The Chester YWCA opens
The building becomes a social, recreational, and community institution in the city.
Chester, Pennsylvania · 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Who we are
The Chester YES Center is a Chester-based nonprofit working to restore the former Chester YWCA at 4 E 7th St, Chester, PA 19013 as a museum, a place to learn, and a place to gather.
Former Chester YWCA · 2014 · Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons · CC0
Names, status, and contact
Organization details
Yes We Can Achievement & Cultural Center operates publicly as the Chester YES Center, or simply the YES Center. Federal tax-exempt status was granted in September 2018.
- Legal name
- Yes We Can Achievement & Cultural Center
- Public name
- Chester YES Center / YES Center
- EIN
- 82-5095981
- Federal status
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, granted September 2018
- Address
- 4 E 7th St, Chester, PA 19013
- Phone
- (856) 803-0620
A century of use, damage, and responsibility
History of the building
Access expands
Full integration follows a history that included a letter-writing campaign for Black residents’ access to the pool.
A new organization carries the work
After national support ends, the building continues under new leadership as the YES We Can Achievement and Cultural Center.
Damage closes the building
A water-main break is followed by roof damage, vandalism, and theft.
Federal tax-exempt status
The organization receives its 501(c)(3) ruling in September 2018.
Bringing it back
The YES Center is working to restore the former YWCA as a museum, a place to learn, and a place to gather.
Plain answers
What is known, and what is still a vision
What is known
- The Chester YWCA opened in 1914 at 4 E 7th St, Chester, PA 19013.
- Damage beginning in 2014 closed the building.
- The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 82-5095981, with a September 2018 ruling.
- Programs, exhibits, and history work continue in community spaces.
- A Chester history collection is already assembled and in use.
What is still a vision
- The restored building with a museum, learning rooms, and gathering space.
- Public access to the collection inside a permanent home.
- Recreation uses such as the gym and pool.
What we have not published
- No public visiting hours. The building is not open to visitors.
- No restoration budget, campaign goal, or construction timeline.
- No claim that a professional condition assessment is underway.
We will publish confirmed information when it is available rather than estimate it now.
Questions are welcome
Ask us anything about the organization
Call (856) 803-0620 or send us a message with the contact form. We answer questions about the building, the collection, programs, and how support is used.
Send us a message