ywhistory

The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States.

More important than the numbers is our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders and advocate for women's rights and civil rights in Congress. Women come to us in times of crisis, as survivors of rape or domestic violence. They come for childcare. They come for health and fitness. They come for a variety of reasons. But they come. And they leave with a renewed spirit, new skills and stronger lives.

ywca of bergen county milestones

1920 - Nell Doremus applies for and receives a Charter from the National YWCA. We are based at the Opera House located on the site of the present bus terminal.

1928 - Growth in membership necessitates a move to larger quarters across from the present movie theater. Dues are $1 and total membership is 207.

1930 - The YWCA of Hackensack affiliates with the national YWCA.

1939 - A new building is purchased, which is now the site of the Stop and Shop.

1947 - The Newcomers Club, with an enrollment of 44, begins at the YWCA.

1951 - A joint YWCA and YMCA opens, which is the first in the country.

1954 - The YWCA of Hackensack separates from its joint operation with the YMCA and runs its own affairs with its own budget.

1957 - Nursery School opens with 50 children.

1958 - Swimming programs for the developmentally disabled win national recognition.

1960 - Camp Y-Oak-A opens.

1966 - The first Small Fry Club begins in the YWCA of Hackensack gym. It serves preschoolers whose mothers are in the building taking classes or swimming.

1969 - Small Fry Club moves to First Presbyterian Church, Hackensack.

1970 - In January, the YWCA moves to temporary quarters in Christ Church in Hackensack, and in September settles into a more permanent location at 292 Main Street. Efforts are renewed to establish a residence for single women.
1970 - The Room Registry Service is established, matching single working women with homeowners with rooms to rent.
1970 - The Second Start Jail Program is established as well, teaching grooming and yoga to women in the Bergen County Jail Annex.

1972 - A child care center opens in the First Reformed Church on Prospect Street in Ridgewood.

1974 - The Women's Center gets underway.

1975 - Tribute to Women and INdustry (TWIN) is inaugurated and honors 50 women.
1975 - After School Program opens for 1st through 3rd graders of working parents.

1979 - The Hackensack YWCA undertakes the sponsorship of a county-wide rape intervention program (S.E.R.V.E.). 1980 - The Hackensack YWCA's 50th Anniversary is celebrated with a dinner.

1983 - Although funding ceases, the S.E.R.V.E. program continues, staffed by Hackensack volunteers.

1985 - With YWCA leadership, the Bergen County Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CASA) is organized and sponsors its first conference in November, entitled "Violence Against Women." The YWCA of Hackensack also begins to take an active role in the Bergen County Coalition to Shelter the Homeless.

1986 - The new Campbell Wing is dedicated which adds another pool and fitness center to the Ridgewood site.

1988 - The Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest is inaugurated.
1988 - The YWCA and The Valley Hospital offer an employer-sponsored child care program on the hospital grounds.

1989 - Camp Ma-Kee-Ya, located in Harriman State Park, NY, opens.

1991 - The Ridgewood YWCA takes over the programs of the Hackensack YWCA, creating the YWCA of Bergen County.

1993 - The YWCA starts a Judo program for developmentally disabled and handicapped individuals. The National Judo Association recognizes the program as the first of its kind.

1995 - Encore Plus, a program that provides free mammograms for underserved women over 40, is brought into the YWCA. 1995 - Senator Bill Bradley helps kick off our first “Week Without Violence.”

1996 - Encore Plus receives the Johnson & Johnson Community Health Care Crystal Award and a two-year grant for $100,000. Senator Bill Bradley is the keynote speaker at the award luncheon.

1997 - The first Study Circle on Racism is held.
1997 - A new department, Outreach and Program Development, is added to strengthen our programming efforts in new areas.

1998 - A third all day child care center opens in Haworth.

1999 - TWIN celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
1999 - A Fall Gala is added to our roster of special events, and the first one is held at Ellis Island.

2001 - The YWCA provides support and free programming families of 9/11 victims.
2001 - A second Camp Y-Oak-A opens in Cresskill. 2001 - The Rodie Child Care Center opens in Upper Saddle River.

2007 - The 112 Oak Street building completes major renovations that include a brand new Bolger Fitness Center, handicapped accessible elevator and air conditioning.