It Mattered Then,
It Matters Now

In 1886, a small group of women set out to solve a problem and improve life for women and girls in our community. Our five founders – Annie C. Dunham, Alice C. Brown, Harriet E. Ide, Anne E. Dennison, and Elizabeth J. McMillen – met at the First Presbyterian Church to form the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union, which would later become YWCA Columbus, and erect a 12-room boarding house on South 4th Street – across the street from YWCA Columbus’ present-day headquarters and Women’s Residency.  

Since its inception, YWCA has been a movement dedicated to the elimination of racism and empowering women. Even in the 19th century, our founders knew it was critical for both service and action to coexist. Today, YWCA Columbus continues to address both our community’s greatest challenges, including homelessness and providing high-quality, affordable childcare, as well as dismantling the root causes of poverty and instability.  

For 14 decades, YWCA Columbus has served our neighbors with compassion and raised our voices with boldness – even in the face of backlash and resistance – dedicated to peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all at every turn.