For over eighty-seven years, The Bahamas YWCA has had a steady stream of women and men in the community who have given of themselves in both great and small undertakings in order to create programs to meet community needs.
The idea of a YWCA in The Bahamas was birthed by a woman who had every excuse not to involve herself in community service. You see, she was a widow and when her husband died, he left her with eight children to raise. To find employment, she left the country to work as a housekeeper in the United States. In spite of adversity, it was still her desire to do a good work in the community. Upon her return to The Bahamas, she gathered together a group of men and women and simply gave them the name YWCA.
Mother Frances Butler’s story is among the fascinating stories of civic minded persons who, through the decades, came together to render deeds of charity and goodwill. Eighty-five years later, we continue to explore the need for supports and services to assist persons in the community. Our commitment to better life opportunities for people in the country has enabled the work of the YWCA to continue throughout the ages.
We are grateful for the efforts of our members and friends to secure property, construct buildings, generate revenue streams, cultivate lush gardens and create Y programs and all of this for the benefit of present and future generations. We remember also the many women who sold cakes, suppers and tickets in an effort to pay the bills and keep the “Y” alive through both sunshine and stormy weather.
We give thanks for the women and men of today who have stepped up to the plate to continue in the grand tradition of this international organization that is at work in over 100 countries throughout the world. We thank God that the Christian heritage of this local body in The Bahamas is still thriving.
“REMEMBERING THOSE WHO SERVED”. YWCA members and friends gather at the Activity Center in 1964 for the dedication of the Headquarters. Seated second from left are Mrs. Dora Sands, National President and 4th from the right is Lady Jacqueline Fawkes, President of the Adult Group.
The AIM of the YWCA shall be: –
- to promote Christian ideals of personal conduct and social responsibility;
- to unite women and girls in a Christian fellowship which seeks fullness of life through physical, mental and spiritual growth;
- to foster ideals of international friendship and service in cooperation with the World YWCA;
- to empower women and girls by enhancing their educational and emotional growth;
- to provide affordable housing for those in need.
YWCA Bahamas is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The work we do at our Nonprofit Organization is aimed at providing a holistic approach to solving some of our society’s biggest challenges. We make sure our partners are empowered by creating opportunities for individuals and communities.
The housing program serves two vital purposes: the provision of affordable housing for those in need and providing the local YWCA association with a source of revenue for its operations. To find out more about residential living at The Bahamas YWCA, please call 242 454 3061 or send an email to ywca.bahamas@yahoo.com.
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