The Enrichment Center for Women, Children and Families (ECWCF) is the corporate successor of the YWCA of Paterson. In October of 2012, ECWCF began the process of transitioning the organization from the YWCA to ECWCF, we changed our name and revised our mission to better address the needs of the Paterson community.  Program and activities are focused on meeting the needs of women, children and families, living in the Paterson Community.

The mission of the ECWCF is to inspire intellectual, social and physical development through programs and services that will enable women, children and families to eliminate the disparities in education, health, and economic injustices in the urban community of the City of Paterson. 

The Enrichment Center for Women, Children and Families, Inc. is the corporate successor of the YWCA of Paterson. The YWCA of Paterson was founded in 1901 to “fulfill the practical and spiritual needs of young women”. At that time we were located on Church Street where the Paterson District Board of Education currently resides. In 1955 the YWCA relocated to 185 Carroll Street. It is house in its own building on the previous site of the summer home of former Vice President of the United States Garrett Hobart.

We have served the Paterson Community for more than one hundred years. The organization has served, women, children and families over several decades providing senior, afterschool, summer, and numerous social service programs.