On February 10, 1858, YWCA was founded with a bold mission: to support young women seeking opportunity, safety, and stability during a time of rapid change.

What began as safe housing, job training, and community for wage-earning women has grown into a movement—one that still lives on today.

For 168 years, YWCA has stood for dignity, opportunity, and hope. You can help carry this legacy forward.

Please honor our anniversary with a gift today.

At YWCA Central Virginia, we continue this legacy by supporting women, girls, and families through programs like:

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Prevention Education and Awareness

Training police, nurses, courts, and community partners in domestic violence and sexual assault awareness.
Answering more than 7,00 hotline calls annually.

Domestic Violence Shelters

Providing safe housing, case management, and transportation through our VSDVAA-certified shelters. Sadler House (24 beds, Lynchburg) and Frannie’s House (8 beds. Campbell County) serving 4,400 sq. miles and aiding over 5000 women and children escaping violence.
Operating two safe houses aiding more than 4,500 women and children escaping violence.

Sexual Assault Response Program

Partnering with police and forensic nurses at Centra Lynchburg General to assist during forensic exams and provide legal advocacy and emotional support.
Collaborating with the Child Advocacy Centers of Lynchburg and Bedford to support child victims of sexual assault.
Offering support groups and counseling as well as guidance on court advocacy and medical care.

Court Advocacy

Informing and liaising with community partners on legal matters such as protective orders and court proceedings.
Creating safety plans to prepare for emergencies.

Visitation Center

Operating the only accredited visitation center within a three-hour radius.
Offering a court-mandated, safe, child-focused environment for family visitation.
Providing more than 400 family visitations annually.

Long-Term Affordable Housing

Have provided low-cost, long-term housing for women since 1912.
Maintaining 38 rooms available at $340 or less per month.

Church Street Bridal

Funding our two shelters through the sale of donated new wedding dresses at YWCA’s bridal boutique, with 100% of proceeds supporting women and children in crisis since 2004.

2026 - YWCA Day of Giving