YWCA

Since 1917, the YWCA of Southern Arizona has been at the forefront of the movement to eliminate racism and empower women. Started by Henrietta Franklin and 150 members of the Tucson Business and Professional Women’s Club, the organization commissioned architect Annie Graham Rockfellow to design its Spanish-style headquarters at 738 N. Fifth Ave. in 1930. During the 1930s, the YWCA offered Tucson’s only swimming lessons for children of color and initiated integrated housing for women attending UA. It opened Tucson’s first state-certified infant care center in 1974, and in 1981 launched the first housing program for survivors of domestic violence. Now at 525 N. Bonita Ave., the YWCA offers programming and services in economic justice, healing and well-being, community engagement and advocacy. Initiatives include Your Sister’s Closet, Project Period, Women’s Business Center, YWorks, Women’s Counseling Network, Las Comadritas, Center for Gender & Racial Equity and Teen Court. 

PHOTO COURTESY YWCA OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA