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1894 |
The Cedar Rapids chapter of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) is established. A lodging house at 3rd Ave & 6th St SE, Cedar Rapids, was acquired to help with housing of young women from rural areas to the city of some 20,000. |
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1909 |
The YWCA purchases the present-day Waypoint building at 318 5th St SE. Along with temporary housing, the organization's efforts were to support women entering the workforce and to teach the "feminine disciplines" of vocal music, dressmaking and fancy work. Exercise classes were offered to increase stamina of factory women. |
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1910 thru 1950s |
Most YWCAs tried to find a balance of "work, play, service and inspiration," the "ideal Christian citizenship." After World War I, the clubs settled into Bible study, crafts, self-improvement, physical fitness, socializing and community outreach projects. Classes offered by the Cedar Rapids YWCA included such pursuits as upholstery repair, ceramics, baton twirling, bridge, hat making, and tap dancing. Co-ed dances attract teens, and volunteers help with reconditioning dolls for disadvantaged little girls at Christmas time. |
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1962 |
Swimming pool and fitness center added. |
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1974 |
A staff person was added to provide crisis intervention, information and referral services to help victim/survivors of domestic abuse, rape and other sexual abuse. |
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1975 |
Recreation classes began for women and adults with special needs. |
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1976 |
YWCA and other agencies open Women's Emergency Shelter. |
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1982 |
The first Tribute to Women and Industry dinner is held to honor outstanding women in business and industry. |
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1985 |
YWCA opens child care center to provide quality care, including before and after school, for working mothers. |
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1986 |
All fitness programs haulted. YWCA changes its mission to meet the needs of the community for services addressing domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness. |
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1989 |
The present Domestic Violence Shelter is built in an anonymous location. |
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1990 |
The Madge Phillips Resource Center opens - offering homeless women and their children daytime refuge including hot meals and supplies. |
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1995 |
Junior League of Cedar Rapids undertakes a capital campaign and builds a comprehensive 16-bedroom, 24-hour shelter and daytime resource center for homeless women and children. It's called the Madge Phillips Center. |
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1999 |
YWCA becomes manager of AEGON's RiverRidge Kids Child Care Center on AEGON's Edgewood Road campus. |
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2001 |
YWCA of Cedar Rapids and Linn County disaffiliates from the national YWCA and changes its name to Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families. |
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2006 |
Waypoint celebrates the 25th Anniversary of its Tribute to Women of Achievement recognition event. |
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