The YWCA Houston has been the go-to organization for women and girls in the city of Houston for more than 103 years. The YWCA Houston was founded in 1907 and has continued to build upon its legacy of empowering women and girls. To uphold the integrity of our legacy, the YWCA Houston has adopted a very intentional approach to creating programs and services that align directly with our mission. Through our programs, we aid women and girls by empowering them to make positive changes in their lives and their communities. By providing programs that benefit women and girls, and by honoring women who make major contributions in our community, YWCA Houston improves the status of women and girls.
YWCA Houston has a 103-year legacy in the Houston community serving women and girls. It’s true that both men and women live in poverty, face discrimination, and must overcome obstacles. But throughout history—in every country in the world—women and girls face additional obstacles and discrimination solely because of their gender. Throughout each year and with each social change, we have expanded our programs and services to meet the growing needs of women and girls. This is our HERStory:
| Year | Event |
| 1907 | YWCA Houston begins its first Activities Center at 805 Main. Six rooms and a barn become tea room, lunch room, rest room |
| 1908 | YWCA Houston starts first Residence by taking over the Francis Willard Boarding House |
| 1909 | YWCA Houston opens night school MCA Houston Activities Center moves to 1014 1/2 Prairie (Sweeney Loan 1909 office) 2nd floor-cafeteria & rest room 3rd floor-gym
YWCA Houston secures the closing of department stores at 1:00 pm in the summer months for the welfare of the mostly female sales staff |
| 1909 | YWCA Houston Traveler’s Aid at Union Station
YWCA Cafeteria Catered to working women, keeping prices as was profitable to match women’s lower wages. Average price per meal: 18 cents. Now serving 4500 patrons a month, men as well as women (Willet Pamela Faith, B.A., M.A… “More Than Classes in Swimming and Making Hats” – the YWCA and Social Reform in Houston, Texas, 1907-1977 PhD Dissertation, Texas Tech 1912 University 2004). YWCA Employment Bureau ” until that time (1992) the YWCA’s employment bureau was the only one serving women in the city . . . Not only included interviewing prospective female employees, but also going out to the businesses in Houston to determine the availability of jobs . . . prospective employer w\could call the YWCA or the association could call the potential employer if it deemed it had an acceptable applicant for an available position (Wille, Pamela Faith, B.A., M.A… “More Than Classes in Swimming and Making Hats” – the YWCA and Social Reform in Houston, Texas, 1907-1977 PhD Dissertation. Texas Tech University 2004). |
| 1914 | YWCA Houston Industrial Department |
| 1915 | YWCA Houston opens cafeteria and rest room at 1018 112 Preston
YWCA Houston moved Residence to Taliaferro Home McKinney & Crawford YWCA Patriotic Leagues in partnership with other organizations including YMCA designed to keep young women busy and contributing to the war effort and cut down on the spread of sexually transmitted disease. ‘Girls and women affiliated with the Patriotic leagues promised to remain chaste as they participated in YWCA programs« (Wille, Pamela Faith, B.A., M.A… *More Than Classes in Swimming and Making Hats* – the YWCA and Social Reform in Houston, Texas, 1907-1977 PhD Dissertation, Texas Tech University 2004). |
| 1916
1917 |
YWCA Houston was incorporated into 501c3 organization.
YWCA Houston Hostess House at Camp Logan |
| YWCA Houston moves Residence to Franklin Apartments 810 Walker | |
| 1918 | YWCA Houston Girls Reserves
Blue Triangle Branch for Negro women and girls. Sponsored by the National YWCA, it was started by Mrs. B. J. Covington, Mrs. Ruby Craig, Miss Josephine Pinyon – representative from the New York City YWCA. First located in the Old 191B Masonic Building at 806 Clay Avenue.
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| 1920 | Blue Triangle Branch becomes branch of YWCA Houston
YWCA Blue Triangle Branch secures Summer recreation for Negro girls on the bay at La Porte “Wholesome recreation and outing grounds for picnics, fishing, crabbing and a summer home with the necessary conveniences…” (taken from “History of the Blue Triangle Branch Formal dedication and Open House Program Book, 1952). |
| MCA SUNDAY | |
| Building campaign for YWCA Residence and Activity Center | |
| 1921 | YWCA Blue Triangle Branch opens Residence at 406 Saulner. Accommodations for 12-15 girls. Completely furnished by gifts from Churches, clubs, friends and membership donators. *Where our young women and girls might find Christian environment, wholesome companionship and comfortable quarters at reasonable pricesR (taken from RH story of the Blue Triangle Branch
11. Formal dedication and Open House Program Book, 1952). |
| 1922 | Girl Reserves grown to 444 girls In 18 clubs |
| YWCA Central Assn. opens Activity Center 1320 Rusk | |
| 1924 | YWCA Houston Central Assn. Residence completed 1118 Crawford |
| YWCA Casa del Mar Summer fun for school age and working girls | |
| 1925 | New cafeteria Construction 506 San Jacinto YWCA Houston Blue Triangle Branch Residence moves to 2104 Hutchins St.
Girls Reserves Week Membership drive 1000-member goal “l will try to face 1926 Life Squarely” Houston YWCA proposition to local School board; hire visiting teachers to tutor delinquent girls. This resulted from findings that delinquency occurred among girls that did not stay in school. They came to the YWCA in search of employment assistance, where they were encouraged to go back to school. |
| 1927 | YWCA Houston held its first “Mother’s Day event. Beginning of Children Services Dept. |
| 1928 | Girl Reserves Now number more than 1300 |
| YWCA cafeteria expands service for Democratic National Convention | |
| Houston YWCA recommends a city ordinance encouraging cessation of employment of young girls In night street work (root beer, Ice cream stand) for girls under 20 years of age. | |
| 1930 | YWCA Houston BOD asks Blue Triangle to adjust Residence fees to accommodate lower salaried girls. |
| YWCA Houston offers “remedial” rather than “preventative” service due to economic hardship of Depression. | |
| YWCA acknowledged as agency looking after welfare of single women 1930 during Depression. | |
| 1931 | Blue Triangle Branch purchases site for Camp Reposo to follow inactive 1931 camp in La Porte. |
| YWCA Central Assn. move to greater Racial Inclusiveness. | |
| 1936 | YWCA Central Board of Directors Constitutional change: Include Blue 1936 Triangle Branch Committee on Management Member to sit on board.
Blue Triangle Branch forced to close cafeteria, but activities continue. “…the number of girls served was high and the Activities were planned for persons lacking employment or with little income . . . 904 Girt Reserves and 207 adults in clubs and classes. . .the same type of recreation activities was carried on. More people were volunteering their services and the paid membership increased to 140. (taken from *History of the Blue Triangle Branch Formal dedication and Open House Program Book, 1952). |
| 1938 | YWCA Southwestern Region Interracial Conference for Business and Professional Girls |
| 1939 | Houston YWCA hosts Business & Professional Midwinter Conference YWCA Southwestern Region Interracial Conference for Business and Professional Girls |
| 1940 | YWCA Houston – Casa del Mar YWCA camp on the bay has a capacity for 50 girls… large two story house… three cabins where the girls sleep. dining hall and kitchen in separate building. . .a recreation hall and craft shack. . . Lawn, tennis courts and a sports field surround the house. Girls 9-12 attend the first week. 13-18 eligible for the second week” (Casa del Mar opens June 16′ Houston Press, May 1. 1940, Houston YWCA Collection HMRC, Houston Public 1940 Library). |
| 1941 | Blue Triangle Committee of Admin. Chairwoman becomes voting member. |
| Houston YWCA Acknowledges Institutional racism | |
| Blue Triangle Branch Reopens Activities Center 1419 Live Oak St. Lease enough space for programs with girls 9-12, teens and young employed women. | |
| 1942 | World Fellowship Committee |
| 1946 | YWCA adopts Interracial Charter at National Convention |
| YWCA offers Houston city-wide course on race relations. | |
| Girl Reserves become Y-Teens | |
| 1948 | Capital Campaign for new branch Building |
| 1949 | Houston YWCA begins work on Latin American Branch Magnolia Park |
| 1950 | Houston YWCA and Y-Teens *During 1950, a total of 24,834 persons used the facilities of the YWCA. Y-Teen program, active in all junior and senior high schools in Houston had more than 2000 girls engaged in club work” (YWCA Completes Beautiful Playground” Houston Chronicle, January 29, 1952 Houston YWCA Collection, HMRC, Houston Public Library”) |
| YWCA Houston Blue Triangle Branch raises earnest money for new branch. Ten founding women contribute $1000 each. | |
| 1951 | YWCA Central Assn. elects first black woman to Executive Board, Mrs. Charles “Hattie Mae” White. |
| YWCA Houston Blue Triangle Branch lays cornerstone for new branch headquarter building at 3005 McGowen. | |
| All YWCA employees receive social security benefits | |
| Houston YWCA participates in National YWCA Defense Fund | |
| Houston YWCA Assn. becomes “Metropolitan” with three branches; Downtown, Blue Triangle, Magnolia Park | |
| YWCA letters to Congress in support of actions to relieve famine in India | |
| Texas Y-Teen Conference “Give up this day-understanding | |
| YWCA letters to Governor’s Commission supporting State school for delinquent Negro girls | |
| Regional YWCA Conference in Houston | |
| 1952 | YWCA Houston Blue Triangle Branch new facility completed 3005 McGowen |
| 1953 | YWCA opens Magnolia Branch Facility |
| Blue Triangle Branch receives donation from John Bigger- mural entitled “Contribution of Negro Women to American Life and Education” | |
| 1954 | YWCA Houston cafeteria downtown was the first establishment to open its 1954 doors to all citizens
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| YWCA Houston opened facilities to support the African American and Hispanic communities | |
| 1955 | Houston YWCA opens all facilities to all members |
| 1957 | White Citizens Council challenges Houston YWCA Policy of Inclusiveness particular San Jacinto cafeteria through major funder, United Way. |
| Houston YWCA opens branch in southwest Houston | |
| 1958 | YWCA gets Involved in local anti-poverty Initiatives |
| YWCA complete purchase of 21 lots at 7300 Navigation | |
| United Fund Service Center in Pasadena | |
| YWCA Spring Branch Center opened | |
| YWCA Interfaith Workshop | |
| 1959 | Houston YWCA co-sponsors Town Han meeting: “Financial Assistance for Employable in Need” |
| YWCA Forum Program first titled: “Does Federal Aid mean Federal Control?” | |
| Houston YWCA and Welfare Reform Y goes on record supporting legislation at removing “un-employability” clause from public welfare ordinances | |
| YWCA Interfaith Workshop “Improving Understanding: Neighbor to Neighbor | |
| 1960 | Houston YWCA hold public forums throughout the 60’s strictly to educate Houston Community on welfare issues |
| 1962 | YWCA Houston trend toward work of a social agency “The Houston Neighborhood Centers invited the Houston YWCA to take a part in a training program for foreign social workers during the early 1960’s* (Willie, Pamela Faith, B.A., M.A. *More than classes in swimming and making hats” the YWCA and Social Reform in Houston, Texas: 1907-1977. PhD Dissertation, Texas Tech 1962 University, 2004). |
| YWCA Houston accepts University of Houston’s request to study issues presented in Community Council of Harris County Child Welfare Study “These are your children” | |
| 1963 | YWCA Tour of Europe |
| Houston YWCA conducts educational series on Space Program | |
| 1964 | YWCA answers call from Houston Action for Youth – (HAY) supervisory participation beginning on the Northside |
| YWCA branches hold new classes in fashion and charm for high school girls 10, 11, 12 grades | |
| 1966 | YWCA answers call. Women in Community Service asks for residence facilities for War on Poverty program: “Job Corps” |
| Houston YWCA participates in HAY “JOY Program – Job Opportunity for Youth. The goal is to help young people 16-21 year of age, out of school and unemployed develop useful patterns and skills to aid them in securing and holding a job” (taken from BOD minutes, March 22, 1966, Houston 1966 YWCA Collection, HMRC, Houston Public Library) | |
| YWCA Houston now operates: 1118 Crawford Residence, 1320 Rusk
Activity Center, MD Anderson/Magnolia Park Branch, Spring Branch/Memorial Branch, Cora Root Peden Branch, Blue Triangle Branch, 1966 Mid City Center Ben Milam Hotel) |
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| YWCA supports Parents League move for legislation to raise age for driver’s license Issuance | |
| Houston YWCA recommends Tutoring training/coordination center | |
| 1967 | Job Corp YW project: Unit of 20 girls to Extend their stay because of need for additional assistance |
| Houston YWCA goes on record as favoring impending Housing Code | |
| Houston YWCA participates in sending money for Emergency Fund for work with Middle East refugees | |
| Y” Men of the Community honored | |
| 1968 | Houston YWCA Status of Women Meeting: “Gateways to New Careers” |
| Houston YWCA gets contract with Texas Youth Council for Job Corp Retirees | |
| 1969 | YWCA Houston Racial Justice Institute |
| Houston YWCA and Texas Welfare Reform | |
| YWCA Houston Crockett Street Center established Houston | |
| YWCA co-sponsors with League of Women Voters “The Right to be Fed” meeting | |
| Houston YWCA hosts World Fellowship Event at Mid-City Center (Ben Milam Hotel location) | |
| YWCA Houston expresses concern about lack of services to young teen girls who are pregnant | |
| International Training Committee | |
| 1970 | YWCA Houston and Black Women’s Conference |
| 1970 | YWCA Houston officially represented in Houston Women in Action |
| 1970 | YWCA co-sponsors with League of Women Voters bond issuance for new library |
| 1970 | YWCA Houston hosts YWCA National Convention |
| 1970 | YWCA Houston and Model Cities Program |
| 1970 | Houston YWCA requests a woman be appointed to the Manpower Development Training Committee |
| 1970 | YWCA Houston and Social Justice Institute |
| 1970 | YWCA Houston gets HCAAA Board Representation Harris County Area Agency on Aging |
| 1970 | YWCA Magnolia Park branch is site for “Freedom School” |
| 1971 | Houston YWCA hosts “La Conferencia para las Mueres por la Raza” 1st Chicana meeting ever held in USA |
| 1971 | YWCA Houston Pilot group for Voter Registration Volunteer Services |
| 1971 | YWCA Tutoring Plan |
| 1975 | YWCA Houston Implements ENCORE: exercise and support for those who have had breast cancer surgery |
| 1976 | YWCA begins honoring women through the Outstanding Women’s Luncheon (OWL) – first honoree Sarah Weddington |
| 1977 | YWCA Houston Co-founds with UT School of Public Health and Women in Action Houston Area Women’s Center |
| 1982 | YWCA Houston opens Masterson Branch |
| 1985 | YWCA Houston conducts first Teen pregnancy prevention program in Houston by Yolanda Alvarado |
| 1985 | YWCA Houston hosts women’s forum: “Pathfinders” |
| 1986 | YWCA Houston conducts summer “Swimathon” to raise fund for its five branches |
| 1987 | YWCA Houston operates five branches and six sites |
| 1987 | YWCA MD Anderson/Magnolia Park Branch Receives federal funds from City Council for repairs, renovations |
| 1987 | YWCA Houston Conducts phone solicitation campaign of members for operating fund to finish fiscal year |
| 1992 | YWCA Houston Blue Triangle Branch fundraiser: reprints of John Bigger’s mural |
| 1994 | YWCA Houston first annual “Week without Violence” |
| 1995 | YWCA Houston Gateway Project Transitional housing program for 360 at-risk women and children |
| 1995 | YWCA matches girls to business and community organizations on “Take our daughters to work Day” (Rltts take our daughters to work day again”, 1995 Houston Chronicle, March 14, 1995). |
| 1995 | YWCA Houston PR campaign to remind Houston of the “W” Differentiate from YMCA |
| 1995 | YWCA Houston Board cuts budget six branch directors, one personnel 1995 director, 17 employees, temporary close two facilities |
| 1995 | YWCA Houston inaugurates Capital Campaign |
| 1996 | YWCA Houston Annual Campaign completed $3.5 million raised for urgent 1996 renovations |
| 1998 | YWCA and Little Sister Program |
| 1998 | YWCA Houston becomes a direct service provider for “Meals on Wheels” |
| 1999 | YWCA Houston and “SEED” Self-Employment for Economic Development 1.8MM from Texas Workforce Commission |
| 2004 | YWCA Houston and Mary Lou Retton kick off summer camp |
| 2004 | YWCA Houston launches new national brand Eliminate Racism, Empower 2004 Women, ywca |
| 2005 | YWCA Houston launches “HIP HOP” Healthy Initiative Project – Healthy 2005 Options for People |
| 2005 | YWCA Houston “Challenge Day” supports Mayor White’s initiative to get Houstonians to exercise for at least 15 minutes on 5/25/2005 |
| 2005 | YWCA Houston Reopens Gateway Center at 6309 Martin Luther King Boulevard |
| 2005 | YWCA Houston closes Masterson Branch |
| 2007 | YWCA Houston celebrates 100 years’ service |
| 2007 | YWCA Houston begins Project Confidence |
| 2008 | YWCA Houston begins “WILD” program: Women Independently Living and Developing (post foster care program for girls aging out of foster care). History wall shows 2007, program opened 2008 |
| 2012 | YWCA Hold Friendraiser “Cinderella” |
| 2013 | YWCA Houston new fundraiser “Shoe Soiree” |
| 2013 | YWCA partners with the Valero Energy Corporation |
| 2018 | YWCA launches Youth Programs in schools |