Y W C A of Elyria Introduce
For individuals, organizations, and businesses across Lorain County, the YWCA of Elyria offers a unique and meaningful option for an event venue. More than just a functional space, the YWCA is a historic institution—incorporated in 1913—deeply rooted in the community, dedicated to its vital mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. By choosing the YWCA of Elyria as your event venue, you are not just renting a space; you are actively supporting a range of essential programs that uplift women, girls, and families throughout the Ohio region.
The facility at 318 West Avenue functions as the administrative and programmatic heart of the organization, housing a variety of community services while also providing event spaces for rent. The YWCA is well-known throughout the region for its impactful programs, including transitional and permanent supportive housing for low-income and homeless women, advocacy through the Racial Equity Center of Lorain County, and a very large, established ballet and dance program for youth. It is this unique blend of a mission-first focus and decades of community service that provides a compelling and socially conscious backdrop for any gathering, be it a corporate meeting, a private party, or a large public class.
While the building, known as Holly Hall and named after revered director Miss Ona Holly, carries the architectural charm of its long history, community feedback highlights that it continues to age. However, the dedication of the staff and the powerful impact of the YWCA’s programs on the lives of local residents are consistently lauded. This venue represents an opportunity for Ohio users to host their events in a location that prioritizes accessibility and supports the betterment of the Lorain County community.
The YWCA of Elyria is centrally located, providing straightforward access for guests in the Lorain County area and surrounding Ohio communities. Situated on West Avenue, the venue is easily identifiable and provides convenient logistical options for event planners and attendees.
The official address for the venue is:
318 West Ave, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Accessibility is a key priority for the YWCA, aligning with its mission to serve all members of the community. The facility offers specific accommodations to ensure a comfortable experience for guests with mobility needs:
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures ease of entry into the building for all guests.
- Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Provides dedicated, convenient parking spaces close to the entrance.
- Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Ensures that facilities are fully usable for individuals with disabilities.
For general attendees, the venue offers on-site parking, which simplifies arrival and departure. All major amenities, including restrooms, are available to support any hosted event.
As a community-focused venue, the YWCA of Elyria's rental spaces support the community's need for accessible and affordable meeting, class, and event locations. While the primary mission involves critical social services, the venue rental contributes to the sustainability of these programs.
Based on the known community activities and the facility's structure, the venue is suited for and historically utilized for:
- Large Community Meetings and Conferences: Spaces can be rented for local non-profits, government groups, and businesses needing large-format meeting rooms. The venue's mission makes it an ideal spot for events focused on social justice and community development.
- Dance and Fitness Classes: The YWCA is home to a significant, long-running ballet/dance program, indicating the presence of dedicated studio space suitable for dance, yoga, or other fitness instruction rental.
- Private Receptions and Parties: The facility likely includes flexible common areas or halls that can be adapted for birthday parties, celebrations of life, reunions, and anniversary events.
- Educational Workshops and Training: Suitable for vocational training, employment coaching sessions for single mothers, life skills workshops (such as budgeting and parenting), and community health seminars.
- Organizational Events: Ideal for local civic groups, clubs, and organizations needing regular or one-time space for their activities and functions.
- Culinary Education: Given the development of the Elyria Culinary Kitchen program, the venue offers space or access for culinary education and training classes.
The YWCA of Elyria stands out among Lorain County event spaces due to its unique combination of historical depth, community relevance, and dedicated space for specific activities.
- Mission-Driven Choice: Renting the venue directly supports the YWCA’s core programs, including housing for homeless women, racial equity advocacy, and youth development, allowing your event to have a positive community impact.
- Historic Community Landmark: Incorporated in 1913, the building and organization have a deep and meaningful history in Elyria, including being one of the first organizations in the city to host multiracial events in the 1930s.
- Established Dance Studio Space: The presence of a major ballet/dance program confirms that the facility offers dedicated space ideal for movement-based events, rehearsals, or classes.
- Central and Accessible Location: Located in Elyria with on-site, accessible parking, providing convenience for Ohio-based attendees.
- Payment Convenience: Accepts debit cards for event-related fees, classes, or venue rentals.
- Supportive of Community Services: The building is often bustling with purpose, hosting programs like the Racial Equity Center and the Women's Campus Project, offering a vibrant and active atmosphere.
For inquiries regarding event space rental, scheduling a visit, or learning more about the YWCA's mission and programs in Elyria, Ohio, please use the following contact details:
Address: 318 West Ave, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Phone: (440) 322-6300 or +1 440-322-6300
The YWCA of Elyria is an indispensable choice for Ohio users who value purpose alongside practicality in their event planning. What makes it truly worth choosing is the ability to align your event with a powerful, century-old mission. You are not just paying for square footage; you are investing in the fabric of the Lorain County community.
While the physical facility may show its age, as noted in local feedback, the value lies in the social capital. For businesses or groups, hosting an event here serves as a visible demonstration of corporate social responsibility. It shows a genuine commitment to supporting local programs that address critical issues like homelessness, racial equity, and youth empowerment. Furthermore, for individuals seeking an affordable, accessible, and centrally located venue for a dance class, a large gathering, or a small organizational meeting, the YWCA provides a competitive option that is always welcoming. Choosing the YWCA means your event contributes directly to creating a safer, more equitable, and more empowered future for women, girls, and families right here in Elyria and the surrounding Ohio region.
Y W C A of Elyria Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Amenities
- Restroom
Payments
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Parking
- On-site parking
Y W C A of Elyria Photos


Y W C A of Elyria Location
Y W C A of Elyria Reviews
programdance
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I'm at the Lorain ywca, it's pretty nice to live here, I just have a problem with those that break the rules, but they don't care, there's one person smokes in the day room. I was told cameras were going to be installed, cause there's a lot of food theft going on.and my food the was stolen showedback up in the fridge, but I left it there. And also knows who took it, wasn't anyone from third floor
August 15 · Marsha SpencerThis place does a lot of good things for the community and I'm not trying to discount that at all. But the physical building is aging and frequently smells like urine. There is a very big ballet/dance program that (i think) is what keeps the place open. So 4 stars for the community good, but if you're looking for a rating on the facility, 2 stars.
March 26 · Kurt SchwochowI was living there years ago when I needed a place to stay until I got on my feet great place and I appreciate them helping me the way they did but the housing instructor Debbie Mohr was very mean to me and for no reason I don't know if she still works there but she was and that was my only problem
December 22 · QUEEN E.M.S BUSINESS OWNERI attended a very nice wake service and meal at Holly hall of the YWCA. The room was very nice,everything went well and the staff was very helpful and pleasant,It made for a wonderful afternoon with family and friends.
November 13 · Lloyd LibengoodLove these people. Nicest place on earth 🌎 Thank God for the YWCA!!! I'll be forever grateful 🙏in my heart ❤
December 02 · Katie Zech
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