In 1985 a group of courageous pioneering women established the YWCA of
Indianapolis to meet the needs of women, and in 1998 the tradition
continues. The WYCA of Indianapolis still focuses on, supports, and gives
empowerment to women and their families. Empowerment refers to meeting
the needs of girls and women so that they can freely exercise the power
to determine and direct their lives.
How does the YWCA differ from other organizations that provide health,
fitness, social and education services? Our answer to that is, we stay
focused on our mission of empowerment of women and their families. Each
prospective and current program is evaluated on the basis of its support
of one or more aspects of women's needs.
Please join us as we prepare for and enter into the 21st century.
Who We Are? The YWCA is the oldest and largest organization for women
and girls in the world and is dedicated to the empowerment of women, and
the elimination of racism in order to attain a common vision of peace,
justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.
What We Do? The Indianapolis YWCA is an open, supportive organization
concerned with women and families; providing opportunities to develop
skills, knowledge and resources in the areas of health, self-awareness
and leadership. The Indianapolis YWCA does not have all the answers to
helping our daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts and friends to address the
challenges of this era, but we commit this organization to assist in the
process of improving the quality of life for all women.
Where We Are? The YWCA is housed at the YWCA Resource and Conference
Center on 22 beautiful acres of grounds including amenities such as a 50
meter olympic-size outdoor pool with attached junior and baby pools,
equipped playground, shelter and picnic areas, basketball court, soccer
and softball fields. YWCA programs are carried out on the YWCA campus, in
schools, shelters, public housing communities, correctional facilities
and other locations throughout central Indiana.
What Makes All of This Possible? In 1997 The United Way of Central
Indiana generously assisted us with 25% of our budgetary needs;
government and other foundation grants made up an additional 23%; and
program fees and contribution from people like you provided the other
52%. A tax-deductible gift to the YWCA is an investment in women and
their families throughout the Central Indiana area. Our Development
program offers many giving opportunities to meet your company's or
family's philanthropic needs to create positive change in your
community.
Financial assistance to support programs and services is needed in the
following areas:
General Operating Fund: Covers operating expense of facilities and
Programs.
Grief and Loss Program: Counseling and learning objectives designed to
lead incarcerated youth to an understanding of grief and loss related
influences on their behavior
Parenting Programs: Counseling and learning objectives designed to
teach and support skills to incarcerated women that produce healthier,
more positive relationships with their children primarily to reduce child
abuse.
Young Parents Program: A key component in reduction of potential risk
of child abuse, designed to decrease stress in the parent/child
relationship enabling the parent to continue school attendance and
achievement.
School Age Child Care: Provides affordable, developmentally
appropriate care of children both before and after school.
Youth Enrichment: Supplements the school curriculum through exciting
educational activities at the YWCA facility and other community
sites.
Campership: Allows children to learn, play, and develop friendships
during their summer and holiday vacations.
Health and Wellness: Encourages a lifelong commitment to maintaining a
healthy body.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program: Provides information on the signs
and symptoms and assists women in finding and using local resources for
breast exams, mammographies, and pap smears.
