YWCA Northeast Kansas is on a mission to build a stronger community!

YWCA Northeast Kansas is a unique and vital community resource in the greater Topeka community committed to eliminating racism and empowering women. Not only does YWCA Northeast Kansas provide crucial services to women, children, and families - we are widely recognized as a thought leader on the issues of racial justice and the advancement of women.

We provide transformative services in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking; early childhood education, youth services, and leadership and inclusion initiatives.

We remain rooted in rich history, but our approach to serving our clients is holistic, strategic and innovative.

Nationally, YWCA advocacy issues include lobbying for pay equity and hate crimes legislation, increased funding for Head Start and passing the Violence Against Women Act. Locally, through our programs, we are changing lives and restoring hope for women, their families, and our community!

YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment

The YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment provides free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. We serve Brown, Jackson, Shawnee, and Wabaunsee Counties in Northeast Kansas.

  • Main Office

    CSE Advocates support survivors with comprehensive case management, counseling, and court advocacy.

  • Rural Office

    The CSE office in Holton serves clients in Brown, Jackson, and Wabaunsee Counties.

  • Day Center

    A safe, supportive space for individuals experiencing human trafficking.

  • Public Education and Training

    Learn how to recognize the signs and support survivors in your workplace, school, or organization.

Youth Services

Our youth services department provides a wide array of affordable, high-quality childcare for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.

  • Kids Quest

    A before and after school program, as well as a summer camp, located in several TPS 501 schools.

  • Early Learning Center

    Childcare for children one-year-old (and walking) to pre-Kindergarten.

  • Summer Camp

    An enriching full-time program for elementary-aged campers.

  • Top City Step Team

    A space for high schoolers to express themselves, build confidence and friendships, and experience the culture of Step.

Leadership Academy

YWCA supports women’s empowerment and economic advancement, with a particular focus on the way race impacts women’s economic opportunities. We offer two tailored courses for women leaders at difference stages in their careers.

  • Emerging Leaders

    New to leadership? Emerging Leaders is designed for women managers with six months to a year of experience in a supervisory role (new managers). This five-week program meets once a week for three-hour sessions.

  • Leadership Momentum

    Experienced leader looking to level up? Leadership Momentum is for entrepreneurs, middle managers, senior managers, directors, partners and vice presidents with direct experience leading people. This six-month course meets once a month.

Racial Justice & Advocacy

YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to promoting racial equity by partnering with individuals, organizations, and businesses through racial justice training, advocacy, outreach and education.

  • Advocacy

    YWCA has been at the forefront of the most pressing social movements in the Northeast Kansas area for more than 135 years – from voting rights to civil rights, from affordable housing to pay equity, from violence prevention to health care reform.

  • Training and Education

    Schedule a presentation or facilitated discussion for your business, class, faith community, or organization.

  • Racism Is a Public Health Crisis

    Why is racism a public health issue, and what can we do about it in our community? YWCA Northeast Kansas is working to close racial disparities and improve health outcomes.

  • Racial Justice Programs

    Racial Justice Programs

    Join fellow readers in discussions about books and media created by and about people of color. Members meet monthly on Zoom.

When We Say “Women and Girls”…

YWCA programs, services, and advocacy efforts center marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.