Continuing a legacy of empowerment and justice
A Vision Built on the Strength and Resolve of Women
Founded in 1908, YWCA San Diego County was spearheaded by Mrs. G. Aubrey Davidson, an accomplished civic and community leader, and Dr. Charlotte Johnson Baker, a pioneer of the women’s suffrage movement in California and the first female physician to practice medicine in San Diego. Together, they were joined by a prominent group of women leaders — Alice Carey Waterman, Mrs. A. E. Frost, May Virginia Landis, Elizabeth LeBreton Marston, Dr. Lena Creswell, Ella Laura Sheldon, Fanny Hodges Newman, Mrs. George G. Garrettson, and Ellen Artha Morse — to formally incorporate the organization and help disadvantaged women through cultural, social, and economic improvement programs.
YWCA has a long history of serving women, families, and vulnerable populations through safe housing, education, employment development, and an array of services to increase equal opportunity and self-sufficiency. Our programs evolved over time to address the unique needs of women, people of color, domestic violence survivors, families experiencing homelessness, and other marginalized groups in San Diego County.
Collectively, with the YWCA national network, we have been at the forefront of the most critical social movements in American history for more than 110 years — from women’s empowerment and civil rights, to affordable housing and pay equity, to violence prevention and health care reform. Building upon our historic legacy of empowerment and social justice, YWCA remains committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and advocating for peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.
Advancing Domestic Violence and Housing Programs
In 1978, YWCA San Diego County opened the first regional emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and their children in response to the alarming prevalence in the community. The shelter offered a safe place for victims fleeing their abusers to gain protection, begin healing, and start a new life. Since then, we expanded our domestic violence programs to serve the complex and often life-threatening needs of survivors, including the addition of a 24-hour crisis hotline, multiple transitional and permanent housing solutions, and a wide spectrum of supportive services.
The Becky’s House® program name originated from a phone call to the Jeff and Jer radio show in 1999. “Becky” called the show in desperate need of help. She was trapped in an abusive relationship and feared for her life. She had three days to find shelter while her boyfriend was out of town — without a job, money, or place to stay. Within 24 hours, the community raised $43,000 to help Becky escape with her son and begin a new life. Inspired by her story and the outpouring of community support, YWCA renamed our domestic violence shelter in honor of Becky and later opened a new transitional housing facility for survivors facing similar situations.
Today, YWCA is one of the largest providers of gender-inclusive domestic violence housing and services in San Diego County and one of the only resources for male adult and teenage survivors. Our emergency shelter is also the only facility in the region that accepts clients at all hours of the day and night, allowing us to provide a critical lifeline to victims facing imminent danger.
Our Historic Administrative Building
During World War I, YWCA constructed a recreation center at the northwest corner of 11th Avenue and C Street. The facility had a swimming pool, gymnasium, and club rooms where women and the community could enjoy social and recreational activities. After the war, and with the help of a bequest from Captain Benjamin Frees, YWCA purchased the remainder of the block on C Street and launched a campaign to build a permanent home for our headquarters and growth of educational and economic improvement programs. Ellen Browning Scripps, a retired newswoman and philanthropist, was a lead contributor to this effort. Designed by Frank Stevenson and C.E. Decker in 1926, the building’s architecture reflects the Spanish Renaissance made popular by the Panama-California Exposition. Today, our administrative offices are located in this historic building at 1012 C Street in downtown San Diego.
Voices of Strength and Courage
“It was so hard to imagine that I could have a different life for my children. For the first time, I’m excited and hopeful about our future.”
“I was feeling so helpless and alone. You were there for me and my children and treated us like family. Because of YWCA, I’m working now and we’re living in our own home. All of this is because of your help and encouragement. I will always be grateful.”
“I’m grateful for all of the support and guidance you gave me. My children are doing much better now and I know we will keep getting stronger. Thank you for everything.”
“I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to take care of my son on my own. Thanks to YWCA, we’re in our own home and getting better every day. I never felt alone because I had so much support from all of you. Thank you for helping us get through this.”
“When I was at my lowest point and losing hope, you saved us. You gave me a safe place to stay with my cat and helped me regain my strength. Although I’m still not fully healed, I know that we will be okay.”
“After years of hidden abuse, I was broken, ashamed, and confused. She had convinced me it was all my fault. YWCA helped me regain my self-worth as a person, and most importantly, as a father. You literally changed my life.”
