Empowering Women. Changing Lives.
MISSION
dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all
Who We Are
VALUES of the YWCA
Fundamental to our mission and our work is our belief in the interconnectedness of all people and the inherent value of every person.
To honor those beliefs, we:
- Practice empathy.
- Learn first, then teach.
- Listen courageously without ego to those things which are hard to hear.
- Act with transparency.
- Promise accountability to our mission, one another, those we serve, our supporters, and our community.
RISE AND SHINE PROGRAM
The YWCA Greater Johnstown is inviting young women throughout our region to their Rise and Shine program.
Girls ages 12 to 18 -- or 7th through 12th graders -- in our community are welcome to attend.
Dates and times are posted on our Facebook page.
YWCA Board Member Christine Patrick says it's a group to support girls with self esteem, education, leadership, healthy lifestyles, and more.
It's to empower these girls in the Johnstown community -- and surrounding communities -- to give them the support that they need, no matter what background they come from," Patrick said.
Ideas for the program include finance lessons, cooking demonstrations, self defense, volunteering, and a 'Pen Pal' opportunity.
To register or to find more information, contact the following numbers:
Christine Patrick at (814) 241-1601
YWCA in Johnstown at (814) 536-3519
Welcome to YWCA Greater Johnstown Community
HER-STORY
Annual Tribute to Women Awards
Kuddle Korner Daycare
The YWCA of Greater Johnstown formally began with the Billy Sunday meetings held in the fall of 1913. However, we find that long before the Billy Sunday party arrived in Johnstown, the ground had been prepared for the organization of a Young Women’s Christian Association. The YWCA movement itself had been spreading from city to city.
On Sunday, December 14, 1913 a meeting was held at the First Presbyterian Church with every seat in the large auditorium filled with standing room only of people to show their interest in this new venture. The minutes of the first meeting carry this sentence: “It was informally agreed that a YWCA was an imperative necessity”.
By January 5, 1914, only three weeks later, rapid progress had been made. A state organizer arrived and the YWCA of Greater Johnstown affiliated itself with the National YWCA.
The greatest need for the organization was to locate a suitable headquarters where these programs could be effectively carried out. On June 22, 1918 it was decided to buy the J.P. Thomas property on Somerset St. and on November 21, 1918 the first board meeting was held in their new home.
This home was designed and built in 1902 for James P. Thomas, President of Smokeless Coal Co., and Treasurer of A.J. Hawes and Sons, Ltd by locally known architect, Walter P. Myton. Mr. Myton came to Johnstown from Huntingdon, PA to take charge of the branch office of Mr. Charles M. Robinson of Altoona. In this capacity he took part in the designing of City Hall. He also has many other beautiful architectural designs to his credit in the City of Johnstown.
Over the years, the YWCA has been at the forefront of issues that effect women and their families. From health and fitness to providing a safe haven for women, the YWCA of Greater Johnstown has been and will continue to be dedicated to helping the community in whatever way they can.
Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Kuddle Korner Daycare
Annual Tribute to Women Awards
Kuddle Korner Daycare
We’ve designed a very special program for your child. At the YWCA, we are determined to provide all the elements that families feel are most important: lots of love and attention-stimulating activities and tons of fun! All of these elements are drawn together to create a clean, safe program where children can learn while they play, make new friends, and get the care they need to thrive. A place where they can explore, discover, and grow.
This may be your child’s first adventure away from home. It may also be your family’s first experience with the YWCA. Our program will provide many opportunities for family involvement and communication throughout the year. Together, we can create a rich and rewarding experience for your child - a wonderful beginning that will last a lifetime.
Learning Through Play
Children learn best when they are enjoying their experiences and simply having fun. This makes play a very natural tool in teaching the young child. Through play, children can take on different roles, experiment with cause and effect, and work as a team to solve problems through trial and error. Children can develop confidence in discovering all the things they can do. Through exploratory learning and play, your child’s self-image will be built by experiencing success in terms he/she can understand. Our program hopes to guide your child toward these developmental milestones:
• develop a positive self image
• initiate and follow through activities independently
• impact the people and objects in the environment
• develop skills for coping with developmental issues
• control impulses and channel them into more appropriate modes of expression
• relate positively to others, forging mutual understanding and acceptance of different perspectives
• use symbol systems to represent experiences, ideas, and feelings
• develop a healthy and physically competent body
• use appropriate materials as an outlet for self-expression or recreating experiences
Physical Development
Your child’s physical development is an integral part of the program. The center incorporates several outlets which promote a healthy, active childhood:
• Daily opportunities for vigorous play
• Opportunities to develop gross motor skills through movement education, simple games and tumbling
• Nutritious and varied snacks
• Rest periods designed to meet developmental needs
• Health and Safety education
Cognitive Development
Our daily schedule provides an enhanced curriculum within a structured, yet flexible, environment. The programs seek to develop specific skills to prepare your child for elementary learning. Please remember that every child learns at his or her own pace; the children are not expected to accomplish these goals simultaneously.
Annual Tribute to Women Awards
Annual Tribute to Women Awards
Annual Tribute to Women Awards
The concept of the Tribute To Women Awards celebration grows out of the YWCA’s historic concern for the realization of women’s full potential and its continuing focus on and support for women to participate fully in all aspects of life and work. It is the intention of the Tribute To Women Awards to honor women who have distinguished themselves in performance and leadership in their fields in the Greater Johnstown and Somerset community. The event provides an opportunity for the community and area employers to recognize women within the Arts, Business, Community Service, Education, Professions, Military, and the Non-profit Sector.
Everyday women in Cambria and Somerset Counties are demonstrating their leadership capabilities through their work, in their place of worship, in their community and within their families. You know them. They are the women role models who contribute to the arts, volunteer their time and talents to help others, are involved in the military, teach your children, and work at the many for profit and non-profit organizations and business throughout our region. They are those risk takers who embrace a clear vision of excellence and the use of that vision to serve others, both in their professional life and in their community.
We are asking you to think about the women you know. How many of those women devote tireless hours making a difference today and for the future? Now is your chance to tell us her story. By nominating a woman for this honor, you can bring recognition to women who are role models, teachers, volunteers, artists, and leaders who set a shining example in our community each and every day. Make this the year you recognize the efforts of women in your community by nominating them for the YWCA Tribute To Women Awards.
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It’s not too early to think about nominating someone!
If you are interested in receiving additional information regarding the YWCA Tribute To Women Awards or if you would like to join the Committee, please telephone the YWCA at 814-536-3519.
The Cinderella Project
The Cinderella Project
Annual Tribute to Women Awards
Provides prom dresses, shoes and accessories to those in need at no cost. Donations are accepted at the YWCA throughout the year.
We have try on days in March. Check our Facebook page for dates and further details.
The Stork’s Nest
The Cinderella Project
The Stork’s Nest
Support The Stork’s Nest Program at the YWCA with:
Diapers Sizes 1 and 2
Wipes
Formula
Round Laundry Baskets
Teethers, Bibs, Socks
You can also make a monetary donation through our Venmo @YWCAJohnstown
Pool Parties
The Cinderella Project
The Stork’s Nest
Bring your party to our indoor pool. We can also accommodate baby showers, bridal showers and other events in our historic building.
MEMBERSHIP
The YWCA offers affordable membership plans for individuals, seniors and families.
Yearly and monthly packages are available starting as low as $166 a year or $50 per month. Contact us today to enroll in a plan that meets your budget & lifestyle.
Annual memberships have perks such as: free plunges, reduced rates & more