The YWCA of Central Virginia established Church Street Bridal Shop in 2004. It was the YW’s goal to find a way to raise funds for the programs offered for women and children, as well as provide a service to the community. By marrying the two ideas together, Church Street Bridal was formed, offering designer wedding gowns at off-the-rack prices.
Today, the racks in Church Street Bridal are lined with every kind of gown you can imagine, from those with beads and sequins to those with lace and floral details to those that are simple and elegant. No matter what your style, there is a gown at Church Street Bridal that will work for you!
YWCA Programs that a Church Street Bridal purchase supports:
• Domestic Violence Prevention Center (DVPC)—a 24-hour safe house for women and children escaping a violent environment and a resource for those in the community needing advocacy help in their situations. The staff provides a 24/7 hotline for callers needing help, weekly support groups and education sessions in hopes to prevent future violence.
• Permanent and Transitional Housing—housing for low-income and/or homeless women needing a safe affordable place to live. With furnished rooms and low rent, these women are able to carry on with their lives and be productive members of society.
• Children’s Supervised Visitation Center—a center where children can visit with their non-custodial parent or grandparent in a safe, monitored environment to keep the family connection. Our advocates facilitate these visits and they are recorded to protect the child and parents.
• Ygyrl Leaders Mentoring for Teens—a program designed for at-promise teens to encourage them to graduate from High School and move on to higher education or attain employment. These young ladies are coached on positive self-esteem and living a goal oriented life.
• Racial Justice Program—a program in which members of the community are educated on cultural differences and how to respect each other and live together in Racial Harmony.
