About Us
Fighting systemic racism, advancing gender equity, and enhancing the wellbeing of communities.
YWCA Northern NJ
For over a century, YWCA Northern New Jersey (YWCANNJ) has been on the forefront of the fight against gender and racial discrimination. YWCANNJ works to build more just and inclusive communities through trauma-informed care, empowerment programs, anti-racism training and education, and mission-linked policy advocacy. Some key programs include workforce development initiatives designed to support women on their paths to educational, career, and financial success; STEM related trainings and career opportunities for women and girls; reentry clinical and case management support for women transitioning back into the community post-incarceration. YWCANNJ also offers high-quality and affordable child-care and summer camp opportunities that facilitate a child’s social, physical, and emotional growth. It operates healingSPACE, the state-designated sexual violence resource center for Bergen County, and senior wellness programs.
YWCA Northern New Jersey serves Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic Counties. Learn more about YWCANNJ by following us on social media @ywcannj
Living Our Values, Inside and Out
At YWCANNJ, we believe that meaningful change starts from within. In recent years, we’ve taken intentional steps to ensure our internal culture reflects the mission we pursue externally. This work includes building a more diverse and inclusive team at all levels—from our board and leadership to staff—revisiting policies and systems that didn’t serve everyone equitably, and embracing flexibility in how, when, and where we work. We’ve updated our paid time off policies to honor the many ways our team observes rest and reflection, created a more inclusive dress code, and prioritized mental health and wellness.
We undertook a comprehensive equity review to understand and address gaps, adjusted salaries accordingly, and continue to evolve how we support each other in moments that matter. These efforts are ongoing, and while we’re proud of the progress we’ve made, we remain committed to learning, growing, and holding ourselves accountable to the values that guide our mission.
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.
2020 - 2025
YWCANNJ took bold steps to live our values internally—diversifying leadership and staff, conducting a comprehensive equity review, updating workplace policies to promote inclusion, and embracing a flexible, hybrid workforce. These efforts continue to shape a more equitable, supportive, and mission-aligned organization.
2020-2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Equity Institute – helps businesses and nonprofits restructure their organization and processes to help end systemic racism and denounce intolerance and exclusion in our community. Our racial justice experts and employment attorneys provide Workshops; Assessments, Plan Development; Implementation Assistance
2020-2025
Womens Empowerment programs that helps women from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds start and grow their own small businesses.
2020-2025
Women of the Workforce: Support and resources for women navigating the workforce, with a focus on nonwhite women including wraparound services like case management, job training, career development and identifying resources to enhance their workforce journey.
2020-2025
Reentry Support Services: Programs and support services for women post-incarceration returning to Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic Counties with additional services including trauma based therapy, skill-based job training and resources to help them transition back into society.
2020-2025
Operation Sisterhood provides a platform of support and wraparound services to address the social, physical, and mental wellness needs of women returning from military service. These services include case management, workforce development and entrepreneurship training, counseling services for sexual violence survivors, as well as assistance in connecting to outside resources.