The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA envisions a healthy community transformed by racial and gender equality, where women and girls, particularly those of color, have equal access to opportunity, and there is social justice for all people. We won't stop until the world sees women, girls and people of color the way we do - Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable. The YWCA of Evansville, IN, was established in 1911. Our original purpose was to provide safe, affordable housing for women who were coming from the country and outlying towns for employment in mills and factories. We've altered our programs over the years to meet the changing needs of women and children in our area, but our mission of offering a safe haven to women and children is as enduring as it was from day one. Current programs at the YWCA include a domestic violence shelter; an emergency housing program for women and children; the YES! (YWCA Embracing Sobriety) program, a long-term residential program for homeless women recovering from substance abuse; and Live Y'ers, our after-school and mentoring program for girls. Additional services include initiatives related to furthering women's economic empowerment and racial justice. Through our financial literacy classes with residents and the public, and events such as Equal Pay Day, Stand Against Racism, and others, we are known advocates for these topics in our area.