Yates was organized and became a branch of the YWCA, Kansas City Kansas in 1913.

The Branch served over 69 years.  Yates Branch offered educational and recreational programs for children, youth, adults and senior citizens.  The programs emphasized civic and social responsibility, religion, the arts, health and family leisure activities.

In June 1982, the YWCA Board of Directors made a decision to close the branches in Kansas City, Kansas.  There was strong community concern that this grand old social service agency would die.

Prior to this event, Friends of Yates, a not-for-profit organization, had incorporated in 1979.  This body was formed primarily to provide financial strength to the Yates Branch.

Upon the 1982 closing of the Yates Branch YWCA, Friends of Yates, Inc. assumed the role of sovereignty and became the governing and legal Board of Directors.

Our current Board of Directors consists of:

OFFICERS

Mr. Clyde Townsend, President
Mrs. Della Gill, Vice President
Mrs. Marie Grant, Secretary
Major Harold Hooks, Treasurer
Mrs. LaDora Lattimore, Executive Director

MEMBERS

Dr. Charles Alexander
Dr. Herman Watson
Mrs. Eloise Fletcher
Mrs. Alice Hampton
Ms. Yvonne Brown

MEMBERS EMERITUS

Mrs. Lucille Brown
Mrs. Gladys Burks
Judge Benjamin E. Franklin
Mrs. Lucille Jackson
Mrs. Edith Jarrett
Mrs. Woodie McCay
Mrs. Alverta McField
Mrs. Albertine Morgan
Mrs. Effie Norwood
Mrs. Joyce Williams