of programs that serve women, girls, and the community at large.