Who We Are

Group of Women Sitting Together, Women's Shelter, YWCA Northeast Kansas

YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

YWCA Northeast Kansas has been a proud part of the greater Topeka community for over 135 years and is a part of a network of YWCAs which represents one of the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organizations in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States. Locally, we proudly serve over 7,500 individuals and families each year.

What sets YWCA apart is our commitment to comprehensive social services, combined with our dedication to creating a more just world through advocacy and issue education.

Join the movement today, and join hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and advocates who are building a stronger community and a brighter future for all.

YWCA IS ON A MISSION

Our Team

  • Cheri Faunce

    She, her, hers
    CEO

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  • Linda Aziz

    She, her, hers
    Chief Financial Officer

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  • Courtland Davis

    He, him, his
    Director of Operations

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  • Becca Spielman

    She, her, hers
    Program Director, Center for Safety and Empowerment

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  • Christina Chavez

    She, her, hers
    Assistant Program Director, Center for Safety and Empowerment

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  • Rachel Grollmes

    She, her, hers
    Public Education Coordinator, Center for Safety and Empowerment

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  • Shannon Schuh

    She, her, hers
    Rural Project Coordinator, Center for Safety and Empowerment

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  • Kristin Hammer

    She, her, hers
    Community Engagement Coordinator

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Key Dates in YWCA History

  • 1858

    The first association in the U.S., Ladies Christian Association, formed in New York City

  • 1946

    Interracial Charter adopted, starting the process of desegregation

  • 1960s

    Membership and leadership positions opened to non-Christians

  • 1963

    Direct Action Program begun to ensure full desegregation in community YWCAs

  • 1970

    The One Imperative (“To thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.”) adopted

  • 2015

    Corporate name changed from “Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America, Inc.” to “YWCA USA, Inc.”

Annual Reports

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and we’re committed to accountability and transparency in everything we do. Below you will find resources that illuminate our financial position, outline how we allocate our resources, and showcase the impact of the valuable support from our donors and sponsors. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we welcome your support of our mission!

FAQs

  • No, YWCA Northeast Kansas does not have a pool or gym. We are a social service agency devoted to our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

  • YWCA Northeast Kansas programs and services are available to people of all gender and sexual identities. All services at the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment are free and confidential.

  • Though the original founders were inspired by principles of Christianity, YWCA has moved toward an inclusive vision of “peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.” Today, the YWCA movement is non-religious and open to people of all faiths and those with no religious affiliation.