July 2025

At YWCA Northeast Indiana, we’re deeply committed to serving our community and making a positive impact. We moved into our new home, The Hefner Center, last year, and now our attention is turning to what comes next. Starting this month, our Strategic Planning Committee will begin facilitating our next three-year plan.

Over the next few months, we’ll begin the vital process of setting YWCA’s next course. The strategic planning process will involve extensive input from our staff, board members, volunteers, community partners, and, most importantly, the individuals and families we serve. Our goal is to critically assess our strengths, identify areas for growth, and chart a clear course for the future that aligns with the evolving needs of our community.

Throughout this process, we’ll be focused on three key areas:

Listening & Learning: We’ll conduct numerous surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations to gather diverse perspectives on community needs and our organization’s role.
Analyzing & Reflecting: We’ll meticulously review our programs, operations, and financial health to identify opportunities for greater impact and efficiency.
Envisioning the Future: We’ll engage in thoughtful discussions to refine our vision for the future and articulate ambitious yet achievable goals.

Once the data has been collected, compiled, and reviewed, we’ll identify a plan for the next three years. The new Strategic Plan will ensure we’re meeting the needs of the communities we serve and being good stewards of the resources we’ve been given. Detailed action plans and metrics will bring this strategy to life when it’s officially launched in January 2026.

In the meantime, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued trust and support. Your partnership is invaluable as we work together to build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community. We look forward to sharing more details very soon and embarking on this exciting new chapter with you.

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

Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Sometimes, domestic violence isn’t easy to see when you’re in the middle of it. Abuse is not the survivor’s fault and it is not the survivor’s responsibility to stop it. Check out this article for red flags surrounding verbal, emotional, financial, physical, sexual, and reproductive abuse.

Phresh Laundry Mural

We are so excited about our partnership with Phresh Laundry this year! The partnership was made possible by an Arts Project Support grant where Phresh Laundry, artist Theopolis Smith III, just completed a playful mural in our children’s area, greatly enhancing the space! Follow us on social media for an unveiling of another special piece that will be displayed on the fireplace in our lobby.

The Arts Project Support grant was made possible in part by Arts United and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts. Thank you to these wonderful community partners for promoting access to the arts for all!

YWCA Resources

YWCA has flyers available for download that can be hung up on community bulletin boards, in lobbies, public bathrooms, or anywhere that could reach individuals in need of our services. Visit our website to find these life saving resources about our community advocacy, domestic violence shelter, and support groups for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!

Volunteers are the backbone of YWCA Northeast Indiana! Their selfless dedication bridges gaps that staff often cannot, providing extra touches that enrich our programs. Volunteers not only make a tangible difference in the lives of the individuals we serve, but their time, skills, and passion have a direct impact on our budget, helping to expand our reach.

This year, hundreds of volunteers assisted us with sorting donations, tutoring children, answering phones, planning special events, cleaning out flower beds, painting, assembling furniture, translating for clients, and a wide variety of other projects. Every hour made a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Their selfless efforts created a ripple effect, spreading kindness and positive change throughout northeast Indiana.

“Good done anywhere is good done everywhere.” -Maya Angelou

In addition, children staying at the shelter received handmade blankets, residential families enjoyed donated holiday meals, and we were able to provide car seats to parents through donations. From helping with toy drives and personal hygiene item collections to crafting handmade child and teen desks, we are continually inspired by the dedication and genuine care this community shows.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Ghandi

To our amazing volunteers—thank you for believing in YWCA’s mission and for being such an integral part of our family. Your contributions don’t go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for everything you do.

Recognize an outstanding volunteer by nominating them for our Peggy Hobbs Service Award. Learn more in the “Get Involved” section below!

If you’re interested in joining our incredible team of volunteers, please visit our website to learn more about upcoming opportunities. Whether you are interested in weekly, monthly, or one-time projects, we’d love to have you join us!

Coffee & Conversations

September 18th from 8-9:30am at Ash Brokerage.

Empower to Change: Breaking Patterns & Building New Habits. Join us for a conversation on identifying and dismantling limiting patterns, fostering self-awareness, and developing strategies for building new habits. 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.

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:

Cheryl Schmandt

Owner/CEO, Dynamic Solutions 2 Bookkeeping LLC

Jenee Johnson

Teacher, Fort Wayne Community Schools

Edwin Chow

Owner, Summit City Climbing Co.

Allison Nicklin

Director of Project Management, JH Specialty, Inc.