people |determined to make a difference

our mission

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

YWCA Carlisle was incorporated in 1919.  In its long history of advocating for women and girls, the YWCA opened the first daycare center in the greater Carlisle Area, provided opportunities for teenage girls to develop leadership skills through a YW Teens program, offered fitness programs for women and girls in the early 1920s, started clubs for African American girls in the 1930's, and provided food to transients during the Great Depression.

This past year, YWCA Carlisle remained strong and continued its efforts to support and build our community. The agency was proactive in responding to the still sluggish economy by keeping expenses low and operating within our approved budget. The YWCA’s Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services was chosen by the PA Coalition Against Rape and Verizon to pilot an Internet Safety program, which will involve both students and parents in at least two local school districts. Early Start Community Preschool was approved to receive tax credits through the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County’s Success by Six program. YWCA Carlisle’s Youth Department worked with three schools – Crestview, Hamilton, and Lamberton – and enrolled 64 young girls in a program called Go Girls Go. The eight week program culminated in a two mile run, and 55 of the girls completed the run. Go Girls Go helps to increase the self esteem of young girls through physical fitness, the mastery of a skill, nutritional guidance, and lessons focused on issues important to that age group.

Thanks to the people of Cumberland County for all your support in 2010. We have great things in store for 2011 and invite you to check our NEW website frequently for events and updates.