Who We Are

The YWCA Corpus Christi is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

People who are well and want to enhance their lives come to YWCA. As we’ve been doing throughout our history, YWCA serves individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, ethnic groups, and religious beliefs, helping make their lives better today and in the future.

Across the globe, YWCA has more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States.

YWCA Corpus Christi was chartered in 1946 by a group of women representative of the various ethnic groups in the city. Mary Holdsworth Butt, Bernice Leonard, and Rosa Garza led the organization.

For 80 years, YWCA Corpus Christi has been a stable presence in the community, offering preventive programs in integrated settings. Our experience and successful programs make us well qualified to offer wellness, fitness and skill building programs to 5th and 6th grade girls in the YWCA YWTeen Program and to seniors in their fifties to their nineties who participate in fitness programs.

Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.

YWCA MISSION

Key Dates in YWCA History

  • 1858

    The first association in the U.S., Ladies Christian Association, formed in New York City

  • 1946

    Interracial Charter adopted, starting the process of desegregation

  • 1960s

    Membership and leadership positions opened to non-Christians

  • 1963

    Direct Action Program begun to ensure full desegregation in community YWCAs

  • 1970

    The One Imperative (“To thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.”) adopted

  • 2015

    Corporate name changed from “Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America, Inc.” to “YWCA USA, Inc.”

Annual Reports

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and we’re committed to accountability and transparency in everything we do. Below you will find resources that illuminate our financial position, outline how we allocate our resources, and showcase the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we welcome your support of our mission!

2023

Annual Report

2022

Annual Report

2024

Annual Report

FAQs

  • $900,093

  • 26,454

  • Yes, we invite men to come and get fit!

  • Although YWCA’s focus on women’s needs and issues, design programs around those issues, and are managed by women, they include men in staff positions, committees, Advisory Boards, and many programs and recognize the role men play in the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women.

  • By volunteering or donating to the YWCA.

  • Fitness Connection Operates Monday – Friday 7 AM – 8 PM.

    Administration Office is open Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.

    Please visit the YWCA Facebook page or this website’s Fitness Page for updates.

  • Racial Justice and Women’s Economic Empowerment are the Hallmark Programs of YWCA. They carry out our mission. They are a reflection of our brand. They are what distinguishes YWCA from all other socially conscious organizations.