Our Mission

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

YWCA Canton

At the YWCA Canton, we provide emergency shelter to the homeless and tools to help them get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. The YWCA Canton also provides early care and education services to children that enhance their development and prepare them to be successful as they transition to kindergarten.

Today, YWCA is the largest women’s organization in the world with a presence in 125 countries. The organization has more than 25 million members across the globe. In the USA YWCA serves more than 2.5 million children, youth and adults annually as it works to fulfill its mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

YWCA Canton was established in 1909.

YWCA is committed to the empowerment of women, but our organization is not comprised of only women — or serving only women. Our programs serve women and men and their families.

We are not affiliated with YMCA, a separate agency with a different mission. Although some YWCAs do provide fitness facilities, this is not one of our core areas.

YWCA is not a religious organization. We are an independent nonprofit organization with no formal ties to any religious group. While YWCA’s roots are grounded in the values of our devotedly Christian founders, the organization embraces and is strengthened by the richness of its diversity. Today, the people who represent YWCA and those we serve are diverse in every way. We welcome everyone regardless of religion, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, abilities, socio-economic status and other dimensions of difference. All are welcome.

Funding for the YWCA Canton is provided by the United Way of Greater Stark County. United Way improves the quality of lives through lasting community change by supporting programs in Health, Education, and Financial Stability. The organization convenes and collaborates to support programs and initiatives that promote a community where children are healthy and successful from kindergarten to high school to career and where families have the supports, tools and skills to break the cycle of poverty to become financially independent. For more information about United Way of Stark County, visit www.uwstark.org