Established in 1904, the YWCA of Mount Desert Island is the only YWCA in Maine that continues to offer safe, affordable housing for women and girls. It is also a vibrant community center, offering women’s empowerment programs that encourage growth and independence, social justice educational programs, and a full calendar of community activities for all ages that are open to all.
To empower women and eliminate racism, we must meet our clients where they are most vulnerable and provide the compassion and services that place them on a path to self-sufficiency and prosperity.
Our vision is that all women and their families can achieve their full potential in a world without discrimination.
This requires a focus on the future, anticipating the needs of our clients, and creating innovative solutions to the problems they most often face – poverty, unsafe living conditions, lack of reliable and affordable childcare, and under- or unemployment.
We are evolving our services to meet the changing needs of our clients today and in the future.
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!
Lodging ↘
The YWCA located at 36 Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor, is within walking distance of the ocean, harbor, stores, restaurants and places of employment, some of which are open year round. Single rooms (one bed), double rooms (two twin beds) and the solarium (seven bed dorm open in the summer only) are offered at low rates by the night or by the week. The facility includes a large community kitchen, community TV room and shared bathrooms (no private baths).
Rental Space ↘
The YWCA has two rental spaces available.
The Community Room comfortably accommodates up to 65 people. Suggested use: receptions, meetings. The Chambers Room, a smaller room, with a meeting table, accommodates 8-10. Suggested uses: meetings, book clubs.
The Community Room contains a small kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave. There are 20 tables (6-ft. folding), 14 card tables, and 75 stackable chairs available.
Scholarships ↘
The YWCA Mount Desert Island offers many different scholarships to women and girls here on MDI and within Hancock County. These vary from traditional scholarships for graduating high school senior girls, to non-traditional vocational pursuits, to women and/or single mothers who are experiencing an unexpected financial hardship.
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Ruth Hodgkins Scholarship
For women pursuing a non-traditional course of study or whose goals do not include a college degree.
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Sarah B. Flynn Scholarship
Offering financial assistance to provide leadership training for women and girls.
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The Benni Fund
This fund offers aid to single mothers, living in the areas we serve.