The days are growing longer and the sun is shining brighter. Summer is here! Summertime evokes images of carefree laughter, splashing in pools, and the sweet taste of ice cream on a warm afternoon. For many children, it’s a time of joyful abandon, a welcome break from the structure of the school year.

For the children residing with their parents in our domestic violence shelter or addiction recovery program, summer can be a complex time. Did you know that 40% of the residents who come to stay at YWCA are children? While the need for safety and support remains paramount, we also recognize the profound importance of ensuring kids in our programs experience moments of normalcy, joy, and continued growth. Our dedicated team is working hard to ensure this summer is filled with opportunities for healing and positive experiences.

For example, the residential teams are planning a variety of field trips designed to bring children to new experiences and create lasting memories. From trips to the zoo, exploring nature trails, or picnics in the park, outings offer children a chance to engage with the world around them and simply be kids.

But summer isn’t just about structured activities and big plans. It’s also about the small, everyday joys that make childhood special. Every child deserves the simple pleasure of licking an ice cream cone on a hot day, expressing their creativity with colorful sidewalk chalk, and feeling the thrill of swinging high at the park.

Our team is dedicated to creating moments that foster a sense of normalcy and fun amidst challenging circumstances. Small gestures – a game of tag, a shared story, a comforting hug – play a vital role in the healing process. Everyday interactions can remind children that they are valued, that they are not forgotten, and that even after experiencing hardship, there is still room for laughter and light in their lives.

Your continued support makes all of this possible. Your generosity allows us to provide these crucial programs, ensuring that the children in our care have a summer filled with not only safety and support but also with opportunities for growth, joy, and the simple magic of being a child. Thank you for standing with us as we work to create a summer of hope and healing for these brave young individuals.

-Paula Hughes-Schuh (CEO, YWCA Northeast Indiana)

Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with the news of freedom. More than 250,000 individuals embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. Learn more from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

The Importance of Rape Kits

Nearly 28 years after a rape investigation at Shoaff Park, the FWPD made an arrest after finding a DNA match that pointed them to the suspect. The statute of limitations for rape in Indiana is five years, but a DNA match (called a CODIS hit) allows for prosecution despite the amount of time that has passed since the crime was committed.

YWCA staff work hard to advocate for survivors of sexual violence. We recognize the importance of sending rape kits in for testing and are thankful for the work the Sexual Assault Treatment Center does to prepare rape and sexual assault kits for survivors in northeast Indiana.

We are also grateful to Indiana State Representatives Becky Cash and Lorissa Sweet for proposing legislation to address the rape and sexual assault kit backlog in Indiana. Representatives Cash and Sweet advocated for funding and equipment that would streamline the kit testing process during the 2025 legislative session. The bill successfully was passed by the Indiana House of Representatives and currently has been assigned to a Senate Appropriations Committee for further review. Indiana has 600 untested rape kits that have not been processed due to limited resources.

Employment Opportunities

YWCA actively empowers individuals and communities through advocacy, education, and support services, ensuring dignity for all. We are always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Find our current openings and their descriptions on our website.

YW Lofts & Housing Services

Rebuilding after experiencing domestic violence and/or addiction means starting over. Clients need housing stability as well as therapy, case management, and other supportive services to truly build a self-sufficient future. YWCA Northeast Indiana helps survivors of domestic violence and women in addiction recovery find or maintain safe, affordable housing so they can build stability and self-sufficiency.

In Allen County, there are only 31 available, affordable rental units per 100 renters with low income. Allen County is among the top 20 counties in Indiana with cost-burdened households and the least amount of available and affordable rental units (Prosperity Indiana 2023).

YWCA Northeast Indiana is working to make a difference in housing access for vulnerable populations in Allen County. In 2023 and 2024, YWCA applied for and successfully received funding to develop 13 apartments in one wing of our building, The Hefner Center, that will be dedicated to survivors of domestic violence. The apartments, called the YW Lofts, will offer supportive housing, which includes no lease limits, and residents will continue to receive support from YWCA Advocates.

YWCA plans to partner with the Fort Wayne Housing Authority for project-based vouchers and property management. Additionally, Bowen Health is building a mental and physical healthcare clinic below the YW Lofts that Lofts residents will have access to. By offering onsite apartments co-located with healthcare and services, YWCA is a leading example in Indiana for how nonprofits and communities can address the needs of vulnerable populations.

The new YW Lofts project isn’t the only thing related to housing that YWCA provides. We are also a recipient of several state- and federally-funded rental assistance grant programs that can provide short-term rental assistance to clients. YWCA’s Housing Services program supports clients every step of the way, from inspecting potential housing units and facilitating lease signings to accessing food, maintaining employment, and finding childcare.

By the end of the grant-funded rental assistance period, the client will be ready to transition to maintaining their housing on their own or their next step in their housing journey, such as moving to a more affordable unit or gaining access to a housing voucher program. YWCA’s case management support continues even after grant-funded rental assistance ends. The Housing Coordinator will support clients with their self-sufficiency as long as they want assistance.

Follow us on social media to learn about additional housing projects in the works.

Coffee & Conversations

June 17th from 8-9:30am at Ash Brokerage.

Empower & Engage: How to Have Courageous Conversations. Join us in a safe and supportive space for women to develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate challenging interactions with authenticity and grace. Learn more and register for free.

Circle Luncheon

October 30th from 11am-1pm at The Mirro Center.

Save the date for our 29th annual event raising life saving dollars for our domestic violence services. Find more details and a link to register on our website.

Amy Hanna

VP and Chief Development Officer, Fort Wayne Museum of Art

Lydia Young

Retired QC and Sunday School Teacher | Business Owner of Be Happy Puppets

Mitch McKinney

Detective Sergeant, Fort Wayne Police Department

Paula Hughes-Schuh

CEO, YWCA Northeast Indiana

Peggy Hobbs Service Award

Honor a woman of outstanding personal development, achievement, and dedication as a volunteer by nominating them for our Peggy Hobbs Service Award! Learn more and access the nomination form here.

Save 25% at Papa Johns

Support YWCA’s services and enjoy delicious pizza! Visit our website for the discount code.

Goldstein Family Scholarship Program

Our scholarship helps female survivors of domestic violence improve their self-sufficiency and quality of life by completing higher education. Learn more here.

Volunteer Opportunities

We have a variety of volunteer positions, as well as group service opportunities. Find info here.

Donate

If you would like to make a difference at YWCA Northeast Indiana through a financial contribution, there are many ways to do so. Learn more here or go directly to our online donation portal.