YWCA is on a mission and YWCA Berkeley/Oakland is making it our own!
To empower women and eliminate racism, we must meet our community members where they are most vulnerable and provide the compassion and services that place them on a path to self-sufficiency and empowerment.
Our vision is that all female-identifying members of our community and that BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant and other traditionally marginalized persons can achieve their full potential in a world without discrimination.
This requires a focus on the future, anticipating the needs of our community members and creating innovative solutions to the problems they most often face – poverty, unsafe living conditions, lack of financial or technology literacy, and under- or unemployment.
We remain rooted in rich history, but our approach to serving our community 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!
OVER 135 YEARS OF EMPOWERMENT
Programs That Uplift Our Community
We provide women and teens with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances independently in order to make informed financial decisions.
We serves as a free space for community members to attend workshops to move, breathe, destress, and ground themselves in the love of our community.
Arts and Culture
We deliver culturally responsive arts programming - classes, residencies, and public events - in partnership with schools, grassroots groups, and local artists.
Workforce Development
We provide the critical support and resources our community needs to gain a job or move up in their career or current employment.
We advocate against oppression based on gender or race, and fight for equal protections.
Community Resources Drive
We hosts community resource drives throughout the year, providing community members across the East Bay access to essential needs.
Workforce Development
Our workforce development programs starts with teens and continues through early adulthood and elders. We provide the critical support and resources our community needs to gain a job or move up in their career or current employment.
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Internships
Hands-on leadership, advocacy, and professional skill-building opportunities for young adults.
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Career Workshops
One-on-one counseling with a certified Career Counseling coach.
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English in Action
Helping English learners through one-to-one conversational practice with local volunteers.
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Digital Literacy
Hands-on instruction helps elders master the digital skills they need to navigate everyday tasks.
Past Programs
While these impactful programs are no longer offered due to limited resources, we believe they deserve to return. Your donation can help us bring them back—or share this with someone who may want to invest in our mission of empowering women and eliminating racism.
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Moving Ahead
Financial literacy for survivors of domestic violence, including key steps to financial independence.
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Tech Lab
Women, BIPOC and other underrepresented identities learn how to program in three languages.
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Girls Group Mentoring Program
Middle school girls learn about healthy relationships, boundaries, health and their own rights.