Empowering women to lead and succeed. Promoting economic opportunity and justice for all races.

Did you know . . . We are part of the international YWCA, the world's oldest, largest multicultural women's organization. Internationally, 27 million YWCA members champion children's welfare, women's financial and social independence, and racial justice. Since 1883, the Baltimore YWCA has helped thousands of women and their children lead safer, healthier lives through childcare programs, homeless services, transitional housing programs, and more. Today, OUR YWCA annually moves hundreds of women and children from homelessness to permanent housing and provides affordable daycare and after school care for children throughout the region.   YWCA USA Co-sponsors 2008 Presidential Debate Dear Friends: In these tumultuous times, it's more important than ever that women have information essential to casting an informed vote. That's why I'm so proud to report that our national association, the YWCA USA, is both co-sponsoring the 2008 presidential debates and launching a voter education and empowerment drive. As YWCA USA CEO Lorrain Cole said, "With so many critical issues at stake in this election that impact women and their families, the aim of local YWCA's nationwide is to be a resource for voter education and empowerment. Next to actually voting, viewing the presidential and vice presidential debates is one of the most important ways for Americans to engage in the election process. By sponsoring these debates, the YWCA will be helping to enlighten Americans as they cast their votes in this landmark election." YWCAvote.org, the YWCA's comprehensive voter website, provides voter resources and materials including voter registration information, background on candidates, and YWCA position statements on issues particularly impacting women. An online post-debate survey will also be available to help ensure the views of women and people of color are heard during this election. Information is empowering. We hope you'll seize the opportunity the YWCA is providing to watch the debate, educate yourselves on these critical issues, and go out and vote. Vicki Sharif, CEO YWCA of the Greater Baltimore Area, Inc. The Baltimore YWCA Fifth Annual Leader Lunch The YWCA would like to thank the more than 500 friends, supporters, and business leaders who turned out to celebrate extraordinary women leaders at our Fifth Annual Leader Lunch. This year's stellar honorees, combined with the event's growing reputation as an inspirational showcase on women's leadership, attracted a record-breaking and enthusiastic crowd.

The Baltimore YWCA is committed to serving women and families in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard and northern Anne Arundel counties.