The YWCA of Mount Desert Island is the huge brick building on Mount Desert Street with the warm friendly interior. This building has been home to thousands of women and girls since 1913. As an emergency shelter for runaway teens, unwed mothers, abused women and their children, as well as the stranded tourist, the YWCA has opened the doors to all women in crisis. The YWCA also is home for many women of all ages who do not find themselves in crisis, but who enjoy the companionship and security of community living.

Other programs the YWCA sponsor include Strong YW Women exercise classes,
Women’s History Month events, Scholarship Awards, the Children’s Christmas Bazaar, Woman and Young Woman of the Year Award, Valentines Tea, Spring Fling, Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas for residents, Girls Eye View and Zoey’s Room.

Each year we raise much needed dollars to support the programs by catering, holding raffles, bake sales, teas and craft fairs. This year we will add new fund raising events to ensure the YWCA MDI, a private non-profit membership organization that receives no government funding, will remain viable.

The YWCA MDI is women’s membership organization that draws members together to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision: Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all people.