We understand that preparing for school while in a shelter can bring its own set of hurdles. That’s why our dedicated team works tirelessly to support every child. We help with school enrollment, arrange transportation, and ensure they have all the necessary supplies – from notebooks and pencils to new shoes and clothes – so they can walk into their classrooms feeling confident and ready to learn.This back-to-school season, we are reminded of the incredible strength and resilience of the children we serve. With your continued support, we can provide them with the foundation they need to flourish, both in the classroom and in life. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every act of kindness helps us create a safe haven where children can heal, learn, and dream.
Thank you for being a part of their journey.
-Paula Hughes-Schuh (CEO, YWCA Northeast Indiana)
Aisha Pearson
We are heartbroken at the loss of Aisha Pearson, who served as YWCA’s Director of Residential Services. In her 10 years at YWCA, she also spent time in the following roles: Case Manager, Lead Case Manager, Crisis Services Coordinator, and Advocate Coordinator. Aisha wasn’t just a colleague; she was a vital part of our organization, a dedicated leader, and a friend to many. Her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission touched countless lives, and her absence will be deeply felt.
“Aisha was the kind of woman who made you feel like you mattered. Whether you knew her as the world’s most loving mom, the most caring daughter, the ‘fun one’ in the family, or the go-to friend who always had your back (and your snacks), you were lucky to be in her orbit. She had the unique gift of making people laugh even when they didn’t want to and would give you her last dollar without a second thought — and maybe slip in a joke while doing it. To know Aisha was to love her, and to love her was to have a lifetime supply of joy, kindness, and the occasional friendly roast. As we celebrate her life, we’ll remember her laugh, her spirit, and the way she made every room brighter — and every meal tastier.” Find her full obituary here.
Honoring Aisha Pearson’s Memory
YWCA has created the Aisha Pearson Memorial Fund to honor this amazing woman. Aisha was a beloved member of our team and a passionate advocate for the children we serve. This fund will be used to provide special activities and enriched experiences for the children staying at YWCA, a cause that was incredibly close to Aisha’s heart.
If you would like to contribute to the Aisha Pearson Memorial Fund and help us continue her legacy of care and compassion, please use this link or mail your donation to:
YWCA Northeast Indiana
ATTN: Aisha Pearson Memorial Fund
1313 West Washington Center Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
New Indiana Law Strengthens Eviction Sealing Protections for Tenants
Indiana tenants will benefit from significant improvements to the state’s eviction sealing law through Senate Enrolled Act 142 (Public Law 128), which streamlines the process for removing eviction records and expands eligibility for relief. Legal scholars have described this phenomenon as the “scarlet E” that forever labels a renter a “bad tenant” and limits rental opportunity. Sealed eviction records are not accessible to landlords during tenant screening processes, providing individuals and families with better opportunities for safe and secure housing. Due to the impact of domestic violence and addiction, many of our clients have eviction records, which makes finding housing after staying in YWCA’s residential programming difficult. This law will give many people a second chance at housing, removing a barrier as families transition to being self-sufficient and living in the community. Read more from Prosperity Indiana.
Lincoln Financial Grant for Emergency Housing
YWCA extends a heartfelt thanks to the Lincoln Financial Foundation for supporting our emergency housing services through a generous grant.
The Lincoln Financial Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Lincoln Financial Group. They focus on building stronger communities through nonprofit partnerships in financial wellness, education, and human services, with the long-term goal of helping people build secure financial futures for themselves and their families.
Fort4Fitness Charity Partner
YWCA is a proud Charity Partner with Fort4Fitness! Select YWCA when you register for the Fall Festival (September 27th) or Winter Wonder Dash (November 14th and 15th) for part of your registration fee to benefit us. Register here!
Education Services
Last year, our Community Educators had the opportunity to present to 3,488 young people in schools, youth groups, and community centers. We seek to create fun and empowering programs that are relevant to the youth we work with.
Find a description of our free youth education session topics and testimonials below:
Grades 8-12: Eyes Wide Open Relationship Awareness©
A three session program created by our staff and recognized by the Indiana State Department of Education as an Identified Model Curriculum under Heather’s Law. This program educates youth and young adults on healthy relationships and identifying signs of unhealthy and dangerous relationship patterns.“I really loved the information. I took it all in and I am going to use it for myself to have a healthy relationship.”
“This was very helpful. I learned how to help a friend in this situation.”
Grades 7-8: Digital Citizenship 101
Social media, gaming, and other advances in technology are powerful tools that also carry serious risks. This two session program empowers middle school students to recognize warning signs of harmful behavior like grooming, sexting, and scams.
“One thing I learned is if you feel uncomfortable, talk with a trusted adult.”
“I learned about digital footprint and how it can affect our lives.”
Grades 4-6: Cybersense
This two session program empowers students grade 4+ to recognize bullying online including through social media and gaming. The curriculum aligns with legislation requiring schools to provide bullying prevention education and empowers youth to build a community of support.“I learned that I should be myself, and help people that need it!”
“Always, always try to stop bullying. Either tell the teacher or step in the situation so no one gets hurt.”
Do you or someone you know work closely with youth? We would love to share our free, interactive sessions with your group this fall. Visit our website to learn more or inquire directly using the link below.
If you have any questions regarding our Community Education
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 Parkview Mirro Center.
Save the date for our 29th annual event raising life saving dollars for our domestic violence services. This year we are focusing on the children effected by domestic violence. Find more details and a link to register on our website.
Irene Paxia
Executive Director, The Language Access Lab
Breanna C. Johnson
Poet & Advocate, Poetz Portal
Karl Einolf
President, Indiana Tech
Kara Kelley
Owner, President, CEO, Asher Agency
Dottie Davis
Founder/President, Davis Corporate Training, Inc.
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!
Volunteer Opportunities
We have a variety of volunteer positions, as well as group service opportunities. Find info here.
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!
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.
