YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

Founded in 1876 by thirteen visionary women in Chicago, IL, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago stands as the oldest women-focused social service organization in the city, with a legacy of pioneering change and advancing racial justice for nearly 150 years. From its inception addressing the needs of single women workers during Chicago's post-fire boom, the organization evolved into a transformative force—becoming the first to racially integrate its services and board in the 1940s, earning recognition from the Chicago Mayors Commission on Human Relations. Today, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago remains deeply committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Operating as part of a national network of more than 200 YWCAs, the organization embodies core values of creativity, authenticity, respect, and excellence in everything it does. The organization's work extends across individual and systems levels, collaborating with national, state, county, and city-level coalitions to advocate for policies that positively affect women and families. Serving the diverse Chicago community with compassion and urgency, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago continues its founding mission of supporting those most vulnerable while building an inclusive marketplace where everyone thrives.