Founded in 1929, the YWCA Santa Monica / Westside is one of 316 YWCAs operating across the United States, and part of the world organization of YWCAs that spans 112 countries. Belonging to the YWCA represents more than simply an opportunity to take part in our programs. It signals support for a movement that is committed to empowering women and girls and promoting racial justice, peace, freedom and dignity for all people.

The YWCA Santa Monica / Westside offers two types of programs for women, girls and community members who live and/or work in the West Los Angeles/Santa Monica area.

• Programs for women and girls that are driven by our Mission and fill a vital community need. Supported by grants, private contributions and special events, they include a Foster Care Transitional Housing Program for young women, Girls In Action and Girl House Art Project leadership programs for middle school girls, Encore rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors, a Girls Athletics Program for girls ages 7-14, the Libbie Agran Financial Literacy Center for women and girls, and A Place for Parents for parents and single mothers.

• Classes, lectures, workshops and fitness programs in which our members enroll and pay to attend. These include classes for adults, teens and children in areas such as art, drama, gymnastics, dance, exercise, yoga, self-defense, and parenting. Joining the YWCA is inexpensive and simple. Annual membership is $25.00 for children, $45.00 for adults, and $30.00 for adults aged 55 and over. Scholarships are available. Please call Linda Garcia, Director of Member Services, at 310.452.3881 for more information on membership, or click here to sign up online.

The YWCA USA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. It is a membership movement nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of many beliefs and values. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. The YWCA thrusts its collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.