YWCA Union County Mission
The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
In this context, YWCA Union County is on a mission:
- to empower survivors of domestic violence to become safe and free from abuse, and
- to promote social justice and eliminate violence against women and girls.
We accomplish this mission through the provision of comprehensive, client-centered services, and through education, collaboration and advocacy that builds safe, informed and supportive communities.
YWCA Union County Core Values
- Commitment to the mission and working together for the well-being of the community.
- Integrity in relationships, practices, and decisions.
- Respect for each one’s roles, diversity, and viewpoints.
- Compassion in understanding, attitude, and action.
- Empowerment to create positive choices, recognize potential, and reach goals.
- Excellence in practice and expectation.
YWCA Union County History
1920
February 20th, the Elizabeth YWCA was organized.
1921
January 21st, the building at 1129-1131 East Jersey Street was opened.
Key Actions/Accomplishments of YWCA Elizabeth
- Established a Community Chest, which later became a United Way.
- YWCA campaigned for the appointment of the first Elizabeth female police officer.
- Established a homeless shelter during the depression for women and girls, sometimes referred to as a “Relief Shelter for Women”.
- Developed workers’ rights codes to protect household workers in Elizabeth.
- Worked with the NAACP locally to form the Urban League
1978
With growing concern about domestic violence in Union County, a Battered Women’s Project was established, which provided shelter for Union County battered women and their children.
1980
Renamed YWCA Eastern Union County.
1989
Elizabeth building underwent a major facelift, transforming the exterior into a modern brick facade with the YWCA’s new national logo proudly etched into the front wall of the building.
1994
Court Advocacy Program established.
2001
Domestic Violence Response Teams created within several local communities in partnership with police and prosecutor’s office. Program renamed Crisis Response Teams in 2015.
2001 – 2014
Programs and services gradually added
- Counseling
- Supportive Housing
- PALS
- Legal Representation
- Domestic Violence Liaison
- Transitional Housing
- STEP (Skills, Training, Empowerment Program)
2013
Renamed YWCA Union County to more clearly represent our service area.
2017
Opened Union County’s first Family Justice Center in partnership with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
2019
Started our Building for the Future Capital Campaign.
2020
Celebrated our Centennial Anniversary.
2026
Expanding services to become a dual service agency providing Confidential Sexual Violence Advocacy Services