YANA History

In August, 1996, Baltimore social worker Sid Ford had a dream -- to begin compassionate outreach and services for prostituted women. She teamed with George Kleb and Sister Nancy Glynn of Bon Secours Hospital, talking with community members and prostituted women and girls in Southwest Baltimore. Working from her car and a store for the first several months, Sid developed the services and mission of YANA, learning what was needed from the women, community members, and other key individuals and groups.

YANA Place, a daytime, drop-in shelter for prostituted women and girls, opened on February 12, 1997. YANA was incorporated soon thereafter. Significant funders include the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Baltimore Women's Giving Circle, and Shared Hope International, as well as other generous private donors, whose vision and help are deeply appreciated.