April 2025

Welcome to Spring!

As the days grow longer and the first hints of spring colors begin to appear, I’m always filled with a renewed sense of hope and energy. This is also true for YWCA as we prepare for a busy spring filled with opportunities for connection, empowerment, and support.

One event in particular that I want to highlight is our upcoming “Speak Your Truth” event on April 11th. This free public event is a powerful and moving opportunity for survivors of sexual violence to share their stories and strength through various art forms. It’s an open mic night where music, poetry, visual art, and more will serve as a testament to resilience and healing. We invite everyone to attend, to listen with open hearts, and to show unwavering support for these brave individuals in our community.

Looking ahead, we also have our annual Race for Equality 5K on April 26th at PFW. This year promises even more fun for the whole family with the addition of a 1-mile fun walk/run, and we’re excited to welcome back our popular pup run for its second year!

Don’t miss our next Coffee & Conversations on June 17th, where we’ll be exploring how to have courageous conversations in a welcoming and empowering space for women. These quarterly events provide an opportunity to learn from each other through shared experience, networking, and unique perspectives.

These are just a few of the many community events we hold throughout the year. Our goal is to connect with and empower people in our community, fostering strength and resilience before they might find themselves in crisis.

Reading our newsletter is a fantastic way to stay informed about all our upcoming events and initiatives. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’d like more information about any of these opportunities or if you are in need of support. We are here to help!

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

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is a time to raise community awareness about the difficult issue of sexual assault. Our webpage offers various ways to get involved and be a part of ending this serious problem. Our goals for the month include engaging the community, defining consent, and sharing messages of hope and empowerment.

We are exited to announce that tomorrow, April 2nd, Mayor Sharon Tucker will sign a proclamation officially recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Fort Wayne! Also, be on the lookout for downtown lights like the MLK Bridge turning teal on April 10th and 11th in honor of SAAM!

Sponsor Shoutout

We would like to thank all of our Race for Equality sponsors. Building a more just community takes all of us, and we are so grateful for your support! Check out our top level supporters below.

Indiana Senate Bill

The Indiana State Senate has passed a criminal penalties bill that includes an amendment requiring people charged with domestic violence-related crimes to wear a monitoring device if released on bail. Find WISH TV’s full article here. We applaud the Senate for trying to address these issues. We still have a long way to go, but this is a step in the right direction to protect survivors of domestic violence.

Journal Gazette Editorial

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, our CEO, Paula Hughes-Schuh, reflects on the strength and resilience of women throughout history. She challenges us to also commit to empowering women today. We are inspired by the journeys of the women we serve as they confront their challenges, overcome obstacles, and work toward a brighter future. Read more to learn about our clients, our services, and our commitment to empowering the women in our community!

Sexual Violence Services

Sexual violence is an umbrella term that encompasses all different types of sexual abuse. It refers to any action that pressures or coerces someone to do something sexually that they don’t want to do. It can occur between strangers or more commonly between people who know each other.

YWCA services include:

Legal advocacy including court accompaniment, explanation of legal process, and assistance with protective orders and custody situations
Medication assistance including rides to pick up medications not available in rural communities
Connection to resources including mental health support and support groups
Education on consent, sexual assault, self esteem, boundaries, emotional regulation, and more

We are here to help with all aspects of emotional recovery. Last year alone, our staff provided direct support to 62 adults and 28 children who had experienced sex trafficking, child molestation, rape, and/or sexual assault either recently or in the past. In addition, our crisis line received 164 calls from survivors of sexual violence seeking help.

“We are so incredibly proud of the work our clients have done in their healing journey over this past year,” says Jennifer Rohlf, YWCA’s Director of Empowerment. “Whether it be the kids who have learned about consent and practiced using their voice when they feel uncomfortable, the survivors who have written a victim impact statement to really express how their assault has impacted them, or survivors who have found the strength and courage to meet with their advocate to work on their individual goals. We see survivors make strides every day and feel grateful to be a part of helping them thrive.”

For a more detailed list of our services, visit our website.

Speak Your Truth

April 11th from 6-8pm at the Tall Rabbit Cafe.

Help raise awareness and show support at this free open mic night for survivors of sexual violence! Let us know you’re coming!

Race for Equality

April 26th from 8:30am-12pm at PFW.

We are excited for our 2nd annual Pup Run as well as a new 1 Mile Fun Run option at our annual 5K! Prices increase after April 7th. Find more details and secure your spot.

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 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. Add a reminder to your Google calendar.

Reflecting back empowers us to move forward. Community leaders share advice they would give their younger selves with the hope of inspiring someone facing similar challenges. Visit our website to hear from:

Whitney Bandemer

Principal, WB Consulting, LLC

Aisha Diss

Executive Director, project.ME

Anthony Juliano

VP/GM, Asher Agency

Emma Walker

Sexual Violence Coordinator, YWCA Northeast Indiana

Wear Teal on Tuesdays

Use it as a conversation starter about topics regarding sexual assault. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us on social media!