YWCA is on a mission and YWCA Greater Austin is making it our own!
YWCA Greater Austin is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We've been at the forefront of every civil rights issue since our inception in 1907. We work to improve the lives of women, girls and communities of color through local programming, services and client-informed advocacy.
Today we carry out our mission through the programs that we have in each of our issue areas:
Health and Safety of Women and Girls
Economic Empowerment and Advancement
Racial Justice and Civil Rights
Our vision is mental health access for all.
This requires a focus on the future, anticipating the needs of our clients, and creating innovative solutions to the problems they most often face – poverty, unsafe living conditions, lack of reliable and affordable childcare, and under- or unemployment.
We are evolving our services to meet the changing needs of our clients today and in the future. We remain rooted in rich history, but our approach to serving our clients is trauma-informed, holistic, strategic and innovative.
We remain rooted in rich history, but our approach to serving our clients is holistic, strategic and innovative.
Nationally, YWCA advocacy issues include lobbying for pay equity and hate crimes legislation, increased funding for Head Start and passing the Violence Against Women Act. Locally, through our programs, we are changing lives and restoring hope for women, their families, and our community!
Training Institute ↘
YWCA Greater Austin is committed to implementing equity and racial and social justice programming in our daily work. Our Training Program provides a space for education, personal growth, and professional development that builds capacity for social change.
These days, we are focusing education efforts on reproductive health presentations, financial literacy, voting rights and voter information, mindfulness, body image, youth leadership, etc.
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Reproductive Health
Discussions covering topics such as the reproductive systems and menstrual cycle, contraception methods, reproductive justice, and the connection between mental and reproductive health. Attendees will also enjoy a self-care craft activity, snacks, and goodie bags.
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Financial Health Clinic
Makes financial planning, investing, and budgeting accessible to historically marginalized or underserved communities.
We work with experts to make the best financial advice affordable and accessible!
GenYW Youth Programming ↘
Provides curriculum-based educational groups during school hours or school breaks that work toward increasing youth resiliency, developing social emotional learning and self-regulation, healing from trauma, expanding personal and cultural understanding of self-identity, and increasing feelings of empowerment and community connectedness.
Currently, in collaboration with Communities In Schools, weekly groups are targeted to Austin ISD and Manor ISD campuses and work toward improving the youth's relationships to their school and community, as well as building their resiliency skills.
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STEAM Education
STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art & Math) groups are a 6-week program for students in grades 3rd-8th to explore STEAM learning, participate in socio-emotional growth activities, build confidence and connection, and innovate. This program fosters a love for science in young Texans, enriching their lives and broadening their interest and understanding of STEAM.
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K-12 Groups
At AISD and MISD K-12 school sites, staff known as youth specialists consult with school staff, especially counselors, for participant referrals and conduct an introductory meeting with potential participants to provide program information and distribute parental consents. Currently, the GenYW curriculum is incorporated at every level of learning in order to help youth handle challenges and develop community connection.
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Summer Programming
2025 Summer Programming - registration is live! Learn more about our no-cost program sessions and details on Eventbrite