In June of 1959, 12 women founded the Young Women’s Christian League in Richmond with the goal of aiding the less fortunate through activism and community service. Today, 60 years later and 115 members strong, the organization continues its work through eight chapters with Sandra A. Taylor, the daughter of one of the founders, leading the organization’s board. “There is so much need in our community,” Ms. Taylor says. “The children and elderly need support. Families are in need of basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. Youths have college expenses. And there is so much more.” The organization aids individuals, families and the overall community through an array of efforts — from hosting breast cancer awareness and fundraising events to preparing meals for Assisting Families of Inmates and donating to ChildFund International. The various chapters chart their own courses of community engagement, which can include providing help to families who make appeals to chapter members. In conjunction with the YWCL’s 60th anniversary, the chapter supported Extra Special Parents, a local therapeutic foster care agency, by providing 60 duffle bags for children in foster care. The bags were stuffed with toiletries and Scripture cards. The bags for younger children also included stuffed animals and blankets. Three of YWCL’s 12 founders are still active – Ms.Taylor’s mother, Phyllis A. Taylor, Lucy B. Jones and Dorothy H. Mines. And one charter member, Florence B. Morgan, is still active after 60 years. The YWCL is celebrating the organization’s history and accomplishments at a 60th anniversary luncheon, “Celebrating a Diamond — Looking Back and Moving Forward,” on Saturday, Sept. 21. As the YWCL board chair, Ms. Taylor is more than aware of the weight of the legacy behind her. “I did grow up with the league. When I was probably 10, I could recite the league prayer because we heard it so much,” she says with a laugh. While some of the organization’s endeavors aren’t continued at the same level of engagement today, the causes aren’t lacking for attention. For example, Ms. Taylor says, the groundswell of support that Assisting Families of Inmates has seen in recent years allows the YWCL to help out every two years, confident that the group has what it needs to operate fully. Those resources of time and money then can be used to help with other critical needs in the community. Ms. Taylor joined the organization in 1994 when she and a group of friends were recruited and “energized,” she says. She became a charter member of the Lilies of the Valley Chapter, one of four new chapters started at the time. Ms. Taylor became chapter president and her mother was their adviser. The experience is one that Ms. Taylor carries with her to this day, as they prepare to recognize the many women — founders and members both — who laid the foundation she and others continue to build upon. “It has just been the most rewarding thing in the world,” Ms. Taylor says. “I learned so much from (my mother) and admire the way she helped us grow. It’s really an honor to follow in her footsteps.” Meet a people-helper, leader and this week’s Personality, Sandra A. Taylor:

Occupation: Retired senior vice president, SunTrust Banks.

No. 1 volunteer position: Board chair, Young Women’s Christian League.

Date and place of birth: April 24 in Richmond.

Current residence: Henrico County.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Sweet Briar College; MBA, University of Rochester.

Family: Mother, Phyllis A. Taylor; sister, Dr. Marsha T. Horton; brother, Samuel S. Taylor Jr.; and three nieces and two nephews.

When elected and length of term: July 1 for a three- to five-year term.

When YWCL was founded: June 1959.

Why YWCL was founded: The organization was founded based on the belief that we can make a difference in our community by serving the less fortunate. Our motto is “Others Rather Than Self.”

Mission of Young Women’s Christian League: Our mission is to serve our community with a focus on five service areas: Health & Human Services, Economic Development, Cul- tural Arts, Education & Youth Services and International Outreach.

Number of members: 115.

Profile of YWCL members: Any woman with a passion to serve, holds to the diety of God, is a citizen or an inspiring citizen and a registered voter is eligible to seek membership. Our current members range in age from 24 to 90.

Relevance of organization today: Women need a way to connect with other women whose values align with theirs. The YWCL is a safe place for women to volunteer and form meaningful friendships. In addition to the service aspect of the organization, we strive to create a sisterhood. We often say that the league is like a Christian sorority.

How women can join: Membership is by invitation and application. Feel free to contact us at YWCL60th@gmail.com.

Outlook at start of the day: Positive; God has given me one more day to please Him. Now, for the full agenda of to-dos!

How I unwind: Sit on my screened porch and read.

If I had more time, I would: Travel more.

Three words that best describe me: Friendly, committed and loyal.

A quote that I am inspired by: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Spend time alone to re-energize.

At the top of my “to-do” list: Prepare for our 60th anniversary celebration.

Best late-night snack: Chocolate ice cream with nuts.

The best thing my parents ever taught me was: Have faith in God and know that He will be with you no matter what!

Person who influenced me the most: My parents, Samuel S. Taylor Sr., now deceased, and Phyllis A. Taylor.

The book that influenced me the most: “Who Moved My Cheese” by Dr. Spencer Johnson.

What I’m reading now: “The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears” by Mark Batterson.

My next goal: To work with our Board of Directors and all chapters to increase our mem- bership of dedicated sisters.