ABOUT
“HER-STORY”
The YWCA of Greater Johnstown formally began with the Billy Sunday meetings held in the fall of 1913. However, we find that long before the Billy Sunday party arrived in Johnstown, the ground had been prepared for the organization of a Young Women’s Christian Association. The YWCA movement itself had been spreading from city to city.
On Sunday, December 14, 1913 a meeting was held at the First Presbyterian Church with every seat in the large auditorium filled with standing room only of people to show their interest in this new venture. The minutes of the first meeting carry this sentence: “It was informally agreed that a YWCA was an imperative necessity”.
By January 5, 1914, only three weeks later, rapid progress had been made. A state organizer arrived and the YWCA of Greater Johnstown affiliated itself with the National YWCA.
The greatest need for the organization was to locate a suitable headquarters where these programs could be effectively carried out. On June 22, 1918 it was decided to buy the J.P. Thomas property on Somerset St. and on November 21, 1918 the first board meeting was held in their new home.
This home was designed and built in 1902 for James P. Thomas, President of Smokeless Coal Co., and Treasurer of A.J. Hawes and Sons, Ltd by locally known architect, Walter P. Myton. Mr. Myton came to Johnstown from Huntingdon, PA to take charge of the branch office of Mr. Charles M. Robinson of Altoona. In this capacity he took part in the designing of City Hall. He also has many other beautiful architectural designs to his credit in the City of Johnstown.
Over the years, the YWCA has been at the forefront of issues that effect women and their families. From health and fitness to providing a safe haven for women, the YWCA of Greater Johnstown has been and will continue to be dedicated to helping the community in whatever way they can.
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
We are mothers, daughters, sisters and friends,
We are artists, athletes, volunteers and professionals,
We are strong, driven, compassionate and charismatic,
We are all these things and so much more,
We are the YWCA of Greater Johnstown.
At the YWCA we work hard to provide the Greater Johnstown community with a variety of programs that provide services to those in need, educate the community on women’s issues, strive for the elimination of racial injustice, and promote health and wellness.
At the YWCA we live our mission and will do whatever it takes to eliminate racism and empower women.
We encourage you to explore our website and learn more about the work we are doing. Better yet, come by and see for yourself!
