Community rallies around financially strapped YWCA

Community groups and local businesses have asked the YWCA of the Greater Triangle for a business plan that could help it reopen its doors.

Posted 11:06 p.m. Mar 15, 2012 — Updated 11:06 p.m. Mar 15, 2012

RALEIGH, N.C. — The decision of the YWCA of the Greater Triangle to close after more than a century of service to area families caught the national YWCA off guard.

The Triangle chapter closed its doors on Hargett Street in downtown Raleigh on Feb. 29, citing financial difficulties. Programs were terminated and employees laid off with less than 24 hours' notice.

The group had been working locally to empower women and eliminate racism since 1901.

The YWCA USA National Coordinating Board said this week that it had no idea that the YWCA of the Greater Triangle was in financial straits, and officials were saddened by the move. Officials noted that each local association is an independent nonprofit and has its own board of directors to oversee governance, operations, staffing and financing.

"We are concerned about the impact to staff and the community. A team under the direction of the Southeast Region of the YWCA is evaluating the situation and identifying next steps," YWCA USA Chairwoman Debra Stock and Chief Executive Gloria Lau said in a statement.

The YWCA of the Greater Triangle had four core programs: education advocacy, study circles and youth development; economic empowerment and self-sufficiency; health care access and health education; and supportive services for seniors.

The organization is looking for community partners to continue running some its programs.

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