YWCA National Capital Area

We transform the lives of women and girls by providing education and job training, health and wellness programs and social justice awareness so they can achieve their goals and provide for themselves and their families.

How do you help people in my community?

The National Assessment of Adult Literacy found that approximately 20% of Washington, DC’s adult residents are at a below basic literacy level, compared to the national rate of 14%. This means they lack the basic reading and writing skills necessary for work and further education.  These individuals have difficulty completing crucial tasks such as filling out job applications, reading maps, completing forms and reading newspapers. As such, without adult basic education programs and workplace literacy training, these individuals will remain severely limited in their ability to find and maintain employment, provide for themselves and their families, and support the academic achievement of their children.

The YWCA National Capital Area is also dedicated to addressing health disparities in low-income minority populations in the DC metro area. There is a great need for free and affordable wellness and fitness alternatives for many in the DC area, and the YWCA NCA takes a comprehensive approach to providing health and wellness programs in the community by establishing partnerships with community organizations so we can bring our services directly to the communities in greatest need. We offer exercise classes for seniors and youth, run a soccer program with the US Soccer Foundation for at-risk youth, and provide health education classes as well.

Why do you need my support?

Every gift, large or small, is vital to our organization because we rely on the support of our members, donors and community sponsors. Your support will directly assist the YWCA NCA in providing opportunities for low-income individuals to get their lives back on track.  Whether your donation is used to help women and girls to increase their literacy levels and develop workplace readiness skills, enabling them to seek further education and employment in our nation’s capital, to educate individuals about making healthy lifestyles choices, or to promote diversity and prevent domestic violence, rest assured that your gift will help a worthy cause.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The YWCA National Capital Area is a long-standing organization that has been successfully serving the DC community for over 100 years. As an organization dedicated to serving women and their families, we maintain strict controls over our administrative expenditures in order to provide the maximum amount of program services for those who need it most. We’re also held fiscally accountable by the Foundations, Corporations and local government entities that provide funding to the YWCA.

Rest assured that your donation will reach women in the Washington Metropolitan Area who will benefit from your kindness and generosity.

Can I Volunteer? How?

The YWCA NCA has many volunteer opportunities available, including tutoring and mentoring our “Positive Transitions” students.  Please contact ywca@ywcanca.org to find out how you can get involved.