YWCA Greater Baton Rouge

YWCA Greater Baton Rouge was built by women, for women. When Dianna Payton stepped up as CEO in 2016, a resurgence took root. In addition to the Early Head Start program the organization has long supported, it has expanded to provide legal and domestic violence support services, workforce development, a community bail fund and more.

In 2024, the organization opened Providence Place Apartments, offering fully furnished long-term housing to women and children as they rebuild their lives after overcoming significant obstacles, such as trauma, loss and domestic violence. And earlier this year, the Women’s Empowerment Center on North Boulevard opened its doors to offer a holistic approach to mental health care and crisis intervention.

“The goal is to make sure that another woman never has to feel as if she has to travel this journey alone," Payton says. "We’ll walk shoulder to shoulder with you. And if you can’t walk, lean on me.”

Learn more about the work of YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge and how to get involved in our September issue and at https://www.inregister.com/features/wwac-ywca