Document 8: "Admission Committee Report," Annual Report of 1889, unprocessed collection of YWCA of Greater Baltimore, 128 W. Franklin Street, Annual Reports, 1883-1902.

Document 8: "Admission Committee Report," Annual Report of 1889, unprocessed collection of YWCA of Greater Baltimore, 128 W. Franklin Street, Annual Reports, 1883-1902.

Introduction

       This report from the 1889 Admission Committee gives a glimpse at the type of young woman likely to seek help from the Young Women's Christian Association of Baltimore.  Notice that the Chairman emphasizes the need for the protection and care of working class women.  She points out that these women came from the country and were unaccustomed to life in the city.  The YWCA sought to protect "innocent" young women from wharf sharks or men who would prey on those single women who had just arrived in the city.[16]  The women of the YWCA considered their services invaluable to the lives of their "friends."

ADMISSION COMMITTEE REPORT.

MRS. J. P. ELLIOTT, Chairman.

        146 girls have been admitted during the year; 27 permanent boarders and 119 transient.  Most of them from country homes and their average age is about 20.  There are some from almost every state from Maine to California; also from England, Ireland, Germany and France.  They come to the city hoping to find employment, which, as they are generally untrained in any branch of industry, they find it very difficult to obtain.  Their small supply of money is soon exhausted, and were it not for the sheltering care of the "Association," they would be in a very dangerous and uncomfortable position.  Many of them realize this and are grateful for our care and protection.

 
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