message from the executive director

 

Dear Friends,

 

 

Welcome to the YWCA of Richmond’s website.  This site has been redesigned to serve as a helpful resource to clients, volunteers, donors, staff members and the community at large.  We hope that this site will inspire those who are unfamiliar with our work to learn more about us.

 

Since its inception in 1887, the YWCA of Richmond has been fearless in addressing some of the most critical community problems facing women and children.  A Branding Study, completed by Stygar Group, revealed that the YWCA of Richmond is viewed as an asset of significant value to the Richmond Metropolitan area. Its reputation for integrity and high standards of conduct and accountability are attributes that the community acknowledged. 

 

In order to remain relevant and meet the evolving needs of our community, the YWCA has undergone system-wide changes since the early 90’s.  Yet, we remain committed to our vision of protecting the vulnerable, reaching out to those most in need, honoring personal courage and valuing diversity and equality.

 

Three significant organizational transformations include:

• Phasing out the Health and Fitness Program in 1996 to focus on three core services – domestic and sexual violence and early childhood education.

• Conducting a Capital Campaign in 2000 to renovate the historic 5th Street building.  The original locker rooms and lower level pool were replaced with six state of the art preschool classrooms.  The goal for the campaign was $3.5 million and a total of $4.25 million was raised.

• Realigning the Management Team in 2006 to better utilize existing resources and achieve accreditation and certification for all core program and administrative functions within the organization.
  

 

Over the years, collaborations and partnerships with other non-profits and the public and private sectors have been essential to the delivery of core services and achieving measurable short and long-term results. Understanding the changing environment, its impact on the community and forecasting future trends and best practices has been vital in the evolution of the YWCA of Richmond’s strategic direction. 

 

Our 120 years of success and our ability to provide critical programs that foster the health and healing of vulnerable and at-risk persons can be attributed to the generosity of charitable individuals.  Their support has empowered many battered women to take the first steps toward a new life and instilled the importance of tolerance and understanding in preschool children embarking on life-long education.

 

We appreciate the vote of confidence and the significant commitment and dedication of our many constituents.  We look forward to your continued support in fulfilling our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and elevating children. 

 

Warmest regards,

 

Cathy N. Pond, MSW

Executive Director