PRESS RELEASE: Saint Joseph Community Health Foundation Awards YWCA Northeast Indiana $20,000 for Bilingual Domestic Violence Advocacy Services

[FORT WAYNE, INDIANA, JULY 2, 2025] – YWCA Northeast Indiana received a $20,000 grant from the Saint Joseph Community Health Foundation to support YWCA’s bilingual domestic violence services in 2025. YWCA employs a Burmese Advocate who can provide domestic violence support in Burmese languages to members of the Burmese community in Fort Wayne. YWCA will also use grant funds to contract with professional interpreters for languages not spoken by staff members.

Jennifer Rohlf, Director of Empowerment at YWCA, says, “We know that navigating the criminal justice system and community resources is already very intimidating for survivors of domestic violence. This process becomes even more overwhelming when there is a language barrier. These funds provide support, dignity, and advocacy for survivors who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice. We are very appreciative of the ability to provide high quality bilingual advocacy to victims and survivors in our community.”

YWCA Northeast Indiana helps adults and children experiencing domestic violence to understand the dynamics of domestic violence so that they are empowered to live a life free from abuse. Services for survivors of domestic violence include 24/7 emergency shelter, case management by our Advocates, counseling services, parenting support and children’s services, financial assistance, support groups, and other resources to assist individuals and families in meeting their needs during and after a crisis.

YWCA is grateful to continue to be a funded partner of the Saint Joseph Community Health Foundation.