A Message from Our CEO: Renewal, Awareness, and Action | | |
Spring has finally arrived, bringing with it a sense of renewal and the promise of brighter days. As things begin to bloom, I am reminded that growth often requires both patience and a steadfast commitment to nurturing the environment around us.
This month, that commitment takes on a deeper meaning as we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month. At YWCA, we know that healing is not a seasonal event—it is a journey. Our sexual violence services continue to grow and evolve as we meet survivors where they are, providing the advocacy, counseling, and support they need to reclaim their voices. This month is about more than just awareness; it is about fostering a community where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered.
We have a packed calendar this month, and I invite each of you to join us as we turn awareness into action:
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- Proclamation Signings: We are kicking off the month by joining local officials throughout our six-county service area for several proclamation signings to officially recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month across our region.
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The Book Club: This month, we dive into Found, by Michelle Corrao. Our monthly book discussion is April 23rd from 6–7 PM via Zoom. This is a safe space for deep discussions and shared perspectives—a wonderful way to connect through the power of storytelling.
- Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: Join us at Indiana Tech for this iconic event, which continues to be a powerful (and often lighthearted) way to tackle a very serious subject, sparking vital conversations about gender-based violence.
- The Race for a Reason 5K: We’ll be closing out the month on April 25th with our annual 5K. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your presence helps fund the very services that change lives every day.
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Spring is a season of moving forward. By participating in these events and supporting our services, you are helping ensure that no one in our community has to walk their path to healing alone.
Thank you for being the heart of our mission. I look forward to seeing you out in the community this month!
With gratitude,
| | | Sexual Assault Awareness Month | | |
Nationally, April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This year, YWCA stands beside groups across the country to honor 25 years of SAAM with the theme, "Your Voice Matters: Unite Against Sexual Violence".
SAAM has served as an impactful marker that unifies survivors, direct service providers, advocates, professionals across industries, and communities - raising awareness, the voices of survivors and their loved ones, and building a stronger, broader community committed to ending sexual assault.
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Events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an international march where men wear women's high heels to raise awareness and funds regarding rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence. The event uses this "playful" challenge to start difficult conversations, break down stereotypes, and support local crisis centers. YWCA Northeast Indiana, in partnership with Indiana Tech, will be hosting a Walk a Mile event on April 8th. It will begin with a speaker from 12-1 PM at Snyder Academic Center Multiflex Theater, followed by the walk from 1-2 PM. Join us for this FREE event! Donations of diapers, pull ups, and new children's items are being collected for both YWCA and the Sexual Assault Treatment Center.
Proclamation Signings are an important part of awareness months here at YWCA. These are declarations by the counties we serve that they recognize the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Keep an eye out for photos from these events!
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YWCA Book Club invites readers to come together to discover, discuss, and drive change. Guided by our annual theme, “A New Chapter Starts Here,” our new book club creates space for meaningful conversations around stories that challenge perspectives, build empathy, and inspire action. For SAAM, we will be reading Found by author and survivor Michelle Corrao on April 23rd from 6-7pm via Zoom. This is a story of faith and courage. It highlights the pain that Michelle experienced and how she was able to take it and not only become a survivor but an advocate for other survivors. Spaces are limited! Learn more and register here.
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Race for a Reason 5K
April 25th from 9-11:30am at PFW
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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.
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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.
Exciting Opportunity To Help Someone Start a New Chapter
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At YWCA Northeast Indiana’s Hefner Center, every room holds the promise of a new beginning. It’s where survivors find safety, children rediscover joy, and women in recovery begin to rebuild their lives.
At the heart of our work are 60 client rooms—private, secure spaces where survivors begin their journey forward. These rooms serve individuals in our domestic violence crisis shelter and addiction recovery program, offering rest, safety, and a fresh start.
You can now be part of these powerful moments —creating a lasting impact for those who walk through our doors seeking hope and healing.
We have two opportunities to name one of these rooms:
$5,000 – Five-Year Naming
Flexible payment options available, with the opportunity to renew or be recognized on a permanent donor plaque.
$25,000 – Perpetual Naming
Create a lasting legacy with permanent room recognition.
A named room is more than recognition—it’s a message: you are safe, you are not alone, and a new chapter begins here.
To learn more or reserve a space:
Jill Vaught | jvaught@ywcanein.org | 260-424-4908 ext 227
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YWCA Northeast Indiana provides help and support to those who have been impacted by different forms of sexual violence. YWCA aids survivors to heal from the trauma of sexual violence through crisis intervention, counseling, and support group services.
All of our services are free to anyone affected by sexual violence, including:
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- Incest survivors
- Survivors of childhood sexual abuse and molestation
- Rape survivors
- Those currently experiencing sexual abuse, assault, or rape
- Those experiencing sexual harassment
In 2025, our sexual violence team provided advocacy services to 91 adults and 38 children.
Services can be provided in the county the client lives in and are free and confidential. Call 800.441.4073 or email advocatecoords@ywcanein.org for more information. All services are individualized and can always be adjusted to best fit your needs.
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Coffee & Conversations
Our 2026 Coffee & Conversations theme is “Chapter by Chapter: Wellness & Wisdom for Life Stages.” In March we tackeled The Menapause Chapter. Join us this year for our remaining chapters focusing on pre- and postnatal issues, financial health, and mental health.
Our next event is June 12th from 8-9:30am at YWCA Northeast Indiana
The Pre- and Postnatal Chapter. This event will delve into the joys and complexities that accompany the transition into motherhood, offering a supportive space for sharing experiences and insights. Our expert speakers will cover essential topics, including the importance of pelvic health, core strength restoration, and holistic approaches to postpartum recovery. We will also address the emotional challenges that can arise, emphasizing the significance of mental well-being during this period. Learn more and register here.
TinCaps: COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION OF THE GAME
| YWCA Northeast Indiana, in partnership with the Tin Caps, will be the Community Organization of the Game on April 10th. We will have a staff member throwing the first pitch, an information table on the concourse, and tickets sold through the link below will go directly to our organization. Purchase your tickets now! | |
2026 Events
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Music for a Mission - September 18th from 6-11pm at Brotherhood Mutual
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Circle - October 29th from 11am-1pm at Parkview Mirro Center
| | Every great story has a Prologue— that single, defining moment of resilience, choice, or discovery that sets the stage for everything that follows. Follow us on social media this year as 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: | | |
Sharon Tucker
Mayor, City of Fort Wayne
Faith Van Gilder
CDO, Girls Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana
Dottie Davis
CEO, Davis Corporate Training, Inc.
Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson
Chancellor, Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne/Kosciusko County
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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 talents to write the next chapter for YWCA Northeast Indiana. This month, meet Denice.
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Denice Beights
Director of Capital Strategy, Transamerica
What first drew you to YWCA?
I am passionate about issues impacting women. I want to be a strong voice in advocating for women – and YWCA has been a beacon in our community for decades. I wanted to be part of making a difference for women, for building systems for them to be safe, and to find their voice to advocate for themselves.
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What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
My first job was at Hardee’s as the morning biscuit maker. I had to be at work EXTRA early to get the biscuits started. That job taught me to be open to learning new things and to take my job seriously. They trusted a 16-year-old to not burn the biscuits – and biscuits were critical to the success of the morning rush hour. I knew that my job would make or break the morning for the rest of the team. I’ve taken that lesson with me throughout my career – that my work is meaningful and others rely upon it to be on time and accurate.
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What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your work here?
I want to ensure we’re building systems for those we serve to find their voice and to be able to advocate for themselves. Many of our clients come to us because they need help – I want to be sure YWCA empowers our clients to learn and grow while involved in the programs, and then emerge strong enough to advocate for themselves and even encourage others along their path. Those are operational items – so as a board member I want to be sure we’re having the right strategic conversations and also working with the community to raise the needed resources to fund our programming.
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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.
Teen Dating Trends Survey
Consider participating in our Teen Dating Trends Survey. Our hope with this survey is to help us better understand what young people in our community know, believe, and experience when it comes to dating violence and healthy relationships. You can participate 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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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.
Tickets for Summer
Over the summer, we strive to be able to take the families staying with us on experience trips. These include trips to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, Crazy Pinz, Science Central, and more. We are only able to do things like this thanks to donors like you. You can purchase tickets and drop them off during business hours, put them in our mailbox, or send to us 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.
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