We are on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

We work where we are needed most.

Since 1891 YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region has been creating an environment for women to feel empowered, supported, and able to build opportunities and make positive change. While our mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all has not changed, our programming and services have continued to evolve, just like the needs of women in our regional community.

YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region works where we are needed the most. We believe that positive change begins with understanding individual needs. We listen, learn, and respond to best serve the unique needs of the women in our community.

Over the decades the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region has focused on empowering women, and served as a safe place for women. In 1928, there was Camp Maqua, the premier camp experience for girls. In the 1940-60’s there was a heavy focus on social issues for women. In the 70-80’s services appealed to the working women, such as surviving the business world and work life balance. Today, we focus on empowering women of all ages through programming such as our Women's Economic Empowerment Program (WEEP) which includes Pathways to Progress, Moving Ahead, Staying Ahead, and Young Women Choosing Action. We have also expanded our programming to include InterACT, a program offering diversity, equity, and inclusion solutions to businesses and organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region’s programs help grow: Self Confidence, Knowledge, Hope, Personal Power, and Self-Discovery. Our programs are more than just numbers. They change lives.

If you are interested in becoming part of this change, we invite you to get involved! Contact us to see how, together, we can create great change across our region.

Learn more about YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region by visiting the Our History page or reading our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.

FAQ's

  • We are located in Downtown Bay City at 205 6th Street, next to the Pure Med Spa.

  • Yes! The former YWCA of Bay County is now YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region with a service area covering Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties.

  • Our new direction and programs are described in detail under our “What We Do” tab and are mission oriented programs dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

  • We are always looking for volunteers, we have several opportunities available including long-term, short-term and single service opportunities.

    To express your interest visit our “How You Can Help” tab.

  • No, we are unaffiliated and completely different entities with different missions. However, we do partner with them occasionally as we do with many other organizations in the region.