F or over 125 years YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region has been creating an environment for women to feel empowered, supported and able to build opportunities to make positive change. While our mission has not changed, "eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,” our programming and services have continued to evolve. Just like needs of women in our regional community.

YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region works where we are needed most. We believe that positive change begins with understanding individual needs. We listen, learn, and respond to best serve the unique needs of the women in our community.

Over the 127 years, we have evolved but have always focused on empowering women. Over the decades the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region has served as a safe place for women. In 1928, there was Camp Maqua, the premier camp experience for girls. In the 1940-60’s there was a heavy focus on social issues for women. In the 70-80’s services appealed to the working women, such as surviving the business world and work life balance. Today, we focus on empowering women of all ages through programming such as our Getting Ahead program, Girls Empowerment Summer Camps, Special Needs Summer Camps, Resource Center, and Parenting program.

YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region had great success in 2017 by touching the lives of 851 participants. Our Getting Ahead program had 85% of participants reporting an increase in self-sufficiency, measured by 11 factors. All our summer empowerment camps participants reported in increase in developmental assets; including personal power and self-esteem.

YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region’s programs grow: Self Confidence, Knowledge, Hope, Personal Power, and Self-Discovery. Our programs are more than just numbers. They change lives.

If you are interested in becoming part of this change, we invite you to get involved. Contact us to see how, together, we can create great change across our region.