History of youth work History of youth work The history of youth work goes back to the birth of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, which was the first time that young men left their own homes and cottage industries to migrate to the big towns. The result of this migration was an emergent youth culture in urban areas, which was responded to by the efforts of local people. In 1844 the first organisation whose sole aim was to address the needs of young men was founded. The YMCA was set up by George Williams. Williams was from London and his goal was
George S. Williams George S. Williams George Short Williams (October 21, 1877 – November 22, 1961) was an American office administrator and politician from Millsboro in Sussex County, Delaware. He was a member of the Republican Party, who served as U.S. Representative from Delaware. Williams was born in Ocean View, Delaware. He attended the public schools and Wilmington Conference Academy, in Dover, Delaware, and graduated from Dickinson College, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 1900. Williams was an instructor at Ironwood, Michigan High School from 1902 until 1904. He then became engaged in the lumber business in Delaware and North Carolina from 1905 until 1923.