The YWCA of Palm Beach County is celebrating its 100th year of continuous service to the women and families of the county this year. It invites the community to share memories and materials relating to the organization’s earlier days. The YWCA is also seeking contact information on relatives or friends of Rev. C.H. Pettibone, Founder; Ann Leach; Mamie Adair; Mr. and Mr. Harvey Greer; and Mrs. Mayme Frederick.
The YWCA has been an integral part of Palm Beach County’s history, providing the first boarding house for young women who had come to West Palm Beach to work; establishing the Mamie Adair Center with services for minority residents in inner city West Palm Beach; teaching thousands of youngsters how to swim; providing a residence for disabled women; and offering an array of programs and services to Palm Beach County residents. The YWCA now operates the Mary Rubloff YWCA Harmony House, a 72-bed shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence; Rapid Re-Housing for domestic violence victims; two Child Development Centers for children ages 3-5; Y-Girls and Y-Teens, school-based enrichment for girls ages 8-18 in the Glades; and various racial justice initiatives.
Former presidents, as well as men and women who have been instrumental in the Y’s history, will be honored at a luncheon on October 11, 2017 at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion. The menu will replicate what was served at the YWCA’s famous Down South Luncheons which started in 1981, “the finest southern cooking.”
Said Event Chairwomen, Theresa LePore, “We are very proud and excited to have reached this milestone and look forward to an even more productive second hundred years.”
To participate as a sponsor or advertiser or to provide historical information, please call 561-640-0050, Ext. 137, e-mail sturner@ywcapbc.org or visit www.ywcapbc.org.