This month marks something truly special for all of us at YWCA Northeast Indiana.


After years of planning, remodeling, and anticipation, we are proud to share that our new home is complete—and already filled with life, purpose, and possibility. Walking through the doors each day, I am reminded that this space is so much more than walls and windows. It is a promise fulfilled and a future made stronger.


This building was remodeled with intention. Every room, every gathering space, every private corner reflects our commitment to the individuals and families we serve. It allows us to provide services with greater dignity, safety, and compassion. It gives our staff the tools and environment they need to do their best work. And it creates new opportunities to welcome our community in meaningful ways.


But what excites me most is not just what this building is—it’s what it makes possible. Here, survivors find safety and begin healing. Families access resources that help them move forward. Conversations spark change. Partnerships grow stronger. And new chapters—many new chapters - begin.


This milestone belongs to all of you. From the day we purchased this building from the Hall family, your support, belief, and advocacy made this vision a reality. Because of you, we have not just opened a building—we have opened doors to hope, stability, and opportunity for countless individuals in our community.

As we settle into this new space, we look ahead with gratitude and determination. There is still important work to do, and now we are better equipped than ever to do it.


Thank you for being part of this journey with us. A new chapter starts here—and we are so glad you are part of the story.


With gratitude,

The Hefner Center - A New Chapter for YWCA Northeast Indiana

In December 2020, YWCA Northeast Indiana purchased Don Hall’s Guesthouse with a vision to transform it into a space where we could continue our critical work across northeast Indiana—with greater capacity to meet the need. 

In May 2024, we made the move. While the building was still a work in progress, our staff, board members, and community volunteers came together to help us settle into our new home, The Hefner Center. Since then, we have continued to rely on dedicated volunteers and skilled professionals to bring this ambitious project to completion. Today, we are proud to share that construction is finally complete—please enjoy the before and after photos that highlight this incredible transformation.

As we celebrate this exciting milestone, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the donors, volunteers, and community members whose generosity and dedication made this transformation possible. Your support has not only restored a building, but helped create a space where our mission can continue to grow and serve others for years to come.


As we look ahead, we invite those who wish to leave a lasting legacy to explore the naming opportunities still available within the building—an enduring way to be part of this next chapter. For more information, please reach out to Jill Vaught at jvaught@ywcanein.org.

YWCA Book Club

May 28th from 6-7 pm

Join YWCA board member and author, Dottie Davis, as we discuss her new book "Strangled: A Survivor's Plea To Men Who Look The Other Way". This month, we will be hosting a hybrid book club. You can attend and meet Dottie in person at WindSwell Foundation, 5323 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, or you can join virtually via Zoom. Spaces are limited! Learn more and register here.

2026 Events

Every great story has a Prologue— that single, defining moment of resilience, choice, or discovery that sets the stage for everything that follows. Community leaders share their personal “prologue“—the powerful moment, realization, or challenge that led to where they are today. Visit our website to hear from:

Donna Masterson

Director Of Residential Services, YWCA Northeast Indiana


Brenda Gerber Vincent

Chief Growth Officer, Greater Fort Wayne Inc.


Nicole Johnson-Smith

Director of Clinical & Recovery Services, YWCA Northeast Indiana


Meghan Murphy

Director of Investor Programs, Greater Fort Wayne Inc.


Alison Gerardot

Chief Impact Officer, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne

This year, we are excited to introduce you to members of our Board of Directors. This group of dedicated individuals generously gives their time and talent to write the next chapter for YWCA Northeast Indiana. This month, meet Kim.

Kim Carpenter

Chief Experience Officer, Ash Brokerage


What do you wish more people knew about the work we do? 

There is an advanced staff who are able to confidently meet clients where they are at and provide tools to create safety and stability.


What are you currently reading or listening to? 

The Mindset Mentor Podcast hosted by Rob Dial.

What are you most excited about for the organization in the coming year? 

The expanded reach and opportunities YWCA has due to its new campus.

Donate

YWCA Northeast Indiana cannot operate without the generosity of our northeast Indiana community. We are currently in need of donations for Children's Services.


Over the summer months, our staff seeks to take the children we serve on educational outings. Please consider donating tickets for things like the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Science Central, a community pool, or a show at the Embassy.



You can either purchase tickets and mail them to:

Diamond Mims

1313 W Washington Center Rd

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Or, you can give on our website.


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!

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