The YWCA is a vibrant organization that has adapted to the changing needs of the women we serve decade after decade. To celebrate our 125th anniversary, there will be a re-dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on September 26, 2008 at 2:00pm. The public is invited to attend the ceremony after which there will be tours of the recently renovated historic building. At 5:00pm the YWCA will participate in Troy Night Out by hosting an Art Show and Sale featuring local female artists and entertainment. 
 
The YWCA is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a Re-dedication Ceremony to be held on September 26, 2008. The YWCA has been providing services to the women of Troy and the surrounding area since 1883.  In 1883 the YWCA was located in the Keenan Building at Third and Broadway. Around that time, young women were moving from rural areas into the City in search of work. The YWCA served these women by providing safe, affordable housing along with opportunities for self-improvement and socialization with other young women. A 1907 YWCA Annual Report notes “We greatly desire…to become an educational center for the woman behind the machine and the women in the home who will have a large part in the molding of our future citizenship”. Classes were offered in spelling, grammar, penmanship, arithmetic, gymnastics, typewriting, elocution, music, millinery, dress making and embroidering.

 
In 1917 the YWCA opened its doors at 21 First Street, Troy, NY and has been providing safe, affordable and supportive housing ever since. Located on the top three floors of the YWCA, there are a total of 94 rooms.   The Residence provides 94 rooms for single women and women with children.  In 2007, 154 single women and 44 women with children called the YWCA home. Women served by the YWCA Housing Programs are often homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. The YWCA provides intake assessment, counseling, and advocacy as well as referrals to other community agencies and services. For those women in the Transitional Program, the YWCA will develop plans for permanent housing readiness as well as assistance in locating actual housing. The YWCA Sally Catlin Resource Center provides an array of supportive services such as job training, computer classes, financial literacy, health education, advocacy, a fitness center, a food pantry and a weekly community meal. The YWCA provides the tools women need to craft the lives they want. In 2007 the YWCA Sally Catlin Resource Center provided 2,401 meals to the homeless community, 825 3 day packages of emergency food and 51 women received professional clothing.
               
As we take time to celebrate our past, we look to the future and with help from the community we dare to believe we will be providing services to women and children for the next 125 years. The YWCA continues to strive to achieve our mission of empowering women and eliminating racism.