A CENTURY OF AID
YWCA of the Greater Capital Region celebrates 100 years
TROY, N.Y. » The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region marked its 100th anniversary at 21 First St. on Tuesday with a special ceremony and event in downtown Troy.
Exactly a century ago on May 8, 1918 the doors at the First Street YWCA opened to provide safe, affordable and supportive housing and services for women in need.
Since then, the building has housed thousands of women and children, serving for them as a start of positive change.
“Today our beautiful building in the historic district of the city of Troy turns 100 years old,” YWCA of the Greater Capital Region Ex- ecutive Director Daquetta Jones said at a ceremony held Tuesday in front of the building.
“Since 1883 YWCA of the Greater Capital Region has served women in the city of Troy and the greater Capital Region areas,” Jones continued, adding that the organization is now one of the area’s largest providers of supportive housing to both single women and women with children that would otherwise be homeless or living in substandard housing.
Programs offered in this building by YWCA of the Greater Capital Region are designed to help women prepare for school and employment through economic advancement programs. In addition to housing, this includes food security services, homelessness prevention and advocacy for gender and racial equity.
Looking ahead, the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region aims to maintain its role in the community as a source of hope and empowerment for generations to come. Jones said, “We’re devoted to still be standing, tall and strong, 100 years from today, to continue changing lives.”
Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul was among the many dignitaries present to congratulate the organization on its milestone, along with Assemblyman John McDonald III, state Sen. Neil Breslin, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin and Troy Deputy Mayor Monica Kurzejeski.
“You are transforming people’s lives,” Hochul said during the ceremony.
Hochul spoke positively of Troy’s recent Renaissance.
“This community is coming back, but through this community’s journey there’s been a constant, and that has always been the YWCA,” she said. “You have been here in people’s deepest time of need, and when
they leave here feeling refreshed and re- energized, able to take on the challenge of the world, know that everyone — you, your staff, your board members and this community — are part of bettering people’s lives.”
Other attendees included YWCA of the Greater Capital Region staff members, residents, program participants and community members.
Following the ceremony, event-goers had the opportunity to enjoy tours of the historic building and well as lunch and birthday cake.
Additionally, all individuals, businesses and organizations were invited to accept the Centennial 100 Challenge, a fundraising campaign with a goal of goal of $100,000 to ensure that women and women with children will continue have the First Street building and all of the services and programs offered by the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, as a beacon of hope and positive change for the next 100 years.
More information about the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc., includ- ing its Centennial 100 Challenge, is available online at www.ywca-gcr.org or www. facebook.com/ywca.gcr.