Over the past year, the YWCA of the USA completed a multi-year process of organizational change. A significant element of that change is the commitment to re-address and re-emphasize two issues at the core of our mission: racial justice and economic empowerment for women and girls. These core values will be the cornerstones of YWCA Hallmark Programs. Even though affiliates address a variety of community programming needs, the intentional inclusion of racial justice and economic empowerment of women and girls as a programmatic element of every YWCA makes it very clear who we are and what we do.

The diversity of Los Angeles, whether it be socio-economic, racial, ethnic, religious or other, gives particular relevance to the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles as we reframe our programming with intentional focus on racial justice and economic empowerment for women and girls. We are extremely excited about this nationwide mandate and welcome the opportunity to rethink, retool, and deliver programs which serve the needs of our Los Angeles community.

The upcoming months also include our preparation to relocate the Los Angeles Job Corps Program facilities – in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor – within the South Park area of downtown Los Angeles. Participation in the revitalization of downtown is an extraordinary opportunity and we look forward to the completion of this major project.

YWCA’s around the world are built on the foundation of improving the conditions of the communities they serve. The YWCA of Greater Los Angeles is no different. As we begin a new and exciting chapter in our history, please join us as we reaffirm our belief in peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.

Sincerely,

Beth Quillen Thomas President, Board of Directors

Faye Washington Chief Executive Officer