YWCA of Southern Arizona

Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom, and Dignity for All.

YWCA Southern Arizona has served approximately 4,000 women, youth, and families in Tucson and Southern Arizona each year since 1917, providing social services, leadership, and economic development programs that promote equity, encourage economic and social empowerment, and advance wellness. We believe the success of our communities depends on upholding equality, inclusion, and opportunity as fundamental values. To address inequities faced by the BIPOC and low-income women we serve, YW provides integrated workforce, family wellness, and social services that promote multi-generational solutions to end poverty and violence. Our Women's Empowerment, Leadership and Wellness Center offers an annual leadership conference and academy as well as a new financial wellness program. The Latina Leadership Institute hosts a range of bilingual programs and empowers women who are often survivors of domestic violence. Our Women's Business Center provides classes and one-on-one coaching to women entrepreneurs, and our Women's Economic Advancement programs, like Pathways for Single Moms, help women build job skills and earn a livable wage. YWCA also houses Teen Court, a diversion program in which youth who have been arrested are given constructive consequences by a jury of their peers. Our overall goal is to place women and families more firmly and equitably in control of their futures while increasing self-confidence and economic independence.

Testimonials

"Hello, my name is Damaris Garcia, I am currently enrolled [in the Pathways program] with YWCA, attending Pima [Community College] for the building and construction program with an emphasis in construction. My goal after earning my certificate is to start my own business and flip houses. Life can get hard, especially when you are a single mom. Not only are you taking care of yourself but your kids. Having the support of this program has changed my life. I can now look to the future with confidence knowing I am headed in a positive direction."

"My name is Jennifer Carrasco, I am 28 years old and a mother of two. I am enrolled in Pima Community College's Building and Construction Technology Program with an emphasis in carpentry. Pathways has supported both me and my children as I pursue an education in a growing field that provides a thriving wage. I want a better life for me and my children and this resource has changed my life. I was awarded 100% paid tuition for a one-year certificate in technical education as well as Quality First kindergarten Ready Childcare."

"My name is Aretha Varner, I am 51 years young. I am an IT student in the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (IBEST) program. I am in my second semester and will graduate at the end of the next semester. It's such a relief to know that I have someone to rely on and I don't have to figure everything out for myself. Pathways provides wraparound support that includes tuition costs, equipment expenses, childcare, transportation assistance and guidance through the enrollment process. I just want to say that YWCA and Pathways has been such lifeline for me in the past 6 months. Their program is amazing for single moms and children. With the support that they offer, I found that I have much more financial freedom. I can concentrate on my school and studying. This is the single best program for women and children. I have been through other programs before, and they never helped me like this. The support is overwhelming, anytime day or night. After I graduate, I would like to also launch my own business named the Computer Dive. YWCA has a Women's Business Center that will help me accomplish that! Nothing but good things ahead for me."