YWCA of Cambridge

CONTACT:

7 Temple St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-491-6050
www.ywcacam.org

Nancy Gardella, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

YWCA of Cambridge was founded in 1891 to give female factory workers a safe residence and an opportunity to learn penmanship, etiquette, dressmaking, stenography and other useful skills. Today, the "YW" helps women and girls learn financial planning, management and budgeting; computer and job-search skills; health awareness; parenting techniques; and athletics. They also provide safe shelter for homeless women, victims of domestic violence and women with mental illnesses.

In 1998, the Cambridge "YW" networked with local colleges and businesses to launch a six-month welfare-to-work-to-career program called "Hinge for Hope." Mothers on welfare spent six months acquiring computer training, office experience, and career development skills that will last a lifetime. Employers identify permanent positions with the greatest potential for career advancement; Mt. Ida College or Cambridge College accepts students for certificate programs, and students have mentors for three years thereafter.

(1998: HUMAN SERVICES: Girls and Women: General)