As we step into 2026 together, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community, partners, and supporters for the strength and purpose you bring to YWCA every single day. This new year holds incredible promise, and I’m excited to share just a few of the milestones we’ll celebrate in the months ahead.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of our domestic violence shelter—the very first domestic violence shelter in the State of Indiana. For five decades, it has been a lifeline for survivors and their families, and we look forward to honoring that history throughout the year.
As we complete the final stages of construction on our new facility, we will also welcome the community to our official open house, a moment we have all been eagerly awaiting. The Hefner Center provides space not only to continue the work we do today but also to grow as the needs of the community grow.
We’re also celebrating two long-standing traditions: the 30th Annual Circle event and the 5th Annual 5K, both of which have become pillars of support within our mission. And this year, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new event—Music for a Mission, debuting in September.
Another major milestone ahead is the opening of the YW Lofts, our new permanent supportive housing project for domestic violence survivors. This project represents years of vision and collaboration, and we are so proud to see it become a reality. In addition, we plan to break ground on the YW Flats, which will offer permanent supportive housing for women living in recovery—another critical step in addressing gaps in long-term stability and healing.
As we reflect on 131 years of service, advocacy, and community, I want to thank you for walking this journey with us. With your partnership, we look forward to writing the next chapter together in our new home, The Hefner Center.
Wishing you a joyful, meaningful, and inspiring year ahead.
-Paula Hughes-Schuh (CEO, YWCA Northeast Indiana)
YWCA’s 2026 Theme: “A New Chapter Starts Here”
At YWCA, every chapter begins with an open door. Through safety, support, and opportunity, women and families rewrite their stories—stronger, bolder, and free from violence. Join us as we write the next chapter for our community…together.
Follow us on social media throughout the year to see how you can participate in activities supporting our 2026 theme. Highlights include the Community Writing Wall, an interactive opportunity to share significant “chapters” from your life, and the Prologue Project, which will explore important moments that led community leaders to where they are today.
We are also excited to announce the launch of the YWCA Book Club. Throughout the year, different departments will select books that represent important topics aligned with our work. An online discussion will be scheduled for each book selection, offering a great way to engage on critical subjects.
Important Legislative Session
There is a lot on the agenda for this session. Below are a few bills that are relevant to the work we do here at YWCA Northeast Indiana.
- (SB 119) adds to the list of places where sexually violent predators and offenders against children may not work or volunteer
- (SB 9) would require a defendant to be present in the courtroom during victim impact statements
- (HB 1073) seeks to resolve the backlog of untested rape kits
- (HB 1045) increases restrictions on serious sex offenders at public parks
You can find real-time updates and learn more by visiting the Indiana General Assembly’s website.
Domestic Violence Awareness in Columbia City
The Whitley County Domestic Violence Task Force participated in Columbia City’s Walk of Trees event with a DV Awareness themed tree. We thank the Task Force for continuing to raise awareness, especially because the holidays are a time of increased domestic violence. The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) explains that, “With holiday breaks from work and school, abusive partners are more likely to be home than at other times of the year. For survivors connecting with resources like hotlines or local programs, the presence of their abusive partner can make it more difficult for them to safely and privately reach out.” Read more about this trend here.
Goldstein Family Scholarship Program
The goal of the Goldstein Family Scholarship Program is to help female survivors of domestic violence improve their self-sufficiency and quality of life by completing higher education.
The scholarship provides financial support for tuition, books, rent, utilities, and childcare. Support is provided based on the applicant’s financial need after using all other available community resources. Scholarship recipients also receive case management services to assist them through their academic journey.
A client who recently graduated from the program reached out and shared:
“I just wanted to thank you for all of your help and support! I’m working as an ELL elementary teacher now, and I couldn’t have done it without you and the YWCA. You’ve really inspired me to empower those students the same way you empowered me. I’m also proud to say that this year my daughter will be graduating from high school with honors! We’ve applied to some colleges, and she’s been accepted!”
Learn more about the scholarship, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines by visiting our website.
Coffee & Conversations
Our 2026 Coffee & Conversations theme is “Chapter by Chapter: Wellness & Wisdom for Life Stages.” We will discuss important health issues for women, including Menopause, Pre- and Postnatal, Financial, and Mental. Learn more about our first event below:
March 12th from 8-9:30am at YWCA Northeast Indiana
The Menopause Chapter. This essential conversation is dedicated to understanding and embracing every stage of the menopause journey, from perimenopause through post menopause. Moving beyond outdated narratives, learn to navigate this significant life stage with wisdom and confidence, transforming it from a challenge into an opportunity for renewed wellness. This chapter is about gaining clarity and rewriting the script. Learn more here.
2026 Events
- Volunteer Appreciation Event – April 21st from 8-9:30am at The Hefner Center
- Race for a Reason 5K – April 25th from 9-11:30am at PFW
- Music for a Mission – September 18th from 6-11pm at Brotherhood Mutual
- Circle – October 29th from 11am-1pm at Parkview Mirro Center
Sarah Strimmenos
President and CEO, Foellinger Foundation
Austin Knox
Trustee, Wayne Township Trustee Office
Molly Cain
Chief, Ambulatory & Academic Operations, Parkview Health
Dr. Ramona L. Coleman
Transformational Leader | Human Capital Strategist | Professional Learning Advocate
MaKayla Gusching
Senior Program Manager, TeenWorks
Kroger Community Rewards Program
Kroger will donate a portion of your purchases to YWCA Northeast Indiana through their Community Rewards program. There is no cost to you and it doesn’t affect your points or rewards! Learn how to enroll and select YWCA here.
Save 25% at Papa Johns
Support YWCA’s services and enjoy delicious pizza! Use coupon code YWCA25 to receive the discount.
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.
Follow us on Social Media
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, to stay in the know of everything that’s going on at YWCA Northeast Indiana. We hope to connect with you soon!
Bus Passes for Clients
We are accepting bus pass donations to help our clients get around town. A Citilink Regular Adult All Day Pass is just $3.75, and would allow unlimited rides all day long. For an additional $1.50, passes can be shipped directly to our location. Passes can be purchased here and either dropped off during business hours, put in our mailbox, or sent by mail, addressed to Donna Masterson at 1313 W Washington Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.
In-Kind Donations
Check out our website to see a list of items we currently need or visit our Amazon Wish List for easy gift options that can be shipped directly to us!
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.
