In the spring of 1920, one hundred working women met with other community women to discuss the possible organization of a YWCA and by September of that same year, the Manchester YWCA was born. The early focus behind its new existence was to provide housing, recreation, adult education and to help young, working women that came to work in the factories.
Manchester YWCA continued that work through the 1960’s and then in 1962 at the YWCA National Convention there was a call for YWCA’s to re-examine their service and concentrations “with a new urgency to help women and girls find meaning in their own lives; to develop to their full capacity for leadership; and to play an effective and constructive part in community life today.”
YWCA New Hampshire continues that important work today. YWCA NH works to meet its mission through the delivery of social service programs that enrich the general community of girls, women and families of all socio-economic backgrounds. Whether it is through our Crisis Services which provides advocacy and support services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, our shelter Emily’s Place, a safe and confidential shelter for women and their children who are victims/survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual violence, support groups or our new resale boutique Missy’s Closet.
The names of classes or services change with the times but the focus to utilize women’s energy to respond to the needs of women and girls goes on with as great a crescendo as it did in 1920.
A Brief History:
Franklin Street church women organized “parlors” for young women factory workers. Talk about the need for a YWCA began.
The need was publically voiced for facilities for athletics, dancing, sewing, etc. for all women – young and old.
The Barton House at 61 Walnut Street was donated by Grace Church for use a home for working girls and a club house. It was forced to close due to rising operating costs.
In May, 100 charter members signed the YWCA constitution. By June, there were 870 members and by September, the Manchester YWCA was incorporated with Mrs. A. A. Mooney as the first president.
The YWCA began to aggressively meet the community needs for young girls including summer camp, classes in citizenship, and English for the foreign born and ongoing industrial relations to improve the working conditions for women. $60,000 was raised for the building fund.
The building fund was implemented under the direction of Miss Annette Perkins. The deed for the land was donated by Mrs. Walter Parker, Mrs. Norman Milne and Mr. Frank Carpenter. The estate of Mrs. Charles Hall provided $150,000.
The cornerstone of the present YWCA building was laid.
The finished building belonged debt-free to the YWCA thanks to the united efforts of Manchester’s young women and the further generosity of Mr. Frank Carpenter.
The YWCA had a dual focus – helping immigrants learn English and obtain citizenship and helping women cope with unemployment and economic hardship.
Unavoidable cuts in salaries and program funds resulted in cutbacks including summer camp and the cafeteria.
The Young Business Girls Club and Young Married Women’s Club had high enrollment with a focus on personal development and service projects. There was strong use of the building by outside groups.
Programs in physical exercise were expanded due to a dramatic increase in the number of volunteers to teach. Teenage programs were increased to include a drop-in canteen, dance nights, and summer camp activities.
Programming was extended to include emphasis on arts and crafts. There was strong participation in USO activities (which began with the efforts of YWCA’s and YMCA’s throughout the country). Much support was given to YWCA World Fellowship.
The YWCA renewed its commitment to equal opportunity for all and the elimination of racism throughout the world. With the Everywoman’s Center (a drop in center for discussion, reading and recreation), the Women’s Crisis Service for Rape Victims and Battered Women, the Work Opportunities for Women Program for those reentering the work force, and ENCORE, a post-mastectomy therapy for women, the YWCA began to address some serious, long overlooked needs of Manchester women. Meanwhile, physical fitness programs for all ages enjoyed a major increase in attendance, with aerobics, swimming and gymnastics leading the way.
The YWCA added a new but historically compatible use of its building with the conversion of the third and fourth floors into apartments for the physically handicapped, non-elderly adults. Emily’s Place, a shelter for women fleeing domestic and sexual violence, opens.
All aquatics and fitness programs are closed.
The YWCA opened the Supervised Visitation and Child Exchange Center in rented space in Manchester.
Renovations to the second floor of the building are completed in the spring. Crisis Services moved into a new, more secure space and the Supervised Visitation Center moved to 72 Concord Street. The Family Education Collaborative (FEC) was created.
Girls Program Center After-School and Summer Camp program closed due to funding cuts.
Supervised Visitation and Child Exchange Center closed permanently due to significant increase in program costs.