About YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts
For over a century, the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts has been a beacon of hope and support for women, children, and families in the Greater Lawrence, Haverhill, and North Shore areas. As part of both the National and World YWCA women’s movement, we proudly offer more than 26 programs tailored to serve our 25 community’s needs, with most services provided free or at minimal cost.
Since our establishment in Lawrence in 1892, we’ve steadfastly advocated for those who need us most. We began by assisting immigrant and young women who came to Lawrence to work in the mills and shops. Many of these women faced significant challenges, including unsafe housing, language barriers, and limited job skills. We stepped in to provide secure housing, English classes, library resources, meals, and training in new technologies like the typewriter. We empowered these women to achieve economic independence and lead safe, dignified lives through these efforts.
In the early 1900s, we expanded our support to families by establishing a city services bureau in Lawrence, offering housing, health, employment, and emergency aid. By the mid-1900s, we began providing safe, enriching childcare, after-school programs, summer activities, and athletic programs for young people, enabling women to participate more fully in the workforce.
Today, we continue to be a vibrant community resource. We offer a wide range of services, including domestic violence and sexual assault support, women’s health services, transitional housing, and programs specifically designed for girls. We also provide educational programs, and a summer day camp, Camp Y-Wood, in Salem, NH.
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About Our Rape Crisis Services
For over 30 years, we have provided compassionate support and services to survivors of sexual assault. Established in 1981 as the Unit of Rape and Sexual Assault (URSA), we have grown and evolved, joining coalitions and expanding our offerings to become a comprehensive rape crisis center.
In 2013, the YWCA of Greater Lawrence assumed responsibility for these services, integrating them into our comprehensive sexual assault support programs. We are proud members of the Massachusetts Coalition of Rape Crisis Services and Jane Doe, Inc., standing strong in our commitment to support survivors and prevent sexual assault.
About the World YWCA Organization
The World YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization, founded in 1858 to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Unlike other organizations, the YWCA focuses on human service-oriented programs such as Women’s Health Services, Early Learning Centers, and Women’s Economic Empowerment.
Historically, the World YWCA has been a leader in advocating for social justice and human rights, addressing critical issues like education, poverty, health, and equal pay. Today, the YWCA is in over 122 countries, representing nearly 3 million women, girls, and families in the United States alone and over 25 million worldwide.
In Massachusetts, we are proud to be one of 13 associations making a difference daily.