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Carole Mikita ReportingThe YWCA is celebrating its centennial, 100 years of community involvement. The first event marking this year is a photo exhibit that outlines the organization's outreach for women.
The YWCA's motto, "A voice for women. A force for change. A place for hope." represents a variety of programs that have provided education, employment and shelter from family violence for thousands of women.
The Young Women's Christian Association came to be just after the turn of the 20th century with members meeting unaccompanied women at the train station and offering food, a place to stay, even money, if necessary. And so it began.
Ann Burkholder, CEO, YWCA of Salt Lake City: "The original purpose was to promote the spiritual, moral, intellectual and temporal welfare of women. That's a very broad purpose."
The YWCA offered social opportunities, opened doors for employment, invited women and children to participate in athletic programs. These days, it aims to empower women and girls and eliminate racism.
Kandace Steadman, Museum of Utah Art and History: "It's not just a history of the 'Y', it's a history of Salt Lake City. It's a history of women and their lives over the last 100 years, and I think that's what makes it so compelling."
Today, the women who walk through these doors find a variety of social programs; one of them, life-saving. The crisis shelter remains the oldest and largest provider of safe housing for victims of domestic violence in the state.
Sophia Adams, YWCA Family Violence Program: "I have three teenage daughters and a toddler son. So, even having somebody to talk to and bounce ideas off of, how to handle things better. I've made some lifelong friends here that I can't say enough good about."
The YWCA marks a milestone documenting how women's lives have changed over 100 years, but this exhibit also states that what hasn't changed is its mission of women helping women.
The exhibit, "YWCA Centennial Her Story," will remain at the Utah Museum of Art and History through April 16th. Hours are 11am to 3pm Tuesdays through Sundays.
