Equity & Justice
We are on a mission.
Eliminate racism
Empower women
Promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all
We must work together across our many differences to solve the root causes of inequity, and build thriving communities that are equitable, just, and beneficial for all. We are committed to this in everything that we do.
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Services for Partners
We work with community organizations, schools, nonprofits, businesses, government and public entities—anyone who seeks fairer, more inclusive, and more accessible spaces to live, work, play, and thrive in Maine.
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Digital Equity & Workforce Development
We are partnering with Maine Connectivity Authority to remove barriers to digital access for those we serve. We envision a state where all Mainers have reliable access to the online connection, devices, skills, and security needed to take full advantage of the benefits the internet provides.
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Advocacy
We understand the necessity of eliminating racism in order to empower women, and empowering women in order to eliminate racism. In service to this mission, we are commited to speaking up, raising awareness, protecting fundamental rights, and building power in our community.
Ongoing Events
Stand Against Racism
This biennial public event builds community among those working for racial justice, raises awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities, and provides strategies to root out injustice, transform institutions, and create a world that sees everyone in their full dignity and humanity. Since 2012 we have partnered with community members, activists, organizers, scholars, filmmakers, artists, and organizations in a variety of fields across the state of Maine to move our communities toward collective action for change. Stay tuned for our 2027 event!
Women of Achievement
This biennial event celebrates extraordinary women whose leadership, service, philanthropy, and advocacy creates lasting change in their workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities in Central Maine and beyond. The event honors individual women who embody the YWCA mission – eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all – through their labor. They remind us all of the power of women to shape a more just and equitable future. Check out our 2026 event here!
Let’s Swim Together!
We partner with immigrant-led organizations in Lewiston-Auburn to expand water safety and awareness in their communities. In 2024, when Sustainable Livelihoods Relief Organization reached out to us with concerns about the lack of water safety skills among their youth, we piloted a program with young children. It was so successful that we quickly added classes for older youth and teens. We’ve been delighted to witness so many youth gain confidence and skills in the water. Our community partnerships currently include:
For more info. about this program, contact tsalter@ywcamaine.org.
Ongoing Programming
Accessible Aquatics
We have the only accessible, regulation size, year-round, indoor pool in a 30 mile radius from Lewiston-Auburn. While we offer robust aquatics programming for all individuals, families, and communities in Central Maine (check our full Aquatics program here), our mission-driven, pool-based programs focus on closing the gap in access to pools and aquatics programs in the U.S. In a coastal state blessed with an inland network of freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers, we want all who reside here to swim freely, safely, and with confidence!
MS Wellness
This program was the idea of a YW patron living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is the first of its kind in Maine! Our MS Wellness program is designed for all living with MS to integrate aquatics into their care routines, to expand wellness resources, to build community, and to enhance overall health. Women are roughly 3x more likely than men to be diagnosed with MS, and people of color diagnosed with MS face greater disease severity and faster progression due to healthcare disparities. This program was developed in partnership with medical and physical therapy staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, along with support from community partners.
Single Gender Swim
This free, welcoming, and inclusive swim opportunity is open to all those who identify as women and girls (15+) in our community. This program is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who prefer or require privacy for personal, cultural, religious, or safety reasons. It fosters confidence, connection, and community while supporting overall health and well-being through access to water and time in the pool. This program is especially meaningful for individuals from communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing public pools and aquatic programs. By reducing these barriers, YWCA Central Maine promotes equity, access, and empowerment for all.
Ongoing Programming
Community-Based Childcare
We know that providing high-quality, safe, and accessible care for children is crucial for working women and families. We believe that all families, regardless of income, should have access to affordable childcare that fits their needs. We do not turn families away. We accept multiple forms of state and federal assistance to help families pay for the care they need. During the COVID pandemic, our childcare center ran safely without closing for a single day. With a local economy driven by healthcare and education, this allowed the essential workers in our community – those who maintain critical infrastructure and services – to continue to provide essential care for our community. Check out our full range of Childcare Services here!
Food Security & Justice
We launched our Food & Nutrition Program in 2017 to address growing food insecurity for families in the Lewiston-Auburn area. We now provide two FREE family-style meals and one “heavy” snack every day to children in our care. We directly address socioeconomic barriers to adequate nutrition by increasing access to fresh, healthy, culturally-appropriate, and delicious breakfast, lunches, and snacks. This includes bringing children to help in our onsite gardens and introducing new foods to expand their food preferences as they grow with us too!