who we are

who we are - 2005
ywca statistical fact sheet
strong alone - fearless together

Throughout the World: YWCAs are in 122 countries serving 25 million women and their families.

In the United States: There are nearly 300 YWCA associations nationwide at over 1,300 sites serving almost 2 million members and participants.

Associations are configured into 9 regions. Regions vary in size from 19 associations (New England) to 60 associations (Great Lakes). Average of the other regions is 32 associations.

The associations employ about 15,000 staff members - 46 percent are full-time and 54 percent part-time.

In 2005, we utilized over 70,000 volunteers to deliver our services.

The reporting associations' programs registered 2.2 million people in the programs for children, youth and adults. Keep in mind that people can be registered for more than one program. Of this number:

23 percent were helped with domestic violence programs
7.2 percent were involved in economic empowerment & leadership development programs
9 percent participated in racial justice programs
2.4 percent were served by housing and shelter programs
17 percent experienced child, youth, and teen programs
30 percent enjoyed the benefits of health & wellness, fitness, and aquatic programs.
12.4 percent were unclassified

Almost 75 percent of the reporting associations publicly advocate on Racial Justice, Violence Against Women, Early Childhood Education and Increasing Women's Income issues. This is a significant increase over 2004, when just over half of reporting associations were publicly advocating for these issues. Our mission is taking hold stronger than ever.

Over 80 percent of reporting associations has one or more Women’s Economic Empowerment Programs or Initiatives that meet YWCA Hallmark Program Standards. Nearly 70 percent of reporting associations has one or more Racial Justice Programs or Initiatives that meet YWCA Hallmark Program Standards. This is another testament to the increasing strength of the YWCA mission nationwide.

We are a preeminent provider of domestic violence programs and shelters in the United States, serving well over 1/2 million women and children in the reporting associations. As comparison, the largest national hotline averages 192,000 calls per year.

We are one of the largest providers of child care in the United States with over 250,000 children cared for. In fact, we care for as many children as the largest for-profit center chain and at least 3 times more than any of its for-profit competitors.

The total income per year is almost $550 million. Of this amount:

44 percent is from government grants
28 percent comes from public support (individuals, foundations, corporations) and membership fees
18 percent comes from program service fees

Our total assets are $781,945,022.41.

We are 148 years old, and still on the cutting edge.

We are still guided by our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, and are the oldest and largest multiracial women's organization.

Note: 2005 statistics were gathered from YWCA Associations; 70 percent reporting for program numbers. When projected to 100 percent, it is noted. The financial data reflects 100 percent of associations. The most recent 990s for non-reporting associations were pulled and included for all income and expense figures. Numbers (particularly for programming) may reflect duplication.

For more information contact the Communications Department, at 202-467-0801 or communications@ywca.org.