YORK WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION

Our History

The York Women’s Association was founded in 1941 by 35 women who wanted to form a community service group in York, Pennsylvania. Originally called Young Women’s Club of York, the club’s purpose was “to promote educational and cultural interests, to further civic improvements, and to engage in philanthropic activities.”  Some of the club’s early community projects included a weekly children’s radio broadcast, book donations to Martin Memorial Library, and the endowment of the first classroom at what is now York College. Among the wide array of civic activities were help with polio vaccinations in the 1950s, providing food and clothing to needy families, and holiday visits to the home-bound and elderly.
 

The club was incorporated in 1947. That same year, the club established a gift shop at York Hospital at the suggestion of the wife of the hospital’s chief of staff. The gift shop was owned and operated by the club to benefit the community as well as the hospital. Initially located in a broom closet, the shop thrived and expanded over the years. The profits of the business enabled the club to purchase medical equipment and make other significant donations to York Hospital. In 2010, the club sold its gift shop assets to the hospital.
 

Since then, the club has continued to give back to the York community with numerous outreach activities and donations to local nonprofits. In 2017, we changed our name to reflect that women of all ages are welcome to join. After eighty years, we are still a community service organization driven by our desire to give back to the York community and provide a welcoming social atmosphere where lifelong friendships can be made.