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Education is key. Right now, I am planning a trip to Italy, researching places to say, best restaurants, and top attractions. I also want to visit non-touristy places to get a feel for the culture, which requires a bit more of my time devoted to research. Without investing the extra time to learn, my trip would only include the tourist trap experience. Many times, we feel it is impossible to know everything about a subject (once we think we know everything then some new information presents itself), but making a reasonable attempt helps us to make an informed decision.
YWCA Northeast Indiana believes in keeping people safe, helping people to heal, and creating equitable environments. And, because of those beliefs, we invest extra time to share research and education with our community on topics related to our mission.
Our Community Education program helps youth grades 4-12 understand dating violence, sexual violence, and digital safety so they can make healthy relationship choices. The Community Education program also engages adult professionals in trainings about domestic violence and addiction to empower adults with prevention and intervention knowledge.
We also teach folks about proper messaging around topics like domestic violence in our Don't Say/Do Say initiative. Did you know we also publish these messages in Spanish? Check out our Don't Say/Do Say below.
Our "Are You an AllY?" blog series and our Diversity Dialogue event share knowledge on various topics around racism and racial justice. We thank you for being an AllY in eliminating racism. Read more below!
Also, learn how our Circle fundraising event raises life-saving dollars for families fleeing domestic violence and how you can host a table. And, learn how you can nominate a well-deserved woman for her tireless work to make our community an even better place to live with our Peggy Hobbs award.
Be in the know on the renovation updates at our new building, The Hefner Center, in "The Scoop" section below. We filled in the outside pool and shared those updates and pics with you in last month's newsletter, and this month we share pics of what we are doing with the inside pool area. While it's sad to let go of the pools, these spaces will become areas where the lives of children and adults will be changed.
Finally, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Knowledge is the antidote to fear." We hope by equipping our supporters with knowledge about mission-relevant topics that together we will be a group of worthy opponents against the grip that fear has on the families who are in need of our services.
Thank you, mighty warriors and advocates, for your ongoing support and helping us inform those that might need our help! We couldn't do what we do without you.
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Community Education Coordinator, Ella Keen, shares about the free presentations that are available to the youth and adults in our northeast Indiana community: | |
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As we gear up for another exciting school year, the Community Education department is buzzing with anticipation! We've been hard at work updating all our youth curricula with fresh activities, videos, and content that'll really get our students pumped. And that's not all – we've got some brand-new presentations in store for the grown-ups too!
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For the young crowd, we've got a trio of awesome presentations tailored to different age groups, ranging from 4th graders to high school seniors.
Imagine a world where everyone knows how to handle digital bullying like a pro – that's what our Cybersense curriculum is all about! Designed for 4th to 6th graders, it's an empowering session that teaches students how to spot cyberbullying across the internet, social media, and cell phones. By the end, they'll have some awesome strategies to tackle this issue. And guess what? Our curriculum lines up perfectly with HEA 1423, a law from 2013 that says we should be teaching bullying prevention to students in grades 1-12. It's all about making bullying totally unacceptable and out of reach.
Speaking of technology, we've got Digital Citizenship 101 for our 7th graders! We dive into the dangers of cell phones, social media, and the online world. We'll even chat about risky stuff like sexting and how to spot grooming red flags. Plus, this presentation isn't just for students – it's customizable for parents, teachers, school admins, and youth leaders. If you're interested in a version for educators and/or parents called Digital Boundaries in a Digital World, just give us a shout!
Lastly, we offer our Eyes Wide Open presentation for high school students. Eyes Wide Open shines as a curriculum acknowledged by the Indiana State Department of Education, earning the distinction of an Identified Model Curriculum in accordance with Heather's Law. This program takes its name from an Indianapolis teenager whose life was lost to teen dating violence. Our mission is to empower young adults with insights into fostering healthy relationships while honing their ability to spot red flags in potentially harmful partners. We teach students when to ask for help and how to ask for help. Above all, we are committed to fostering a secure environment that meets the unique needs of our students.
While our Community Educators remain dedicated to empowering the youth, they are equally committed to fostering growth among adults within our community. Our adult offerings encompass a range of impactful presentations.
The Domestic Violence 101 presentation delves into the multifaceted dynamics of domestic violence, encompassing its various manifestations, the cycle it perpetuates, power dynamics, reasons behind victims' reluctance to leave, and ways to extend support. This presentation is adaptable to diverse audiences, including educators, healthcare professionals, salon practitioners, non-profit personnel, and more.
Additionally, our Addiction and Recovery 101 presentation ventures into the realm of addiction, breaking down stigmas associated with substance abuse. Participants gain insights into diagnosis, the true nature of addiction, methods to support those affected by addiction, and the realities of the recovery process. This presentation is customizable to suit the preferences of your audience.
We are delighted to share that these presentations are offered at no cost thanks to the generous support of grant funding. If you're inclined to explore these presentations further or would like to know more about what is offered within our department, kindly connect with Ella at ekeen@ywcaerew.org.
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Changing the World, One Message at a Time. | |
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We are excited to begin providing our Don't Say / Do Say posts in Spanish to help reach a wider audience. Thank you to our volunteers who have translated and made this possible!
Es probable que conozcas a alguien. Quizás sea un amigo, un miembro de tu familia, un vecino o la persona sentada frente a ti en tu centro congregación religioso. Imagina que una amiga o ser querido te cuenta que está sufriendo abuso físico en su hogar. ¿Cómo reaccionarías?
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YWCA Northeast Indiana's 24/7 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Line is free and confidential: 800.441.4073
To see all of our Don't Say/Do Say messages, please visit our website.
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YWCA Northeast Indiana celebrates a community that embraces the inherent dignity of all people. To encourage awareness and acceptance of diversity, YWCA’s Level Up Council hosts Diversity Dialogues, where we bring in panelists and guest speakers to help lead the community in compelling conversations on interesting topics important to our community. We do our best to ensure a variety of perspectives and topics that provoke deep thought.
At this dialogue, we will hear about the discrepancies in arrests, convictions, and sentencing rates by race in the Fort Wayne community. We will also examine different approaches to focusing on the intersection of race and community engagement as we move away from associating people of color with criminality.
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Amos Norman has been experienced in nonprofit operational functions and program development for over 20 years. He currently serves as a District Executive Director with the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne. Amos graduated from the University of Saint Francis with a Bachelors in Social Work and has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Purdue University. He is passionate and deeply committed to investing in his local community. His involvement with many organizations, boards, and committees allows him to intersect his organizational knowledge and expertise with community outreach and support.
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Heather Guy serves as the Racial Justice Coordinator at YWCA Northeast Indiana. She received her B.A. and M.A. from Indiana University. She has primarily worked as a youth professional in various capacities and has experience with all stages of development, from infancy to returning adult college students. Heather is especially passionate about empowering First-Generation college students and First-Generation Americans. As YWCA's Racial Justice Coordinator, she is excited at the opportunity to be of service to intersecting communities in need.
"It is a blessing to be someone's blessing."
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Find more details about the event and learn more about about our guest speakers by visiting our website. | |
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Coffee & Conversations
Be a Forrest Gump: Refuse to let your fears stop you!
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Coffee & Conversations is an opportunity for women in the community to discuss pertinent topics about how to be successful in the business sphere, public square, or in personal growth and development. YWCA Northeast Indiana invites women to come together in conversation for this free quarterly series. | |
In the movie Forrest Gump, the main character attempted all sorts of activities despite having an IQ of 75 (referenced in the movie). Quite possibly, his low IQ didn’t enable him to strategically think things through, but one could argue that is what has contributed to his success. He didn’t know what he didn’t know, and any fears of failure/success that someone with a strategic mind might consider didn’t weigh into Forrest’s decision making. He quite literally just moved forward. He also didn’t let negative feedback from others hinder what he wanted in life. Fear stops more people than any other barrier in life. Fear of Failure? Fear of Success? Learn what is REALLY stopping you. | |
Andie Hines-Lagemann is an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner at Tidewater Coaching and an advocate for women, entrepreneurs, and people with disabilities. She spends her free time wearing many different hats serving throughout the city. Andie earned her Bachelor's of Fine Art from the University of St. Francis, and completed her Master's of Positive Psychology through Indiana Wesleyan University. In her down time, Andie loves to cook, and she enjoys sharing this gift with her family and friends.
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Chynna Presley is a self-proclaimed multipotentialite, or more commonly described as a jack of all trades. With a bachelor’s degree in social work, a master’s degree in organizational leadership, and a life degree in hard experiences, Chynna has served the greater Fort Wayne community in a variety of roles over the course of the last 16 years. Today, she serves as an on-air radio personality for STAR 88.3, and a leadership development coach for her business Mezzo Management Solutions.
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Find more details about the event and learn more about about our guest speakers by visiting our website. | |
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What is Persimmon Pride? Persimmon is the orange pantone color of our YWCA brand. Internally, #PersimmonPride is more than a hashtag or mantra. It is a belief in the impact the YWCA team is having in our community. It's more than a saying. It is who we are and what we believe in.
Join us in celebrating the work anniversaries of Emma and Katelyn!
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"I work at YWCA Northeast Indiana because we value the importance of believing survivors of sexual violence, and help them overcome the atrocities they have experienced so they can thrive in their lives."
-Emma (Sexual Violence Coordinator)
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"I chose to work for the YWCA because I love seeing the growth, strength, and change of my clients every day."
-Katelyn (Therapist)
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The passion from our staff, in addition to the unending support from our community, is what makes our work possible. Thank you to our staff and the northeast Indiana community for your support! | |
"The Scoop" will keep you up to date on the latest happenings as we renovate our new building. After construction, the former Hall’s Guesthouse Hotel at 1313 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana will become YWCA’s new home: The Hefner Center. Stay tuned for updates! | |
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In last month's newsletter, we brought you renovation photos of the outdoor pool, which has been filled in to prepare that space for a children's playground. This month, we bring you pictures of the indoor pool. We begin by sharing a photo of what the indoor pool looked like in its day, a perk for guests staying at Don Hall's Guesthouse Hotel. We also share photos of the pool as it was when we acquired the building, and as it appears now, being prepped for a transformation. This space will be turned into office space for our advocates to meet with clients. We are excited about the teen space that is also being planned for this area, as well as a sensory room for children.
Stay tuned for more pics of this space, and other areas, as we progress in our renovations.
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When You Find Yourself at a Crossroad | |
"Sometimes, acknowledging the presence of race, in any given situation, can feel like walking in a field of landmines. Often, we find ourselves as individuals and society avoiding the discomfort of addressing the presence of racism head on. I wonder how we can find a way to go forward together, intentionally, as individuals and as a community. Not only are there old wounds to heal, but we also need tangible tools to direct our future." | |
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Find the full blog on our website, which will leave the reader at the crossroads of the individual and the institution. "To be an AllY, we need to begin to understand the programmed biases that exist within institutions as well as within the individual."
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Find past posts from our "Are You an AllY?" blog series here. | |
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In 1967, a woman named Peggy Hobbs enrolled in an art class at YWCA. Her passion for women’s rights, dedication to the empowerment of women, and her own personal development moved her to volunteer with YWCA. Peggy joined the Board of Directors and eventually became board president. During her three years as president, 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. 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 began in 1977 with the intent 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 woman who embodies the passion, commitment, and dedication of Peggy Hobbs at YWCA’s annual Circle event.
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If you know a woman who helps other individuals realize they too are more than their yesterday, please nominate them using this form! Nominations are accepted through the end of August.
We will provide all submissions to our Review Committee to vote on during the selection process. Awards will be announced at YWCA's annual Circle event in October!
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Pictured: Paula Hughes-Schuh (CEO, YWCA Northeast Indiana), and Andrea Mills (2022 Peggy Hobbs Service Award Recipient)
Learn more about Peggy Hobbs and find a full list of past award recipients here.
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Domestic violence can affect anyone, at any time of their life. But we are all more than our yesterday, no matter what season we are in. As we plan our 27th annual Circle event for this fall, we need your help!
Will you host a table at YWCA's Circle Event? As a Table Host, you would simply invite members of your network to join you at the luncheon, and to help influence support for YWCA. Last year alone, we served 754 adults with one-on-one domestic violence advocacy, the highest ever in our agency's history. As a powerful and influential person, we are asking that you and your tribe help make all the difference in raising life-saving dollars for those fleeing from domestic violence.
This year’s theme "Seasons of Abuse" will include inspiring stories from community members that have overcome domestic violence and in doing so, are empowering others to be more than their yesterday. Together with members of the community, we will share a meal, network, and learn more about YWCA’s life saving programs.
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Theme: Seasons of Abuse
When: Thursday, October 19th from 11:30am-1pm
Where: Ceruti's, 6601 Innovation Blvd, FTW
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Table Hosts are standouts because they are integral to the success of Circle and have the goal to (literally) bring people to the table who would be willing to learn more about YWCA’s mission and make a financial contribution to support YWCA’s domestic violence services. Learn more about hosting a table here. | |
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“Being a table host for YWCA's Circle event provides an opportunity to introduce my friends and family members to the mission of the YWCA and the services they provide to survivors and their children affected by domestic violence in their homes. Community awareness is needed to support survivors as they go through the process of healing from an abusive relationship.”
-Dottie Davis
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To use your power to make a difference in the lives of others, please contact Patty at pdunn@ywcaerew.org. Each table seats eight and tickets to Circle are $100 a piece. Shared tables can be accommodated as well. | |
There is value in the past. Our history at YWCA Northeast Indiana is full of experiences, experiences that have helped develop us into the life-saving agency we are today. We are not able to serve the growing demand for our services in our current, limited space. And, while there is beauty in the patina, our old keys won’t open new doors. Now, we begin a journey of opening new doors. Will you join us? | |
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The time has come when the past is no longer enough.
The time has come to look, not at what could be, but what will be.
It’s time to unlock new doors.
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Learn more about our capital campaign and how you can get involved and support YWCA Northeast Indiana by visiting our website. | |
Goldstein Family Scholarship Program | |
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The goal of the Goldstein Family Scholarship Program is to help female survivors of domestic violence improve their self-sufficiency and quality of life by completing higher education. The scholarship fund provides financial support for tuition, books, rent, utilities, and childcare. Learn more here.
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We have recently updated our Amazon Wish List with current needs, including needs for clients and operations needs. Your purchases can be sent directly to our location.
If you would like to financially support YWCA Northeast Indiana, you can access our donation page by following the link below:
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