About Us

 

The mission of ACCESS-York, Inc. is to eliminate domestic violence in York County. In the advancement of that mission, ACCESS-York, Inc. shall:

• Provide emergency services and safe shelter to victims of domestic violence;
  
• Empower victims to seek options, make choices, and take control of their lives;
  
• Make society intolerant of domestic violence;
  
• Break the "cycle of violence"; and
  Maintain a financially solid and effective administrative body.

 

History

In 1977 a United Way Task Force on Domestic Violence was established in York. An extensive needs assessment study was compiled and the results indicated that steps had to be taken to reduce the incidence of domestic violence in the community.

ACCESS-York, Inc. was incorporated as a nonprofit agency in 1978 with its goal being the establishment of a shelter for abused women and their children in York County. With the help of York County and York City Block Grant monies, ACCESS acquired and renovated a building to be used as the shelter. The goal was realized on July 1, 1980 when ACCESS-York opened its doors to provide a safe environment and an opportunity for abused women to explore their options.

On June 1, 2000, ACCESS-York, Inc. expanded its shelter services by opening the Still Waters shelter in Hanover.

On January 1, 2008, ACCESS-York merged with the YWCA of York. ACCESS, now a program of the YWCA of York, retained its name as well as its emergency shelters, transition housing, and programs. The YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women, goes along with ACCESS’ mission to eliminate domestic violence against women.

Today, ACCESS-York provides a wide range of services at no cost to all victims of domestic violence. In an effort to prevent domestic violence and to link those already living within violence with supportive resources, ACCESS-York provides community education, prevention and intervention services throughout York County.