FAQ

What do the letters YWCA stand for?
YWCA used to stand for Young Women’s Christian Association. Our name was officially changed to YWCA Victoria in 2002.  Although we recognise our Christian history, today YWCA Victoria is a modern and progressive secular organisation with members, supporters and employees from a range of different backgrounds and beliefs.

Do I have to be a Christian to be a member or employee of YWCA?
No, we have women of a variety of faiths who are members, employees and volunteers; many profess no formal religion at all.

Are you the YMCA?
No the YWCA is a separate community organisation, go to the YMCA website for information about the YMCA.

Do you work with just women?
The vast majority of YWCA Victoria’s community programs and services are for women only.  The exception to this is our Housing Services which provides male-only, mixed and female-only housing.

Do you work with just young women?
Historically YWCA Victoria has worked with young women as young women continue to be under-represented at all levels of government and corporate decision-making, and experience inequality in a range of ways such as unequal pay, violence, and unrealistic body image.  However, not all of our work is directed toward young women, we have an interest in the equality of all women and work with women of all ages.

Do you provide recreation programs?
YWCA Victoria provides rowing lessons and competition for women and girls at our Y Rowing Club at Albert Park Lake. We also are affiliated with a range of golf clubs for women in East Bentleigh.

Do you provide budget tourist accommodation?
No, we no longer provide budget tourist accommodation.  YWCA Victoria does however own and operate the Jasper Hotel, a four star boutique hotel at 489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.  Profits from the Jasper Hotel go towards supporting the mission of YWCA Victoria.

Do you provide crisis accommodation?
No, but we do provide long term accommodation for those on pensions or low incomes through our Housing Services.  For crisis accommodation or other support services, please contact:

Crisis Contact Centre
29 Grey Street or PO Box 2027
St Kilda VIC 3182
Telephone (03) 9536 7777
Free Call 1800 627 727

WIRE Women’s Information provides a free and confidential generalist service for Victorian women based on a feminist framework.
WIRE Women's Information and Referral Exchange
Telephone Support: 1300 134 130
Email: inforequests@wire.org.au
Visit Info Centre: Ground Level, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

Banner photography by Yolande Larratt.