Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-02-19
1ns woman,. christian Association.

UOtlOn. Dut lb QuOluh fVt'b
A motion to adjourn was then carried.
The woman's Christian Association.
The citizens Of Richmond haze been
too much accustomed to have their at
tention called to works of benevo-
lence. and being asked to take part in
them either actively or by giving the
means for others to carry them out, for
rs to hesitate in placing before them
simple statement by which we hope to
interest them in one work that has been
begun and most quietly and unobtrusive-
" carried on during thapast year in this
CITY. II is the work Of the "WouNn's
Christian Association" whose object 1t
is TO improve the condition OF working
women, chiefly Young girls, who have
no domestic ties, and need the comfort
and protection of home, where they
will be influenced for their spiritual and
temporal good, and also to assist those
who may need it to obtain employment.
This association was formed last
spring. and ladies' Of every denomina-
ton have united in woman's work for
woman. The following ladies we're elect
ed officers: Mrs. F. VI. White, presi-
dent Mrs. w. b. Williams, treasurer
Mrs. DIR. A. Christian, recording secre-
tary; Miss Kate Winston, corresponding
secretary.
The plan of operation is large, and it
is hoped as time wears on 1t will be fully
carried out but necessarily at first all
had 10 be on small scale, and it was de-
cided to begin by openinga Home, where
the expense would be commensurate
with the means of its inmates.
A liberal citizen enabled the managers
at once to engage house, which IS adj
mirably situated, but Is too limited IN Its
sleeping accommodations for 1t ever to
become self-supporting, eleven being the
largest number that can be received at
one time. A generous public, among
whom to none are more hearty thanks
due than to the Young Mems Christian
Association. supplied the house with fur
niture aud with groceries that lasted
three months. On the 10th April, 1887,
the home was opened uader the
care of Mrs. Emma Waterbury,
VINO had been unanimously elected
matron. and who by her faithful
performance Of every duty has earned
the fullest confidence of all, not only
| of those who have the management
of the establishment, but all of those I'M
der her care. to whom she has endenred
herself by her ready sympathy and coun-
sci. The work began with one Doarder
and the house was soon filled, and fire.
ouently negative answer had TO be
given to those applying for admission,
occasionally to several during day.
The whole number who have found
shelter under tins quiet roof IS eighteen,
some of whom have remained since their
entrance last spring, others having bad
to change employment have LETT always
with regret on their part to live with
their employers. The aim has been to
help them TO maintain respectable
independence by not offering them
charity. but by placing their board at
such a figure rs to enable them to pay 1t.
Whilst not furnishing Injuries, the home
is most comfortably fitted up, the table
supplied with three well-cooked sub
stantial meals a day. There IS com
Portable, pleasant sitting-rOom IN which
are games and growing library, and
where their friends can visit them until
10 o'clock p. NJ, at which hour the house
is closed. Just here it may he
well to say that one business
house at least recognizes the fact
that girls under the protec-
ton of this association is sufficient re-
commentator, and it is believed Others
will take the same view of the matter as
they become ACQUAINTED with the man
agement of the enterprise. The lunch
room connected with the home has
piven comfort to quite a number when
if has been convenient for them to come
from their places Of employment and
get n GOOD lunch for five, ten, or fifteen
cents. The year of the infancy OF the asso'
citation is drawing to close, and the man
ayers most gratefully acknowledge that
they have thus far been led by "Oul
Father" have been weighing and con
siderino if it was right for them to con
tinue in the same place. Having beer
cheered during the past week by the
promise Of help in renting a commodiou'
house they tender most hearty thanks II
the subscribers and donors for the pas
wear. and urge them to renew their sub
scriptioDs and gifts, and ask that many
Others will unite in giving the means o
supporting it on an enlarged scale anC
until il has attained such foundation a
will enable it to stand alone.
The home will be open to visitors ever.
dav but Sunday after II o'clock. Thu
managers feel well assured all visitor
will be interested in the institution.