YWCA Gardena Valley

Description

The YWCA Gardena Valley was organized by a handful of women, working and homemakers alike, who saw the need for a local service organization. In 1968, the became a part of the Harbor YWCA a few miles away, only to find that one was needed even closer to home.

By devising every imaginable fundraiser, those extraordinary women within 9 years progressed the Gardena association into an independently chartered chapter; became a California corporation, was accredited by YWCA America; and held exempt from Federal Income Tax in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The present location purchased in 1980 was paid for in full by 1983 with dozens of fundraisers, corporate grants and support from the Gardena business community, some of whom after 37 years continue to support this local chapter.

The focus of the YWCA Gardena Valley has been and continues to be affordable programs for children. 2006 sees the development of reading and science classes for 6 and 7 year olds, and the nurturing of the VolunTEENS who offer their time and energies to the YWCA efforts, to those of the City of Gardena, and the county of Los Angeles.