Honoring Our History, Empowering Our Future
At YWCA Lancaster, Women’s History Month is more than a celebration of the past—it’s a call to action for the future.
This month, we’re proud to honor Mary Kepler, one of our organization’s original visionaries, whose legacy continues to shape our mission today.
Mary Kepler served as YWCA Lancaster’s president from 1909 to 1924. When she was honored in 1950 for her civic service, she humbly remarked, “I never work alone.” Her leadership was collaborative, resilient, and focused on building something beautiful for future generations.
She also understood the importance of creating spaces that inspired and uplifted. Reflecting on the construction of our historic building at East Orange and Lime Streets, she said, “We wanted to build beautifully because youth loves beauty.” That vision—a belief in beauty, strength, and community—still lives in everything we do.
We know Mary Kepler’s name today because she never married, unlike many of the early women leaders who were only documented in relation to their husbands. But their contributions, and hers, are etched into the foundation of who we are.
A Mission that Matters More Than Ever
For more than 136 years, YWCA Lancaster has worked to empower women and eliminate racism. From the start, we’ve created programs that respond to real community needs: from offering the first physical education classes for women in 1895 to launching one of the first school-age child care programs in 1978.
That work continues today through services like our Child Enrichment Center, New Choices career development programs, and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center—Lancaster County’s designated rape crisis center for nearly 35 years. These programs provide care, education, support, and empowerment to thousands every year.
Yet our mission is far from complete.
Every week, our sexual assault hotline (717-392-7273) appears in LNP | LancasterOnline—sometimes multiple times in a single issue. We’re honored to be a resource. But we long for a future where our hotline isn’t needed, where all women and girls live free from violence, fear, and discrimination.
Standing Up for Equity and Justice
From advocating for reproductive rights to speaking out against the proposed SAVE Act—which could disenfranchise millions of women voters—YWCA Lancaster continues to fight for the equity and dignity of all women and gender-diverse individuals. We know that progress isn’t guaranteed, and recent efforts to roll back gender and racial equity remind us why our work matters.
We’ve always adapted to meet the moment. In 2019, we launched the Center for Racial and Gender Equity to ensure that we uplift all voices—especially those historically excluded. Through educational programs, policy advocacy, and community-building initiatives, we work to dismantle racism and sexism wherever they show up.
Even as some institutions retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, we remain firm. Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is an act of care. Equity is a path to justice. Abandoning these values means abandoning progress—and we refuse to go backward.
Investing in a More Equitable Future
Lancaster County is facing a severe affordable housing shortage. Through our YForward initiative, we’re expanding our historic role as a housing provider to meet this growing need. Our Kepler Hall Residence program already offers emergency and long-term housing for women and families—and soon, we’ll be able to serve even more.
With support from the City of Lancaster, the County, state partners, and generous private donors, we’re in the final phase of a $16 million renovation that will increase access to permanent, affordable housing right here in our community.
Building Together, Always
From improving workplace conditions in the 1800s to supporting survivors of sexual violence, YWCA Lancaster has always stood with—and for—women. Our mission has evolved, but our commitment remains: to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
As Mary Kepler said, none of us do this work alone. Our strength comes from the people who walk beside us: volunteers, donors, advocates, and community members who believe in a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
This Women’s History Month, we don’t just remember history—we make it.