Who We Are

YWCA of Greater Portland is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Since 1901, YWCA of Greater Portland has invested in our community. YWCA is the largest and oldest multiracial women’s organization in the world and the largest provider of domestic violence services in the U.S.

Our courageous, compassionate, and committed staff reflect the communities we serve. We value and support diverse lived experience and intersectional identities.

Our Values

Courage

We have the collective strength to face the biggest challenges and work toward a more just and equitable society that benefits everyone.

Compassion

We believe that impacting lives begins with understanding individual needs. We listen, we learn, and we respond.

Members of our Survivor Services team tabling at a local event

Commitment

We are the oldest and largest multiracial women’s organization in the world. We have always been—and will always continue to be—leaders for racial justice and women’s empowerment.

Collaboration

We are a highly collaborative organization with an established history of partnering with local organizations and groups. We believe partnerships are the cornerstone of providing high quality, fiscally responsible, sustainable services to our clients. We’re part of a 200-association strong sisterhood, collaborating regionally and nationally with YWCAs across the country. We collaborate across departmental, organizational, and geographic lines because silos are not effective at creating meaningful change.

Intersectionality

We work at the intersection of justice movements. We recognize the intertwined nature of oppressions and justice movements and root our work in these truths.

Interim Executive Director Whitny Myers speaks at our 125th Birthday Bash

Housing First

Safe, secure housing is a human right. It is the basic foundation for all life-changing work: one can’t be a better parent, get a better job, or heal from trauma without the stability and security of a safe place to sleep.

Event from YWCA of Greater Portland, Social Justice Initiatives, YWCA, Portland

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of passionate volunteers leveraging their experience insights and connections to strengthen our community.

2026 – 2027 Officers

Chair
Hanako Imber, Cloudmed

Secretary
Linnea Balmer, Path Home

Members

Casey Marie Burns, Wellness Consultant

Kim Leverich-Graham, PacifiCorp

David Pena-Alfaro, Finance Professional

Shelly Tom, R1 RCM

Jamie Carle, Portland Tooth Fairy

Courtney Reece, MSW, Community Volunteer

Key Dates in YWCA History

  • 1858

    The first association in the U.S., Ladies Christian Association, formed in New York City

  • 1901

    Incorporation of Portland YWCA as a “City Association.” Founding mothers could not legally form corporations so their husbands signed the articles of incorporation.

  • 1910

    Portland’s African American women organized to meet the needs of women and girls through the YWCA.

  • 1920

    Membership reflected segregated housing in the city, with separate clubs for African-American, Japanese, Chinese, and native/foreign-born white girls. Under leadership of local African-American women, new Williams Avenue YWCA opened at 704 Tillamook, serving Northeast Portland.

  • 1946

    Interracial Charter adopted, starting the process of desegregation

  • 1960s

    Membership and leadership positions opened to non-Christians

    Japanese-American women participated in Portland YWCA Board of Directors. Residence program in downtown building flourished.

  • 1963

    Direct Action Program begun to ensure full desegregation in community YWCAs

  • 1980's

    Health and Fitness programs at Downtown flourished, especially those focused on seniors and people with disabilities.

    Better visibility for lesbian women through anti-homophobia campaign began in 1985 by National YWCA. YWCA Northeast Center opened at 5630 NE MLK Boulevard

  • 2000

    A one million dollar lead gift is received from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that seeded an $8.2 million capital campaign to renovate the Downtown Center.

  • 2009

    New mission adopted at the YWCA of USA’s General Assembly: Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

  • 2015

    Family Preservation Project becomes part of YWCA of Greater Portland.

    Corporate name changed from “Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America, Inc.” to “YWCA USA, Inc.”

Our Impact

On our mission to eliminate racism and empower women, YWCA of Greater Portland is committed to accountability, transparency, and making a real, positive impact in everything we do. Click below to see the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors in our community, along with resources that illuminate our financial position and outline how we allocate our resources. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we welcome your support of our mission!

Learn more