About Us
Fighting systemic racism, advancing gender equity, and enhancing the wellbeing of communities.
YWCA Northern NJ
YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. For over a century, YWCA Northern New Jersey has been on the forefront of the fight against gender and racial discrimination. We work to build more just and inclusive communities through programs for women and girls, anti-racism training, and policy advocacy. We operate healingSPACE, Bergen County’s only Sexual Violence Resource Center. We also are one of the area’s largest providers of child care services and senior wellness programs.
In 2019, we changed our name from YWCA Bergen County to YWCA Northern New Jersey to reflect our expansion into Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, and Passaic County, while deepening our mission in Bergen County where we will always be firmly rooted.
YWCA Northern New Jersey Organizational Pillars
Racial Justice & Equality
Combating systemic racism and advancing more equitable communities through training programs, education, policy advocacy, and collaborative partnerships that elevate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color voices.
Gender Equity & Empowerment
Providing tools and skill-based learning for women and girls to inspire self determination and leadership development. Advocating for policy action that dismantles barriers to the advancement of women.
Safety, Support, & Wellness
Providing services for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. Enhancing the well-being of families and communities by offering child care for youth and fostering social connections and wellness for seniors through programs.
Service Areas
YWCA Northern New Jersey History
1920 - 1930
The YWCA of Ridgewood and the YWCA of Hackensack are founded and affiliated with YWCA USA, the national organization. These two affiliate chapters eventually combine to create the YWCA Bergen County.
1950 - 1960
This decade was revolutionary in the development of the YWCA’s youth programs. The organization expanded its focus to youth development and education and opened its doors to the first Nursery School, welcoming 50 children. It also opened Camp Y-Oak-A, the YWCA’s first summer day camp.
1970 - 1980
The Second Start Jail Program was created to support women in the Bergen County Jail Annex. The first YWCA After School Program and the first YWCA Child Care Center opened in Ridgewood to meet the needs of working women.
1970 - 1980
Additionally, YWCA board member Evelyn Atwater founded the Tribute to Women and INdustry (TWIN), honoring professional women and their companies. Finally, the Hackensack YWCA undertook the sponsorship of S.E.R.V.E., a countywide rape intervention program.
1980 - 1990
The YWCA continued the expansion and availability of many of its programs. The Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest was created to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and also to provide a creative outlet for high school students.
1990 - 2000
The Ridgewood YWCA and the Hackensack YWCA combined to form the YWCA Bergen County. In keeping with the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, the first Study Circle on Racism was held with a mission of understanding racism and breaking down stereotypes.
2000 - 2010
Following the catastrophic tragedy of 9/11/2001, the YWCA provided free support services to the families of victims. Also, the Rape Crisis Center formed the Sexual Assault Free Environment (S.A.F.E.) Coalition in order to develop strategies to prevent sexual violence.
2000 - 2010
We also brought together 14 sister YWCA chapters to host the first Stand Against Racism to raise awareness about racial discrimination and celebrate diversity. Finally, we formed The First Girls Empowerment Camp to provide pre-teen girls with a safe environment for building self-esteem and leadership skills.
2010 - 2020
In this decade, the YWCA expanded to become the YWCA Northern New Jersey deepening its mission in Bergen County while expanding its service to Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties.
2010 - 2020
We kicked off our first women’s conference with the theme of working smarter, growing professionally, and living well in a tough economy. Also, the Rape Crisis Center transforms into healingSPACE: A Sexual Violence Resource Center through a Women United in Philanthropy grant.
2010 - 2020
In reaction to the #MeToo Movement, YWCA Bergen County joins with Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle to establish the Time Is Now Action Coalition to end sexual harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence.In 2019 we celebrated the Centennial, marking 100 years of service to the community.
2010 - 2020
In 2020, YWCA received a charitable donation from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott to help further our mission of empowering women and eliminating racism.