A Celebration of Traditions, Old and New
As we recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Waypoint Tribute to Women of Achievement event, I can’t help but think of the changes in the lives of women over the past one-hundred plus years. In 1900 women made up just 18% of the nation's workforce. By 1980 that number had increased to 42.5% and these women were entering the workforce and political arena in unprecedented numbers, juggling their work lives with raising their families and serving their communities. In 1981 it was time to recognize women, their achievements and their contributions to society, and thus the Tribute to Women event began its thirty year run.
In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s women were working in factories, offices, and as domestic help in cities all across America. Women who lived in the rural regions of the country often migrated to these cities in search of work. Many were poor. They arrived in Cedar Rapids seeking a safe place to live, a job, and most likely a meal. These women came to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Cedar Rapids for help.
The YWCA was established in 1894 in Cedar Rapids as a response to the needs of these women. That year a lodging house was secured as a temporary shelter for women and girls who came to the city. Seventeen years later, the organization’s supporters raised $80,000 in 80 days to build a three story building in downtown Cedar Rapids that we still occupy to this day.
Hundreds of women came to the YWCA because they could get help finding a job, locating housing, receiving two meals a day, and perhaps learning a trade such as sewing. They came because they knew it was a safe and friendly place to be.
One hundred and seventeen years since its inception, the organization, now known as Waypoint, is still going strong, still in that building that was built for $80,000 in 1911.
Last year Waypoint served over 5,000 women and their families. We sheltered them; cared for their children; provided them with the basic essentials like food, personal supplies and diapers; helped them stay safe from an abuser; assisted them to secure safe and stable housing; connected them with community resources; listened to their stories of poverty, abuse and pain; and in many cases, helped them triumph over seemingly insurmountable barriers.
Soon we will take another important step in the history of this venerable community organization. Starting next year in 2012, Waypoint will embark on a renovation project of the 1911 building that will ensure the historical integrity of the building and help us better meet the needs of the individuals that come to us.
Our commitment to the original mission of the organization has never wavered. With the community’s support, we have stayed true to the purpose that our founders envisioned 117 years ago of meeting the needs and empowering the women in our community. The need for the services at Waypoint in 2011 is greater than ever and your support continues to be vital to ensuring effective delivery of services to the families we serve.