Alliance for Women & Children

A front page editorial appearing in the Taylor County Times, Thursday, January 23, 1919 stated "the loyal, energetic ladies of Abilenehave inaugurated a campaign. They are asking your help and support. You cannot afford to let pass this opportunity of doing something toward one of the best movements ever launched in the county. These women are out today. They are working with a will and they will not stop for rest until they have accomplished their aims; until their plans for a first class YWCA for Abilene have been realized. And if you are not in sympathy with their cause, or have not done your part toward the splendid work they are undertaking, it is small matter if they give you no rest until you do your full share. Be ready to meet them with a check for your share and a smile of encouragement that will help them along when they strike the tight fisted ones."

Mrs. Dallas (Jewel) Scarborough charged forward in 1919 with a vision for the future of the women and children of Abilene. Her mission: “We need a place for girls to live, a place providing wholesome food for working girls; a character training program for little ones; advice in many matters, wholesome entertainment; help in developing the girlhood of the community; comfort in trouble or distress; training for better citizenship; raising standards of thought and action; training in physical fitness; developing friendships." And, as a result, the YWCA of Abilene was founded in 1920.
• 1919 – A fundraising campaign was initiated to raise $3,000. Through various efforts by the women of Abilene the funds were raised.
• 1920 (September) – Board of Directors and Board of Trustees were selected.
• 1921 - the lot at 1150 North Third was purchased for $7,500.
• 1921 - A second fundraiser was announced for a year’s operation, $6,000, and the cost of the lot, $7,500. (On the first day of the drive, 300 donors contributed $6,000.)
• Purchase of the old Presbyterian Manse. (Until it could be moved onto the lot, it was rented for $25 a month.)
• 1958 - capital campaign began to build and relocate.
• 1960 - campaign completed.
• March 27, 1960 Open House held at new location, 1350 North 10th. (New facility built and furnished by 1200 Abilene citizens.)
• 1965 - a capital campaign for $35,000 was held to purchase air-conditioning and needed equipment. (In less than 3 months the goal was reached.)
• 2007 – the YWCA of Abilene disaffiliated from the national YWCA to become a local organization, the Alliance for Women and Children.
The programs of the Alliance for Women and Children have grown and adapted over the years. Women no longer live at the facility on North Tenth. Y-Teens has grown to meet the newest trends for teenage girls. We have started new programs as well. Our current programming includes:
• A-Teens – established in 1920 is the longest running program designed for teenage girls.
• After School Care – established in 1988 as a joint project with the Junior League of Abilene.
• Women’s Health Awareness – established in 1991 with a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Women’s Economic Empowerment – established in 2005 to provide financial literacy to women.
The Alliance for Women and Children has a rich history which began with a vision for an organization designed with women and children in mind. Our mission continues to focus on empowering women and children to become self-assured and successful.