YWCA San Francisco
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Marin Women's Hall of Fame
Established in 1987, the Hall of Fame is a way to identify, record for posterity, and recognize the contributions that women make to our community. Women have helped shape Marin County into one of the most exciting places in the world to live, work and play, while representing a significant part of our population and economy.
With visibility before 1,000 invited attendees and an anticipated audience of 400, the event attracts attention from every corner of Marin, and we encourage everyone to attend the annual induction ceremony and dinner.
FiftyPlus Employment Support Program
FiftyPlus offers tailored services for low-income women over the age of 50 toward economic self-sufficiency by offering free employment training and job placement support. For this constituency, barriers to employment include: ageism, lack of updated technology skills, low self-esteem (usually due to long-term unemployment), disabilities, poor interview skills and other barriers to job readiness. The goal of the program is to prepare job seekers to secure and retain employment so they may live independently, maintain a healthy life style and contribute to the vitality of the Bay Area.
Since its inception in 2000, FiftyPlus has been serving women in our community and is expecting to serve over 350 clients this year. FiftyPlus provides a targeted mix of services and strategies to improve clients’ job readiness, including career assessments, job search and interview training, resume writing training, networking techniques (both in person and via social media) and computer classes in our 16 station computer lab. Our clients find a job on average in 20 weeks or less, as compared to the national average of 57 weeks for this demographic. The average wage secured by our clients is $20.69, more than double minimum wage. In addition, 43% of clients see a wage gain in their first job after completing their FiftyPlus training, while nationally 2/3rds of older workers lose wages as they re-enter the workforce. (Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University)
FiftyPlus prepares older job seekers to find and secure stable employment, while minimizing the amount of time our clients are unemployed. Upon entry into FiftyPlus, each client completes a job readiness self-assessment in orientation and determines which trainings and services will best help them achieve their employment goals. Available services and workshops include, Taking Control of Your Job Search, Discovering Your Career, Microsoft Office Training, LinkedIn and Facebook for Business Workshops, Financial Literacy Workshops, and Weekly Job Clubs,
While there are a number of training providers in the Bay Area that help enhance employment skills, none offers targeted services for women over 50. We have found that our clients thrive in an environment where they are surrounded by women at similar stages in their lives: some are returning after a long hiatus, and are bewildered by the extraordinary changes in technology and job searching practices; others may have been forced to leave a long-term job to care for a sick or elderly family member, and are re-entering the workforce unsure of their value. Wherever they may be on this job search continuum, the YWCA has developed a program that meets clients where they are, anticipating their concerns and providing a supportive hand as they walk through this new territory of looking for stable employment as an “older worker.”
YWCA Apartments
The YWCA Apartments are located in a beautiful and historic San Francisco building designed by renowned early twentieth century architect, Julia Morgan. It is currently home to 110 low-income residents. At the YWCA, each resident is deeply valued and treated with care and the utmost respect.
Computer Learning Center
Open to every member of the community, the Center introduces clients to desktop navigation, email account set-up and usage, and Microsoft Office program essentials, with dedicated instruction in English and Chinese to meet community needs. Clients learn to use Microsoft Word to write effective cover letters and create professional resumes, and to utilize the internet and search technologies to find jobs and desired information.
Advocacy
YWCA San Francisco & Marin takes action on the most critical issues of our time impacting women and people of color because we believe the most effective policies are informed by the people and communities they impact.
When women, people of color, and people who are low-income have a strong voice in the policies that matter to their communities and families, we all do better.
In our efforts to bring about that better world, we train advocates, educate decision-makers, and convene key conversations to spark change. In the first year of our advocacy program, we led the charge in Marin for a $15 minimum wage, helped pass a bill for affordable housing, and convened our first public Stand Against Racism. And we’re just getting started!
Inclusion Inventory
Many organizations recognize the value of diversity, but struggle to maintain highly effective multicultural teams. That’s because diversity alone isn’t enough.
Our unique program, the Inclusion Inventory, bridges the critical gap between diversity and inclusion. We’ll help you create an environment where people can bring their unique experiences and strengths to the table, without minimizing core aspects of their identity or their culture.
YWCA works with both organizations and individuals to create truly inclusive cultures and operations – leading to more equitable environments and greater workplace satisfaction. Our rigorous methodology and proven self-evaluation tools merge with your development goals for a customized training experience that carves a path towards inclusion.
Where we work
External reviews
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
YWCA San Francisco
Board of directorsas of 07/09/2019
Sherry Geyer
First Rebublic Bank
Term: 2014 - 2018
Laurie Deaton
Executive Finance Consultant
Heather Cameron
Publisher
Erica Demster
Kaiser Permanente
Victoria Weatherford
Attorney
Lisa Roberts
Finance
Kate Swimley
Finance
Ingrid Plock Ramsey
Finance
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No