Bristol YWCA History

1943 - YWCA of Bristol founded as a residence for women coming to Bristol during WWII.

1944 - Y-Teens Clubs organized in junior and senior high schools. Day camp began for underprivileged kids.

1947 - Y-Teens gathered 200,000 chocolate bars for "Chocolates for Christmas." The candy was then sent overseas to children as a symbol of friendship.

1950's - YWCA was the first community agency to sponsor interracial activities.

1951 - Young Matron's group was organized for women whose husbands were in the Armed Forces.

1952 - The first babysitting course was offered.

1959 - Out of a Y-Teen program comes the "Rockin' Roulettes,"
a rock-in-roll dance band which gains local success.

1960's - Ladies Day Out, International Fair, and Taste Testers luncheons begin.

1975 - YWCA participates in "Parade of Dolls" which gives dolls to children in need.

Senior Y-Teens in the News

The Pi Pi Sigma Literary Society of King College entertained senior girls of Tennessee, Virginia, and Holston Valley High Schools with an informal tea.

1980 - First "Turkey Trot" 5K road race for women.

1985 - YW Women's Fitness Center opens its doors.

1986 - YW Children's Center begins offering daycare.

1995 - First "Week Without Violence."

1996 - Girl Scout program "Celebrating Women" begins to teach girls the history of women and the history of the YWCA.

1997 - "Girls in Sports" established.

1998 - Wellmont and YWCA join hands to develop a child care center which focused on the need of the unique needs of health care professionals. This state-of-the-art facility is licensed for 120 children.

2001 - YWCA purchases Corner Market property (the corner of State Street and Pennsylvania Ave.) for relocation and the construction of a new facility.

2003 - Moved into new 30,000 sq. foot facility corner of Pennsylvania & State Street, New Programs developed are:

• J. Herry Kegley Computer Technology Lab
• Adult Day Service
• YWCA (GYRLS)
• Summer & Girl summer programs for empowerment.