Knowledge is Power: Empowering Survivors and Our Community

A Message from Our CEO: Space to Heal, Strength to Speak

Here at YWCA, we believe that healing happens in a safe, supportive space. While life’s challenges—from grief and trauma to difficult life transitions—can leave lasting marks on our mental health, they do not have to define our future.

This month, we are proud to highlight our Therapy Program. We provide compassionate care that honors each person’s unique timeline, offering a bridge from crisis to recovery. Our program is here to ensure no one has to navigate that journey alone.

This month, we are also celebrating the incredible resilience of one of our own. On March 8, Board Member Dottie Davis will release her book, STRANGLED: A Survivor’s Plea To Men Who Look The Other Way.

Dottie’s story is a powerful testament to the human spirit. After nearly being murdered by her husband—a fellow police officer—Dottie rose through the ranks to become a domestic violence advocate and international speaker. Her book is a direct plea to men to stop looking the other way and use their voices to help end the cycle of violence.

Whether through the brave advocacy of leaders like Dottie or the quiet, transformative work of our therapy department, our mission remains the same: providing the safety and support necessary for individuals to find their voices.

Keep reading to find Legislative updates, upcoming events and more. Thank you for standing with us as we foster a community of healing and accountability.

Indiana Legislation Updates

The 2026 Indiana Legislative Session has come to a close. YWCA Northeast Indiana followed several important pieces of legislation that would affect the safety and dignity of survivors. Here is a final look at three key bills we followed:

Senate Bill 119: Combating Sexual Grooming

This critical legislation has officially passed, marking a significant win for child safety. The bill renames "inappropriate communication with a child" to "sexual grooming" and expands the legal definition to better protect children under 14 from predatory manipulation. Additionally, it ensures that sexually violent predators are strictly prohibited from working or volunteering at child-focused facilities or events.

Senate Bill 9: Ensuring Victim Presence

This new law, SB 9 ensures that survivors have the right to look their offender in the eye. Defendants are now required to be present in the courtroom while a victim makes their impact statement, unless they pose a specific safety risk. This law validates the importance of the victim's voice in the justice process.

House Bill 1073: Rape Kit Backlog

While we are disappointed to report that HB 1073 ended the session in an inactive status, our commitment to this issue remains unshaken. This bill sought to utilize state funds to eliminate the backlog of untested rape kits and provide grants for law enforcement testing labs. YWCA Northeast Indiana will continue to push for the resources necessary to ensure every survivor receives the forensic justice they deserve.

YWCA Northeast Indiana in National News

YWCA Northeast Indiana was one of 25 nonprofit organizations nationwide to be selected for the Elan Credit Card charitable giving program. The award was granted following a recommendation by MidWest America Federal Credit Union.

“We are incredibly grateful to both Elan Credit Card and MidWest America Federal Credit Union for this investment in our mission,” Paula Hughes-Schuh, CEO at YWCA Northeast Indiana, said. “This $10,000 gift will go directly to support the brave individuals who reach out to us seeking safety, healing, and hope.

"Strangled" Book Signing Event

We’re thrilled to announce that long-time YWCA Northeast Indiana supporter and current board member, Dottie Davis, will be hosting a sold-out book signing at YWCA Northeast Indiana on March 19th!

In her book, "Strangled: A Survivor's Plea to Men Who Look the Other Way," co-authored with Kathy Curtis, Dottie recounts her incredible story of resilience—how she became a police officer, faced the unimaginable when her husband nearly took her life, and navigated a world that often told her she was less than worthy. But Dottie didn’t just survive; she thrived!

She found her voice and dedicated her career to advocating against domestic violence, rising through the ranks to become a highly sought-after international speaker and trainer.

While this first book signing is sold out, please stay tuned to our social media channels for the second one. Join us in celebrating Dottie's journey and the vital work we do together at YWCA Northeast Indiana!

The book can be pre-ordered here.

Therapy Services

When most people think of YWCA Northeast Indiana, they think of immediate safety and shelter. While crisis intervention is our foundation, the Therapy Services Program is where the long-term work of rebuilding lives truly begins.

For survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and those navigating substance use disorders, the trauma often lingers long after the immediate danger has passed. Our licensed therapists provide flexible service options, offering both in-person and virtual sessions for those who have experienced trauma or grief, or who are navigating difficult life circumstances. We believe in providing personalized, evidence-based care tailored to each person's unique story and goals.

Our licensed therapists utilize trauma-informed, strength-based, and solution-focused approaches to help clients achieve their personal goals and address the areas of healing most meaningful to them. Our specialized supports include help navigating complex emotions and life circumstances, including:

Trauma and grief
Emotion regulation
Family systems
PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Addiction

To inquire about therapy services, call 800.441.4073 and ask for a referral to be sent to our therapy team, or email therapyos@ywcanein.org.

YWCA Book Club

March 27th from 6-7pm via Zoom

Throughout 2026, we’ll dive into powerful stories and connect through meaningful conversation. For the month of March, we are recognizing the amazing accomplishments of women in STEM with the book "The Exceptions" by Kate Zernike. Spaces are limited! Learn more and register here (REPLACE LINK).

Coffee & Conversations

Our 2026 Coffee & Conversations theme is “Chapter by Chapter: Wellness & Wisdom for Life Stages.” We will discuss important health issues for women, including the stages of menopause, pre- and postnatal issues, financial health, and mental health.

Our first event is March 12th from 8-9:30am at YWCA Northeast Indiana

The Menopause Chapter. This essential conversation is dedicated to understanding and embracing every stage of the menopause journey, from perimenopause through post menopause. Moving beyond outdated narratives, learn to navigate this significant life stage with wisdom and confidence, transforming it from a challenge into an opportunity for renewed wellness. This chapter is about gaining clarity and rewriting the script. Learn more and register here.

Race for a Reason 5K

April 25th from 9-11:30am at PFW

The theme of our 5th annual 5K event is "Lacing Up for a Stronger Tomorrow."

Every step you take supports a worthy cause, with proceeds benefiting YWCA’s work in northeast Indiana. Building a community rooted in dignity and empowerment takes all of us, so YWCA wants to offer community members an opportunity to talk about "Y you race?" and "What's your reason?"

We are bringing back both the Pup Run and the 1 Mile Fun Run, so there is something for the whole family! The 5K race will begin promptly at 9:00am, with the 1 Mile race starting shortly after.

5K prices are $40 (adult), $25 (student), and $5 (pup). 1 Mile prices are $30 (adult), $15 (student), and $5 (pup). This early-bird pricing ends April 6th, so make sure to sign up and secure your spot today! Register here.

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 will share their personal “prologue“—the powerful moment, realization, or challenge that led to where they are today. Visit our website to hear from:

Rachelle Reinking

Director of Communications, Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne

Joe Jordan

President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne

Rosalina Perez

Director, NIIC Women’s Business Center

Jess Hopkins

FVP, Regional Sales Manager FW.MI, First Merchants Bank

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 Mitch.

Mitchell J. McKinney

Detective Sergeant

Fort Wayne Police Department

What first drew you to YWCA?

"My friend and mentor, Dottie Davis, brought me to be involved with the Circle event and I haven’t turned back since. I have enjoyed learning about how to be a better police officer when dealing with domestic situations."

What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?

"My very first job was being a barbershop attendee for Hester Miller’s Barbershop at the age of 12. It taught me to be a good listener and follow directions and to be a good steward in the community."

What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your work here?

"I hope that I have been an example to officers to volunteer their time for organizations in the community. This type of non-traditional police work is what fosters relationships. It makes the community the best it can be."

Kroger Community Rewards Program

Kroger will donate a portion of your purchases to YWCA Northeast Indiana through their Community Rewards program. There is no cost to you and it doesn’t affect your points or rewards! Learn how to enroll and select YWCA here.

Save 25% at Papa Johns

Support YWCA's services and enjoy delicious pizza! Use coupon code YWCA25 to receive the discount.

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!

Bath Towel Donations

We are currently in need of full-size bath towels for our clients. All donations must be new, with tags. Items can be dropped off at our main entrance Monday through Friday, between 9am and 4pm, or sent by mail, addressed to Donna Masterson at 1313 W Washington Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. Visit our website for a list of other in-kind donations we are accepting.

Bus Passes for Clients

We are accepting bus pass donations to help our clients get around town. A Citilink Regular Adult All Day Pass is just $3.75, and would allow unlimited rides all day long. For an additional $1.50, passes can be shipped directly to our location. Passes can be purchased here and either dropped off during business hours, put in our mailbox, or sent by mail, addressed to Donna Masterson at 1313 W Washington Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.

Volunteer Opportunities

We have a variety of volunteer positions, as well as group service opportunities. Find info here.

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.