YMCA and YWCA

The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA or simply the Y) and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), or the World Young Women’s Christian Association, are both nonprofit, international, community service organizations. They were founded in London in the 19th century. Initially, they were created to alleviate the poor social conditions found in large cities as a result of the Industrial Revolution. Through more than a century of growth, the original overriding concern with morality has gradually been replaced by an emphasis on social service, education, health, and other socially transformative activities. Today the organizations work with people where they live and work through their programs and activities, engaging with people of every social background, creed, race, religion, and nationality. Although the two organizations shared similar ...