Best Women's Programs in Delaware — 14 resources

About Women's Programs for Women

Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.

Women's Programs in Delaware

Delaware Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support statewide through three county courthouses (New Castle, Kent, Sussex). The Division of Child Support Services operates under DSS. Wilmington and Dover are the population centers. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI), Legal Services Corporation of Delaware, and the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence support women.

14 Resources

1. Delaware Commission for Women — Free

The Commission is the official state advisory body on women's issues, hosting an annual Hall of Fame, publishing reports on wage equity, and recommending policy to the Governor and General Assembly. Located in the Carvel State Office Building area; call 302-577-2660 to volunteer or attend public meetings.

302-577-2660 · 4425 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

2. YWCA Delaware — Free

YWCA Delaware's 233 King St headquarters in Wilmington runs the Home Ownership program, racial-justice training, and youth-development services for women and girls. Free first-time homebuyer workshops are open to all Delaware residents; call 302-658-7161 to register.

302-658-7161 · 233 King St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Girls Inc. of Delaware — Free

Girls Inc. operates after-school and summer programs at its 601 N Church St Wilmington site focused on STEM, financial literacy, and healthy relationships for ages 6-18. Sliding-scale tuition keeps it accessible; call 302-575-1041 to ask about scholarships and current openings.

302-575-1041 · 601 N Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Delaware Helpline — Free

Dialing 211 (or 800-464-4357) reaches a Delaware Helpline specialist who can connect mothers to food, rental help, utility assistance, childcare, and crisis services in real time. Specialists keep current data on what programs are accepting applications and where waitlists are open.

800-464-4357 · Statewide Service · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm · Visit Website

5. Latin American Community Center — Free

LACC's 403 N Van Buren St Wilmington campus provides bilingual ESL classes, immigration intake, after-school programs, and family support for Spanish-speaking Latina mothers. Call 302-655-7338 to enroll children or ask about workforce-development cohorts.

302-655-7338 · 403 N Van Buren St, Wilmington, DE 19805 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Planned Parenthood of Delaware

PP Delaware operates the 625 N Shipley St Wilmington health center providing birth control, STI testing, cancer screening, gender-affirming care, and medication abortion. Sliding-scale fees and Title X funding cover many uninsured patients; call 302-655-7293 for current pricing.

302-655-7293 · 625 N Shipley St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Sat; Hours vary by location · Visit Website

7. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

AAUW's national fellowships, salary-negotiation workshops, and Title IX advocacy date to 1881. Delaware branches in Wilmington and Newark host local programs; the national site lists scholarships specifically for women returning to school or pursuing graduate work.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

NOW's grassroots feminist organizing covers reproductive rights, economic equity, and ending gender-based violence. Delaware's state chapter runs candidate forums and policy campaigns; the national site lets mothers find local actions and volunteer roles.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. League of Women Voters — Free

Nonpartisan civic-engagement organization helping voters understand ballots, candidates, and state-level policy. League of Women Voters of Delaware runs candidate forums and publishes voter guides for every election cycle.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. YWCA USA — Free

The national YWCA network's mission is eliminating racism and empowering women. Local YWCAs across the country provide DV shelter, child care, racial-justice education, and housing — useful if you're moving or have family in another state needing services.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Women's Funding Network — Free

A coalition of regional women's foundations that fund grassroots programs for women and girls. Useful for Delaware nonprofits seeking grants and for mothers researching which local programs are well-resourced enough to last.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Junior League — Free

The Junior League is a women's volunteer-leadership and community-impact organization with chapters in Wilmington and northern Delaware. Members develop project-management and fundraising skills while serving local needs in child welfare, education, and women's health.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Soroptimist International — Free

Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards give cash grants to women who are the primary financial support for their families and pursuing education. Delaware clubs in Wilmington and Sussex County also fund local women's shelters and scholarships.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Zonta International — Free

Zonta clubs of business and professional women fund scholarships for women in STEM and public policy, including the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business award. The Wilmington club partners with local DV shelters for in-kind donations.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in Delaware?
Women's Corner tracks 14 women's programs resources for women in Delaware.
Are women's programs resources in Delaware free?
13 of the 14 listed women's programs resources in Delaware are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Delaware have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Wilmington.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in Delaware?
Featured entries include Delaware Commission for Women, YWCA Delaware, Girls Inc. of Delaware, Delaware Helpline, Latin American Community Center.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
6 of 14 Delaware women's programs listings include phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.