For 100 years, YWCA Boulder County has worked to eliminate racism and empower women in Boulder County and helped women and children of all ages and backgrounds thrive. Founded by community volunteers in 1922, the organization has supported generations of women and girls by tackling social issues such as housing, employment, education, and child care. Today, YWCA Boulder County provides programs such as high-quality, affordable, and flexible child care; parent education classes; and racial justice and equity programs including youth empowerment, youth and adult education, and advocacy. As an inclusive, secular nonprofit organization, we are publicly funded, not affiliated with any religious group, and welcome people of all backgrounds and genders to participate in our important work.

In 1977, YWCA Boulder County recognized the need for flexible, affordable drop-in child care and created Children’s Alley. In 2020, responding to changing community needs, we expanded our child care program, prompting a new name: Persimmon Early Learning. As a Level 4 Colorado Shines rated Early Childhood Program, Persimmon Early Learning provides a safe, nurturing, and creative space for children ages eight weeks to six years to learn and grow in newly redesigned and expanded indoor and outdoor learning areas. We offer high-quality, affordable drop-in, short-term and permanent child care options, and we are the only child care center in Boulder County offering emergency care for families with nowhere else to turn.