In 1967, Peggy Hobbs enrolled in an art class at YWCA when it was located on Wayne Street. Her passion and commitment led her from developing her art interest to volunteering at YWCA. As the years passed, her passion for women’s rights, dedication to the empowerment of women, and her own personal development moved her to volunteer with YWCA. Peggy started on the Board of Directors in 1971 and became board president in 1973 (serving in that role for three years). Peggy’s leadership as president was a binding force during a time of change and expansion for YWCA. 

The 1970s was a time where women and women’s organizations had little stature in the community; however, as YWCA’s board president, Peggy Hobbs rose to the challenge. During her three years of board leadership, she successfully advocated for YWCA to remain separate from YMCA, paving the way for her greatest success: the establishment of YWCA’s domestic violence shelter. Peggy and a group of dedicated community volunteers decided to bring to light the seriousness of domestic violence in the Fort Wayne area, an issue that was little discussed at the time.

In 1976, Peggy’s vision and passion led to YWCA opening the first shelter for victims of domestic violence in the state of Indiana. YWCA’s domestic violence crisis shelter today is one of the state’s oldest and most successful domestic violence services program. 

The Peggy Hobbs Service Award started in 1977, and the intent of the award is to honor a woman of outstanding personal development, achievement, and dedication as a volunteer. YWCA Northeast Indiana continues Peggy’s legacy by presenting the Peggy Hobbs Service Award to a community volunteer who embodies the passion, commitment, and dedication of Peggy Hobbs.