Frequently Asked Questions

YWCA SF & Marin has two Bay Area locations. Not all programs and services are offered at both sites, so please call us in advance to determine the best office for your visit.

940 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
T: 415-397-6886

4380 Redwood Highway, Ste A-1
San Rafael, CA 94903
T: 415-479-9922

YWCA San Francisco & Marin relies on the community's support to achieve our mission. Please consider volunteering, making a contribution or joining our advocacy efforts.

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. We are one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the nation, serving over 2 million women, girls, and their families. Through advocacy and local programming, we create real change for women, families, and communities.

YWCA has 225 associations and serves more than 2 million women, girls, and their families in the United States. We are also part of an international movement serving 25 million worldwide in 120 countries. YWCA San Francisco & Marin is one of those associations, and maintains its own local programs and Board of Directors. YWCA USA provides a range of technical assistance and capacity-building services to local YWCAs, safeguard the integrity of the YWCA brand, and maintain a strong national presence that will position the iconic, multi-tiered organization for increased stability and sustainability for the future.

YWCA's mission, originally inspired by principles derived from Christianity, has in recent years embraced an inclusive vision of "peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people." Today, membership and participation in YWCA is open to people of all faiths and those with no religious affiliation.

In 1855, the first YWCA was established in London, England. The United States developed its first chapter in 1858, and the first national board was established in 1906. YWCA San Francisco & Marin was founded in 1878.

Click here to find a YWCA in your community.

Please see our programs page for specific information on our programs in our San Francisco and Marin County communities.

No, we do not operate a gym. Please contact your local YMCA for gym facilities

Yes. We rent rooms when we have availability at both of our locations. Please contact our San Francisco office at 415-397-6886 or our Marin office at 415-479-9922 for information.

The two organizations are completely separate. Although we share a similar name, there is no connection. YWCA is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the nation, founded in the United States during the Industrial Revolution when women began moving into cities and searching for housing and jobs to support themselves and their families. YWCA began as a women’s movement dedicated to empowering women and eliminating racism.