history
1887
The oldest YWCA in the South, YWCA of Richmond was conceived in a parlor meeting of eight women on May 16, 1887
1888
Opened a boarding home, which would accommodate 19 young women moving to Richmond for factory work
1891
Opened day nursery to care for children while their mothers worked in local factories
1911
Phyllis Wheatley Branch opened, one of the country's first African-American branches
1914
Began construction of the YWCA facility on 5th Street; the building was designed for programs focusing on residence and physical fitness
1930
Assisted in starting the Southern Commission on Interracial Cooperation
1960
Fully integrated all programs
1979
Started a sexual assault center, one of the first in Virginia; it operates today as Richmond's only 24-Hour sexual assault center
Opened the first shelter for battered women in Richmond
1989
Opened the first shelter for battered women in Chesterfield
Initiated the first and only preschool program for homeless children in Richmond
1996
Eliminated health and fitness programs to concentrate on three focus areas: domestic violence, sexual violence, and child early childhood education
2001
Raised over $4 million through the Rebuilding Hope Capital Campaign to renovate the Richmond domestic violence shelter and the historic 5th Street building
2006
Child Development Center became one of only a few nonprofit centers that is certified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
2007
Celebrated the 120th Anniversary
2008
Opened a second year-round, full-day Child Development Center site within the Chippenham Place apartment community
Celebrated the retirement of Cathy Pond who served as Executive Director for 15 years
2009
Started the RHART program
2010
Implementation of new strategic plan and change in housing model to transitional housing
2011
Celebrated 120 years of providing childcare to Richmond
2012
Celebrated Cassandra Emery who served as CEO for 3 years
Welcomed Linda S. Tissiere, the new Chief Executive Officer
