
who we are
SINCE 1912,
the YWCA Charleston has been fostering self-sufficiency and independence. Originally designed as safe lodging for young women from rural communities coming to Charleston to pursue careers, the YWCA has evolved into the city’s most diverse and comprehensive network of social service programs. YWCA programs, facilities and services assist more than 5,000 individuals each year.
CORE SERVICES:
OUR PROGRAMS:
YWCA Sojourner's Shelter for Homeless Women and Families serve homeless single women, women with children, men with custody of their children and intact families.
YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program provides safety and security for battered and homeless women and children along with counseling, advocacy and education.
YWCA Shanklin Center for Senior Enrichment provides permanent housing for disabled, abused senior women.
YWCA Empowerment Homes provide permanent housing for a small community of chronically homeless, disabled women.
YWCA Alicia McCormick Homes provide transitional housing for women and children moving toward independent lives.
YWCA Mel Wolf Child Development Center provides affordable, quality childcare including pre-school and afterschool programs for single mothers and working families so they can pursue educational opportunities or participate in the workforce. The program is available to all income levels.
YWCA Racial Equity & Inclusion Program increases local capacity to mitigate the effects of racism and to understand the root causes of it. The program works with community leaders in Boone, Clay, and Kanawha counties to help participants recognize racial bias.
The YWCA retail shop, YWCA Past & Present Gently Used Clothing Store generates income for our Shanklin Center for Senior Enrichment, by selling donated clothing at affordable prices. Clothing from Past & Present is made available to our residents in need.
By helping so many people reach the goal of a self-sustaining life, the YWCA Charleston contributes greatly to a better quality of life for all citizens in Kanawha, Boone and Clay counties.
2024 Board of Directors
Executive Committee:
Leah Glover, President
Belinda Fuller, Vice President
Jessi Mills, Treasurer
Gabriele Wohl, Secretary
Jeri Matheney, Immediate Past President
Kameron Miller
Azita Misaghi
Morgandy Nichols
Samantha Nygaard
Emily Rogers
Marisa Skaff
Ellen Slotnick
Kristen Vieweg
Kate White
Michelle Wittekind
Sherri Young
Maria Belcher
Sarah Brown
Sara Busse
Amy King Condaras
Gretchen Frankenberry
Kenyatta Grant
Ruby Greenhowe
Megan Hannah
Tricia Kingery
Melinda Kiss
Patricia Kusimo
Jeri Matheney