Who We Are

Beautiful House, Women Shelter, YWCA Bellingham

The YWCA Bellingham is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

We work to bring out the individual strengths of women and youth and to foster resiliency and self-sufficiency. Our philosophy, in keeping with the mission of the YWCA to empower women and families, centers on providing the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

The YWCA is proud to be the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for women and their families in our community.

Our local programs and services have furthered the YWCA vision of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people since 1914. Over the past 108 years, programs have evolved and have included educational and employment classes for women, teen clubs, community dialogue groups to discuss race relations, child care centers, a youth resource center, and aquatics programming.

Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom and Dignity for all.

YWCA MISSION

Our Values

A Compassionate Community

Group of Smiling People, Senior Shelter, YWCA Bellingham

Respect

Honesty and Integrity

Non-Violence

Justice and Fairness

Collaboration

The Dignity of All People

YWCA Facility, Emergency Shelter, YWCA Bellingham

Our Team

  • Alle Schene (she/her)

    Alle Schene (she/her)

    CEO

    Alle Schene serves as our CEO at YWCA Bellingham.

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  • Theresa Hohman

    Theresa Hohman (she/her)

    Housing Director

    Theresa Hohman serves as the Housing Director at YWCA Bellingham.

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  • Stacy George

    Stacy George (she/her)

    Case Manager

    Stacy George serves as the Case Manager at YWCA Bellingham.

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Meet other members of our team

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a diverse group of women leaders using their passion, insights, and connections in the community, to create real impact for YWCA Bellingham.

2023 – 2024 Officers

Cathy Lehman (she/her)
Co-Chair

Becky Spithill (she/her)
Co-Chair

Samatha Roeder (she/her)
Secretary

Amelia Campbell (she/her)
Treasurer

Directors

Carrie Danielson (she/her) — Member

Kristina Martens (she/her) — Member

Liz Guthridge (she/her) — Member

Karen “Trinn” Murray (she/her) — Member

Taryn Redfern (she/her) — Member

Elizabeth Boyle (she/her) — Member

Key Dates in YWCA History

  • 1858

    The first association in the U.S., Ladies Christian Association, formed in New York City

  • 1946

    Interracial Charter adopted, starting the process of desegregation

  • 1960s

    Membership and leadership positions opened to non-Christians

  • 1963

    Direct Action Program begun to ensure full desegregation in community YWCAs

  • 1970

    The One Imperative (“To thrust our collective power towards the elimination of racism, wherever it exists, by any means necessary.”) adopted

  • 2015

    Corporate name changed from “Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America, Inc.” to “YWCA USA, Inc.”

FAQs

  • YWCA Bellingham offers three different housing programs for women experiencing homelessness:

    • Emergency Shelter

    • Senior housing (specifically for women ages 55+)

    • Supported rental housing

    These programs provide women with a safe home with intensive case management services to help them get the skills and services they need to live a fulfilling, independent life.

  • YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. We are one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation, serving over 2 million women, girls, and their families. Through advocacy and local programming, we create real change for women, families, and communities.

  • 1026 North Forest Street, Bellingham, WA.

    Please contact us at (360) 734-4820.

  • YWCA Bellingham's residents are always in need of monetary donations. If you have quality women’s clothing, you can bring it to our Y’s Buys Thrift Store at 1224 N State Street. Or you can see our Amazon wishlist here.