YWCA of Missoula records, 1911-2014

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) is a membership movement whose first establishment was opened in England in 1855. The YWCA was established as a Christian organization that provided opportunities in education and religious classes as well as social and religious support systems for women. In 1858 the first organization was established in the United States, and in 1898, the World YWCA was organized by the United States, England, Sweden, and Norway. Today the YWCA operates in over 120 countries with over 300 associations in the United States at almost 1,100 locations.

The YWCA of Missoula was chartered in April of 1911 with its headquarters on the corner of Broadway and Pattee Street. During the years between 1911 and 1932, the YWCA organized educational and religious programs for young women, social programs for young men and women, and a cafeteria that offered low-cost and balanced meals to the public. In addition, the YWCA offered a hostel for young women.

In 1932, due to the effects of Great Depression, the building that had been occupied by the YWCA of Missoula was sold and the Y was forced to move its headquarters, shut down the cafeteria and the hostel, and decentralize its programs. During the 1930s and early 1940s, the YWCA continued to offer educational and religious programs for young women as well as job counseling and skills-training for displaced housewives. The organization utilized the facilities of The University of Montana and local high schools to keep programs running. Additionally, a group known as Girl Reserves, an organization for school-aged girls, was formed. Week-long summer camps began to be held for the Girl Reserves.

Beginning in 1946, the YWCA moved to a space above the Missoula Chamber of Commerce at 207 East Main Street. The Live Y-ers was started in 1946, and this group held alcohol-free dances and weekend programs for young men and women. The Y-Teens was formed for girls ages 12-17 and the group participated in camps, Friday night parties, courses and service projects.

After relocating five times since its inception, the YWCA made the decision, and raised the funds, to buy a building at 600 Orange Street in 1962. In 1965, the National YWCA established an Office of Civil Justice to lead nation-wide civil rights efforts and changed its mission in 1970 to include the elimination of racism as a key goal along with empowering women. Locally, the YWCA of Missoula began offering counseling services and sex education classes.

The organization relocated to 1130 West Broadway in 1976. In 1977, the YWCA opened the Battered Women’s Shelter which provided 24-hour care and shelter to women and children who were victims of domestic violence. The YWCA also provided training and programs for women transitioning from abusive homes to living on their own and as single mothers.

In 1977, the YWCA opened the Nearly New Store at 1136 West Broadway. The store sold used clothing, accessories, and other items and proceeds were used to fund YWCA programs. In 1987, the store’s name changed to Secret Seconds and in 2005 a second Secret Seconds store was opened at 920 Kensington. A third location was opened in 2009 at 1221 Helen Avenue.

In 2006 the organization changed its name to YWCA Missoula. In 2011, YWCA Missoula celebrated the 100 year anniversary of its charter. YWCA Missoula continues to support and fund an emergency shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence as well as providing programs for the empowerment of women and the elimination of racism.