Welcome to YWCA

For over a century, YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts has been a beacon of hope and support for women, children, and families in the Greater Lawrence, Haverhill, and Essex County, including Merrimack Valley. As part of the World YWCA women’s movement, we proudly support over 15,000 people each year and offer more than 26 programs tailored to serve our community’s needs on overall women’s health services, innovative and year-round child-care ages 0-14, and supporting survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault.

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Why The YWCA

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts has been a proud member of our community since 1892. As part of both the National YWCA and the World YWCA, we share a unified vision for peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Every year, we serve over 15,000 women, children, and families through a wide range of programs, services, workshops, and events.

Our daily mission is to empower women toward economic independence, promote ethnic and gender equity, celebrate diverse cultures, and create spaces where children and youth can thrive. We are deeply committed to providing education, support, and training to prevent intimate partner and sexual violence while supporting survivors, working together to build a vibrant and inclusive community.

Survivor Services

Intimate Partner Violence/Sexual Assault support to survivors

Youth Services

Empowering Young Minds; After School, Early Education, & Summer Camp

Womens Health

Women’s Health and Referral Services

Residential Programs

Housing that offers hope and healing to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault

Recreation & Community Space

Where empowering community events come to life!

Upcoming Events

YWCA DV Awareness Month Flag Raising Ceremony

Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, 4:00 – 4:30 PM

200 Common Street – Lawrence, MA

Join us in front of the fountain across the street from City Hall

More info & RSVP

Brides March; Vow to Denounce Domestic Violence

Organized By: YWCA NEMA

Friday, September 26, 2025

Campagnone Common – 200 Common Street, Lawrence, MA

More info & RSVP

YWCA 8th Annual Fall Fest

Organized By: YWCA NEMA

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Renaissance Golf Club – 377 Kenoza Street, Haverhill MA

More info & RSVP

YWCA Clothesline Project

Organized By: YWCA NEMA

Thursday, October 9 & 22, 2025, 4:00pm

YWCA Haverhill – 107 Winter Street, Haverhill MA

More info & RSVP

YWCA Break the Silence Walk

Organized By: YWCA FINA House

Thursday, October 24, 2025, 5:00 – 7:30 pm

YWCA FINA House – 203 Haverhill Street, Haverhill MA

More info & RSVP

43rd Annual YWCA Tribute to Women

Organized By: YWCA NEMA

Save the Date, May 14, 2026

Andover Country Club – 60 Canterbury Street – Andover, MA

More info & RSVP

View Our Events Calendar

Our Partners & Sponsors

YWCA Happenings

Check out what we are up to next!

At the YWCA, we work with other community partners to ensure that the women and families we serve have access to information, resources, and support on their journey from victim to survivor.

YWCA 2025 Annual Report

On behalf of the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts, I want to express our deepest gratitude. I hope you had a nice end to 2025 with your loved ones over the past few weeks! As I reflect on the past year, four words rise to the surface: resiliency,...

New Executive Leadership Team at the YWCA NEMA

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts is excited to announce the additional promotions of three long-standing YWCA leaders to support Maricelis Ortiz in her new Chief Executive Officer role. Maricelis, who served as the organization's Chief Operating...

YWCA Announces New Chief Executive Officer

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts is excited to announce the promotion of Maricelis Ortiz to Chief Executive Officer, September 8th, 2025. After an extensive search process, the YWCA Board of Directors is confident that Maricelis, who has served as...

YWCA 2025 Dominoes Tournament and Block Party

Join us for the 1st Annual YWCA Dominoes Tournament & Block Party on Friday, August 22nd from 5:30 – 8:30 PM at the YWCA Main Site, 38 Lawrence St., Lawrence. We are hosting an official Dominoes Tournament for only $25 per player. Player...

Looking for the next YWCA CEO…Is it You?

Announcing that we are officially seeking the next Chief Executive Officer at the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts Office Are you a passionate and visionary leader ready to drive meaningful social change? Do you believe in the power of empowering...

YWCA NEMA 2024 Annual Report

We are pleased to share all that the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts team has accomplished this year in our 2024 Annual Report. Click here to see how many people we supported, and visit our Agency Information page for past reports.

YWCA Tribute to Women

Join us for the 43rd Annual YWCA NEMA Tribute to Women, Thursday, May 14th, 2026, from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Andover Country Club!Every spring, the YWCA seeks nominations for women who have made a difference in their work and community. A hallmark...

Fun & Gentle Swim Lessons in Lawrence, MA | British Swim School

Dive into the world of swimming at the YWCA! The British Swim School is joining forces with the YWCA in Lawrence, MA. Our recently renovated, regulation-size indoor heated pool is a valuable resource for individuals of all ages in our programs. It...

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts – Women’s Foundation of Boston

In 2022, The Women’s Foundation of Boston awarded YWCA Northeastern MA a Catalyst Grant to support the development of the program director. Girls Center provides STEM programming for girls aged 10-14. Read More: YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts -...

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts to Celebrate Community at Annual Fall Fest Fundraiser – WHAVWHAV

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts will host its 7th Annual Fall Fest on Thursday night, featuring raffles, games, entertainment, and refreshments. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the fundraiser will highlight the YWCA’s work promoting...

Intimate Partner Violence Survivor & Advocacy Services

Our Survivor & Advocacy Services is a robust and empowering network of programs, resources, workshops, and support services tailored to empower survivors within the 29 communities served in Essex County. Our dedicated team of trained professionals supports survivors and families during a crisis, offering the comprehensive support necessary to start their transformational journey from adversity to resilience.

With our grassroots approach, which provides over 25 programs throughout the year, we champion the causes of survivors, helping them build a brighter future filled with strength and empowerment—a story from victim to survivor.

Donate To Help DV Survivors

Learn About Intimate Partner Violence Support

In 2024, our three sites have accomplished the following outreach, advocacy, education, and impact in our Lawrence, Lynn, & Haverhill communities.

Haverhill

Lawrence

Lynn

Presentations Given

Youth Participants

Community Members Reached

Community Events

“The YWCA empowers women to have a brillant future on their own.”

Sindy

Breast Health Project Coordinator

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