The YWCA has long advocated for women and girls' health and safety, pioneering the first safe residence and child care center in the nation and serving over 500,000 women and children annually through battered women’s shelters and domestic violence services.

Since 1868, the YWCA has provided early childcare programs, advocated for labor laws to protect women and children, and offered care for the children of young working mothers to help them secure and maintain employment.

In 1885, a group of Syracuse women created a local branch of the YWCA to offer safe, affordable housing and various clubs, classes, and social events for young women who had relocated to the city for work.

Today, the YWCA of Syracuse & Onondaga County, Inc. supports youth ages 5-18 through Girls Inc. at YWCA and YWCA Youth Soccer programs, providing leadership and development opportunities through life skills training.

Girls Inc. at YWCA focuses on girls ages 5-18, while YWCA Youth Soccer offers opportunities for both boys and girls, including Soccer for Success and Syracuse City Futbol Community (FC) programs that blend skill development with social-emotional learning.

These programs assist youth and families in developing skills that can lead to better outcomes at home, school, and in the community.