The YWCA Pierce County, chartered in 1906, has served women and children locally for over 100 years.

 

In 1927, a group of visionary Board members determined it was time to build a space that offered women and girls a place to gather, recreate, and live in safety. In just two weeks, the board members raised $300,000--a huge sum in 1927!

Ground broke in 1928, and the current YWCA building became a safe haven for women and girls.

 

In 1976, another visionary YWCA Board voted to transfrom the dormitory style rooms into Washington state's first domestic violence shelter. At that time, there were few domestic violence shelters nation-wide, and none in Washington state. The YWCA Pierce County has played a crucial role in offering safety, healing, and empowerment to women and children fleeing violence since then.

 

The YWCA's Board answered its call to be visionary yet again in December 2008. Amid a recession, the Board took a bold step in purchasing the apartment building adjacent to the YWCA's property to expand shelter services offered by the YWCA. Recognizing that safety is only one quality women need when fleeing violence, the Board's purchase of a larger space offering individual apartment units to clients will also provide dignity and peace amid that healing process.