1908
The YWCA was founded January 19, 1908
The organization was founded by churchwomen in the community to help girls coming into the city to work for Reynolds Tobacco Company and Hanes Knitting Company. The building originally was downtown on Main Street. Girls were taught stenography, typing, arithmetic, English, cooking, sewing and millinery.
1909
Funded member of the Community Chest
The YWCA became a funded member of the Community Chest, now known as the United Way.
1916
First Lunchroom
YWCA opened first lunchroom.
1917
Opened its First Pool
YWCA opened its first pool. A new building was built at the corner of Church and W. First Streets, with clubrooms, dormitory and gym.
1918
YW was established to meet the needs of African-American Women
A branch YW was established to meet the needs of African-American women. More African-American women were employed by Reynolds than White. The Branch YW served as the first community center for African-Americans in Winston. It housed, at various times, the Better Homes and Gardens Clubs, the Work Project Administration, the Well Baby Clinic and the Carolina Fair Association Committee (run for African Americans.) Horton Branch Library was organized and housed in the Chestnut Street YWCA building.
1930
YWCA hosted a debate between the Younger Business Girls’ Club and the Business and Professional Women’s Club
The YWCA hosted a debate between the Younger Business Girls’ Club and the Business and Professional Women’s Club. The debate topic was “Should a woman whose husband earns $100 or more a month be allowed to work?” (The Younger Business Girls won supporting the notion that they should not be allowed to work.)
- The Chestnut Street YWCA held a Christmas party and provided gifts for 2,000 African-American children.
- The YWCA employed women and girls to make rag rugs during the Depression.
1931
Lowered the maximum work week to 55 hours
Mrs. Bryan Booe headed a YWCA committee that worked with local stores to lower the maximum work week to 55 hours and to place stools behind the counters for clerks.
1932
Established Camp Betty Hastings
The YWCA accepted land from Fred Hutchins to establish Camp Betty Hastings named for the camp director.
1942
The Glade Street building was dedicated.
The Glade Street building was dedicated.
1949
Combined Negro YWCA and YWCA building
The Campaign begins to raise funds to construct a combined Negro YWCA and YWCA building. The building would be the only community in Winston-Salem for African-Americans. Leaders of the campaign said the building would be used for religious purposes and that it would be an important development in race relations. RJR Tobacco Company gave $200,000. The building was shared by the YWCA and the YMCA, but they operated separately, with different staffs and programs.
1953
The Negro YWCA-YMCA at Patterson Avenue opened
The Negro YWCA-YMCA at Patterson Avenue opened with a gym and swimming pool. Classes for young women included crafts, cooking and other topics.
1956
Dedicated the Patterson Avenue Swimming Pool
The Patterson Avenue swimming pool was dedicated.
1957
Glade St. Pool and Gym Opened
The gym and pool at Glade Street opened.
1969
Program for Marching Bands Begins
The Marching Bands program begins.
1974
Glade Street and Patterson Branches Merge
The YWCA Board of Directors votes to merge the Glade Street and Patterson branches to create one YWCA for all women.
1976
First African-American Executive Director
Martha Young became the first African-American executive director of the Glade Street YWCA.
1981
Kick off of campaign for Link Building between the pool/gym and administrative buildings
Kick off of campaign for Link Building between the pool/gym and administrative buildings.
1983
Project New Start Begins
Project New Start, a program for previously incarcerated women or spouses of incarcerated individuals begins.
1984
Link Building dedicated.
1992
The Empowering Family Center opens on Liberty Street
The Empowering Family Center opens on Liberty Street with the focus on helping parents become role models for their children. Presidential candidate Bill Clinton hosts a town meeting at the YWCA.
1997
New addition to the YWCA opens
New addition to the YWCA opens and includes the Chrissy Gallaher warm water pool and a new fitness center.
1998
Joel A. Weston Award for Excellence Received
- The YWCA receives the Joel A. Weston Award for Excellence in Non-Profit management.
- The Hawley House, previously a freestanding United Way agency, comes under YWCA management and is a new program of the YWCA.
2000
Created the Millennium Village
Created the Millennium Village to promote racial dialogue among women of diverse backgrounds and race.
2002
The Best Choice Center becomes a new program of the YWCA
The Best Choice Center, previously a freestanding United Way agency, becomes a new program of the YWCA.
2004
Right Turns for Youth Begins
Right Turns for Youth, previously a freestanding United Way agency, becomes a new program of the YWCA.
2007
The YWCA opened its Gateway Branch on South Main Street
The YWCA opened its Gateway Branch on South Main Street
2011
Leadership within the Community Continues
Continue to be a leader in the community by providing programs such as Supportive Services for women at the Hawley House, Youth Intervention Programs, Child Care for everyone, building healthier communities and impacting families through various activities.