Upcoming Events

DVAM Flag Raising

October 16 | 5:00 PM | YWCA

Please join us on October 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM to raise awareness around intimate partner violence, honoring victims and survivors and remembering those who have lost their lives. We will be raising the purple flag in recognition of DV Awareness Month.

Small reception after.

Success Story

Advocacy in Action

Sometimes taking the first step can feel overwhelming. Recently, one of our High Risk Advocates connected with a participant who wanted to reach out to the Worcester Police Department but was nervous about doing so on her own. To make sure she felt supported, the Advocate invited a Worcester Intervention Network (WIN) Advocate to join them. Together, they walked with her through the process—offering safety planning, reassurance, and encouragement every step of the way.

With their support, she was able to file a report and felt less alone in a very difficult moment. Afterward, she shared that the experience gave her confidence in her decisions and brought her a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time. She told us how much it meant to know that YWCA Domestic Violence services and advocates were there for her—reminding her she didn’t have to face these challenges alone.

Learn more about survivor support here

Support

Your support creates lasting change.

As conversations shift and funding becomes less reliable, programs that help women, girls, and communities of color face the greatest challenges.

Your generosity makes the difference. It means a survivor can find safety, a young girl can discover her voice, and a family can build the foundation they need for a brighter tomorrow.

Every gift you give opens up new possibilities, strengthens communities, and helps build a more just future for all.

Donate

Donor-Advised Funds

Make a Donor-Advised Fund Gift:

Name: YWCA Central Massachusetts

Federal Tax ID: 04-2105873

Mailing Address: 1 Salem Sq, Worcester, MA 01608

Your generosity helps us continue life-changing programs that support women and families in Central Massachusetts.

Donate

The YWCA Online Merch Store

Show your support in style—shop our brand-new online store featuring YWCA t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more!

Every purchase helps power our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and strengthen communities. New items will be added so check back often!

Shop now and wear your support proudly!

Shop

Advocacy

With our mission and communities in mind, YWCA advocates at the federal, state, and local levels for practical solutions that meet the needs of women, girls, and marginalized communities that bring us closer to eliminating racism, empowering women, and ensuring peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Every day, YWCA Central Massachusetts serves as a lifeline for women, families, and children. But, these essential services are still in jeopardy as federal funding is threatened. Now is the time to take action and keep our communities safe.

Contact your local members of Congress and U.S. Senators.
Reach out to your Governor’s office.
Mobilize your community to do the same.
Donate to help our programs thrive.

Domestic Violence Bills

Victims of a Crime Act, also known as VOCA: We encourage our community to act today. Together, we can close the funding gap for victim service organizations across the state of Massachusetts. Learn more about Victims of Crime Act

Bill H.1399: An Act relative to controlling and abusive litigation. Learn more.

Bill S2934: Domestic violence victims' protections for all employees. Learn more

Bill H.1795: An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium. Learn more.

Bill H.1587/S.1256 : An Act relative to justice for survivors

The Massachusetts Survivors Act creates alternative and resentencing avenues for survivors of family violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking whose transgressions were connected to their abuse.

Bill H.2031/S.1281 : An Act Relative to Domestic Violence Police Reports and Confidentiality This bill establishes a task force to study and create recommendations around updating MA’s secrecy law around sexual assault and domestic violence-related police reports.

Women Empowerment Bills

Abortion Justice Act (AJA): The bill would protect patients, including providers, from criminalization; address systemic barriers to care; ensure abortion care is covered by insurance; and call for necessary federal investments in abortion care, including training, research, outreach, doula care, innovation, and access. Learn More.

Child Care

Common Start: An Act providing affordable and accessible high quality early education and care to promote child development and well-being and support the economy in the Commonwealth (S.301 / H.489)Take Action

Stay tuned for more opportunities to take action for your community.

What's Happening at the YW

Girls CHOICE

This FREE program runs weekly for middle and high school girls in Worcester. Girls CHOICE provides a community of young women who support each other and fosters ongoing positive impacts.

Weekly discussions and activities on:

Financial Empowerment
Healthy relationships
Advocacy
Restorative Practices
Self Care
And more!

TRANSFORMATIONS

Transformations is a FREE year-long rite of passage program for Black girls, ages 12-14. The program provides positive social, emotional, and cultural identity development that enables Black girls to:

• Thrive spiritually, mentally, and physically

• Recognize their gifts

• Understand that they are valued and empowered

Family Fun Fridays

Join us every Friday for FREE fun!

6:00 to 8:30PM, every Friday

Bring the kids and get ready to move, splash, play, create, and connect. Enjoy gym time, pool access, games, crafts, and quality time together!

Invest in your Health

Ready to crush your fitness goals? At the YWCA, we believe wellness is more than just physical fitness—it’s about creating a balanced, healthy life for everyone in our community.

Now, signing up for a membership is easier than ever—do it online in just a few clicks!

Join Now

A Path to Stability

Transitional Housing Applications Open Now

What THP Offers

Secure, affordable housing, individualized case management and a supportive, encouraging community.

Who We Serve

Women ready to take the next step toward stability and in need of temporary housing while working toward permanent housing.

Learn More

We are Hiring!

Looking for an exciting new opportunity? Join our team and make a difference! We have a variety of great positions available and are eager to find passionate individuals like you. Don’t wait—apply today!

Apply Now

Mark Your Calendar

Sept. 15-Oct. 15: Hispanic Heritage Month

September 16: National Voter Registration Day

September 18: International Equal Pay Day

Looking Ahead

Sept. 15-Oct. 15: Hispanic Heritage Month

October: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 10: World Mental Health Day

October 11: National Coming Out Day

October 13: Indigenous People's Day

ELIMINATING RACISM. EMPOWERING WOMEN.

YWCA CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS | YWCACM.ORG | 508-767-2505

For more than 140 years, the YWCA Central Massachusetts has served as a lifelong positive force for women and girls, their families and communities.