History

The YWCA USA was founded in 1858, followed fifty-two years later by the incorporation of the YWCA of Albuquerque at 3:30 pm on February 9, 1910, in the territorial capitol of Santa Fe. The Charter for the YWCA of Albuquerque was issued on June 1, 1910, by the YWCA USA, and a Certificate of Amendment was executed on November 18, 1963, extending incorporation until the year 2063. On January 1, 2000, the YWCA of Albuquerque officially became the YWCA Middle Rio Grande to better reflect the broad scope of its work throughout the state of New Mexico.

The YWCA's first home was a rooming house for young women located on First Street across from the railroad station in downtown Albuquerque. The "Harvey girls," who played an important role in the early history of New Mexico, were some of its earliest occupants.

The first years of the YWCA's history were punctuated by frequent moves to accommodate rapid growth. During this period, services expanded while the YWCA continued to operate a residence for young women. While occupying a building on Gold Street, YWCA residents enjoyed communal meals, and a "café" was established to serve rolls and coffee on a drop-in basis.

In 1941, the organization settled into a building at 316 Fourth Street that would continue to be its home for several decades. Programs changed to meet the demands of a growing population. In 1945, inter-racial camp programs were first developed at Blue Triangle Camp in Tijeras Canyon (now Piñon Canyon Center). The 1950's and 60's brought a focus on social activities for young women and a new emphasis on the professions. In 1970, the YWCA established the New Futures School, a school for pregnant teens, which has since become a part of the Albuquerque Public Schools.

Commitment to quality childcare has long been a hallmark of the YWCA. The YWCA's Cariño program was established in 1978, and in 1981, the YWCA opened five childcare centers. The YWCA's support of quality childcare continues to this day through Cariño and PAN, providing child development and nutrition resources, training, and support for parents and childcare providers.

As women began to enter the workforce in record numbers during the 70s and 80s, the YWCA responded with characteristic creativity. In 1981, the YWCA collaborated with the Albuquerque Police and Fire Departments to recruit and train women for non-traditional occupations in law enforcement and fire fighting. During this period, the YWCA also experimented with branch offices in the four quadrants of the city and inaugurated its Women on the Move Awards.

After forty-four successful years in the building on Fourth Street, the Board of Directors authorized the sale of the out-dated and limited space, and after moving to a temporary site on Eubank Boulevard, the YWCA relocated in 1989 to a multi-purpose facility on Paseo del Norte at what was then the northern edge of Albuquerque.

During a decade at this facility, the programs of the YWCA continued to respond to the changing needs of a growing city. The YWCA offered a diversity of programs to support women entering the job market, raise awareness about issues of violence, teach children about science in the natural environment of Piñon Canyon Center, reach out to low income women at risk for breast and cervical cancer, assure quality childcare, and honor the leadership of New Mexico's "Women on the Move."

The northward growth of Albuquerque and plans for a new perimeter freeway hastened decisions about another move for the YWCA, and on June 25, 1999, the YWCA relocated administrative and program offices into central Albuquerque, which are now located at 210 Truman Street. In 2003, the Paseo del Norte building was sold, and the proceeds of sale were invested in an endowment for a new facility. Recommitting to its core mission of women's rights and racial justice in 2000, the YWCA continues to prosper as a voice for change in the 21st Century.

History

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