The year is 1893. Grover Cleveland is President of the United States, Robert A. Pattison is Governor of Pennsylvania, and William G. Elliot is Mayor of Williamsport. The “Panic of 1893” occurs, causing a major two-year depression in the economy. The 1893 World’s Fair, also known as the World’s Columbian Exposition, is held in Chicago, and locally, the Williamsport branch of the Young Women’s Christian Association is founded.
Officials at what is now known as the YWCA of Northcentral Pennsylvania are making note and celebrating the 130th anniversary of the establishment of the local YWCA.
“To say we are excited to celebrate our 130th anniversary/birthday is an understatement. We stand humbly on the shoulders of all those that came before us. Just like 130 years ago, we envisioned a world of opportunity. For 130 years, we’ve gotten up and done the work. And, for another 130 years, we will continue,” Dawn Linn, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of Northcentral Pennsylvania, told Webb Weekly. “To work toward ‘eliminating racism and empowering women’ — to reach for a world of equity and justice.”
She continued, “None of this would be possible without passion, foresight, and commitment. Thank you to our Board of Directors (current & former) and Board of Trustees (current and former) for their guidance. Thank you to the staff for the ongoing commitment to serving those who need us most 24/7 — not easy, and we recognize that. Thank you to our donors, supporters, and funders who see our dreams and help us to renew our commitment to be a strong leader!”
Linn detailed some of the history of the local YWCA.
The groundwork was first laid for the YWCA during the industrial revolution when women were traveling to London for new jobs, two women were concerned for the safety and well-being of these young women. One woman — Mary Jane Kinnaird — was a philanthropist who raised funds to set up housing for traveling young, single women. Emma Robarts set up prayer circles to pray for their well-being. They teamed up and created the first Young Women’s Christian Association in 1855.
The YWCA movement spread to the United States, and in 1860, New York City and Boston YWCA’s opened, providing residences, typing classes, and exercise equipment.
It was January 17, 1893, when Emma Carter, the wife of the Rev. James Carter of Williamsport’s Second Presbyterian Church invited her sister — a member of the Harlem YWCA — to speak to a group of concerned citizens “interested in the welfare of the girls of our city.”
Within two weeks, a group in Williamsport was founded with Emma Carter as the first president. By December, the group initiated the affiliation with the YWCA, and ever since, volunteers, directors, and staff YWCA have provided lifesaving and life-changing services.
According to Lynn, “While the YWCA has always provided transformative education to women in our community — like budgeting, how to read financial reports, recreation, babysitting, and more — the efforts of our agency became more focused in recent history.
“In 1977, Wise Options opened its 24/7 crisis shelter and emergency hotline, providing free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.”
As a personal side note, the writer of this article served on the Advisory Committee of Wise Options for 28 years, from 1993 to 2011. I was able to see firsthand the good work and dedication that the staff of Wise Options has shown through the years.
In January 2002, a young woman and her daughter showed up at the YWCA. They were homeless, the mother said, but not suffering from domestic violence. At that time, most of the YWCA rooms were rented out to college students or single women — so there was nowhere for them to go. For the next year, tireless work was done between the YWCA, other local service providers, the United Way, and dozens of volunteers. In January 2003, Liberty House became a reality with five rooms available and sheltered eight women and children in the beginning. 20 years.
A couple of other quick facts. The present YWCA building will celebrate 95 years this year, and the YWCA Boutique will celebrate ten years in June.
The YWCA of Northcentral Pennsylvania has an enviable record of dedicated service to the women of Northcentral Pennsylvania. It looks forward to the next 130 years to build upon its reputation of excellence.
