YWCA of the US Virgin Islands

In September 2006, a group of dedicated women, under the leadership of Immediate Past President, Donnalie Edwards-Cabey started work to establish a YWCA in St Thomas. These women have worked tirelessly to organize a YWCA in the territory.

A delegation, including a young woman, representing the developing group was supported by the World YWCA to attend the 2007 World Council and HIV/AIDS International Women’s Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. On January 22, 2007, YWCA of the Virgin Islands was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization, carrying on its strategic developmental activities so that the entity could position itself to fully serve the residents of the territory in the future. This opportunity to interact with YWCA women from around the world and from the Caribbean, as well as participate in training workshops and the YWCA business meeting encouraged the Virgin Islands delegation to continue seeking to foster the YWCA movement in the Virgin Islands, as well as to identify opportunities to build organizational capacity.

In 2009, a delegation from the YWCA of the Virgin Islands attended World Council in Nairobi, Kenya. This was our introduction to the world of YWCA and the many countries that continue to work for the development of programs for women. The local YWCA has begun the work offering programs for women and girls in the territory.