September is a month of momentum at YWCA Delaware — a time when advocacy, healing, leadership, and community all move forward under one YW. From celebrating major progress in housing justice to welcoming new executive leaders, launching a USDA certified urban farm, offering gentle healing opportunities, and spreading awareness on voting rights and early voting options, this month reflects the heart of our mission. Across every initiative, workshop, and event, we’re creating spaces where women and families feel supported and empowered.

YWCA Delaware CEO Joins Celebration 
of the Road to Housing Act

YWCA Delaware CEO Melissa Gonville recently joined U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester and community leaders at Imani Village in Wilmington to celebrate the passage of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

The landmark legislation is designed to increase the nation’s housing supply, expand opportunities for affordable housing, streamline the development process, and strengthen housing programs that help communities meet local needs.

As one of Delaware's longest-serving emergency and affordable housing providers, YWCA Delaware serves two of the fastest growing groups of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S., single women and mothers with children, especially survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This bill creates an opportunity for more affordable housing options women and families need to transition to safety and reduces the likelihood of them moving from shelter to shelter.

The need is especially urgent in Delaware, where only 41 affordable and available rental homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income households, leaving a shortage of more than 14,000 deeply affordable homes. By supporting new housing, encouraging zoning and land-use reforms, expanding access to housing resources, and prioritizing housing opportunities for people across income levels—including those with the lowest incomes—the Act represents an important step toward creating a stronger, more stable housing system for Delawareans facing housing instability.

Welcoming New Leaders to YWCA Delaware's Executive Team

We proudly welcome Sherray Hoggard as Chief Survivor Services Officer and Aseia Frank, MBA as Chief Financial Officer.

Sherray Hoggard

Sherray Hoggard, Chief Survivor Services Officer, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to YWCA Delaware, guiding SARC’s statewide crisis response, counseling, advocacy, and case management services for survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, trafficking, and stalking. A former JPMorgan Chase Senior Vice President and past YWCA Delaware Board Member, she pairs deep professional expertise with long‑standing community commitment. Sherray studied Psychology at the University of Delaware and is a proud dance mom, traveler, and Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Aseia Frank, MBA

Aseia Frank, MBA, joins YWCA Delaware as Chief Financial Officer with more than two decades of experience strengthening financial operations across social service, healthcare, and behavioral health organizations. She previously served as Controller for Brandywine Counseling, modernizing systems that support nearly 3,000 clients, and has held leadership roles at Connections CSP, the Ministry of Caring, Planned Parenthood of Chester County, and Women Against Abuse. Aseia holds an MBA from the University of Delaware and a B.S. in Accounting from Shaw University.



Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: September Group Filled — October Registration Now Open

We’re grateful for the incredible response to our new Equine‑Assisted Psychotherapy group. The September session filled up quickly, and it’s truly encouraging to see how many survivors are seeking out this unique and gentle healing experience.

To ensure more community members can participate, we're offering an additional session on October 15 from 5–6 p.m. at 1699 Harvey Straughn Rd., Townsend, DE 19734.

All activities take place on the ground—no riding is involved—and participants will engage in calming, hands-on experiences that support trust-building, healthy boundaries, communication, and emotional reconnection.

Youth ages 13+ may participate with a parent or legal guardian. The group is held rain or shine; closed‑toe shoes are required.

To join the October session or be added to the September waitlist, contact Molly McElroy at mmcelroy@ywcade.org or 302‑650‑6084.

New Beginnings Farm at Home‑Life Officially Designated as a USDA Certified Urban Farm in the State of Delaware

YWCA Delaware is proud to announce that its long‑standing garden at the Home‑Life Management Center has been officially designated as a USDA Certified Urban Farm, making New Beginnings Farm one of Delaware’s recognized urban agriculture sites.

For more than 15 years, this growing space supported healing, learning, and nourishment for families. Established in 2011 under the leadership of Dr. Patricia Pettaway, former Chief Housing Officer, the garden was created with the support of dedicated community volunteers, including Dr. McDevit and Dr. Teague from the University of Delaware Associate in Arts Program. Under the leadership of Lisa Forever, LMSW, MSCJ, Chief Housing and Community Impact Officer, the garden has grown into a fully certified urban farm.

Since receiving its designation on June 25, 2026, New Beginnings Farm has harvested fresh vegetables and herbs, integrating farm‑grown produce directly into YWCA Delaware’s meal program and onto the tables of women and families participating in emergency shelter and transitional housing services. This milestone marks a significant expansion of YWCA Delaware’s capacity to increase fresh food access, deepen hands‑on learning, and strengthen pathways to stability and independence for the communities they serve.

YWCA Delaware would like to thank the New Castle Conservation District, the Delaware Grocery Initiative, the Delaware Division of Small Business, and the Delaware Urban Farm & Food Coalition for helping to bring the New Beginnings Farm to life.

Know Your Early Voting Site + Election Day Reminder

Delaware’s Primary Election is September 15, and early voting starts September 2. You can vote at any early voting site in your county.

📍 New Castle County Sites

• Appoquinimink State Service Center – Middletown
• Claymont Community Center – Claymont
• Dept. of Elections Warehouse – New Castle
• Hudson State Service Center – Newark
• The Delaware Contemporary – Wilmington
• Wilmington PAL – Wilmington

📍 Kent County Sites

• BPOE #1903 Elks Lodge – Dover
• Frederica Senior Center – Frederica
• Harrington Parks & Recreation – Harrington
• Wyoming United Methodist Church – Dover

📍 Sussex County Sites

• Dept. of Elections Warehouse – Georgetown
• Dept. of Elections Warehouse – Seaford
• Ellendale Fire Hall – Ellendale
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott – Rehoboth Beach
• Indian River Fire Co. Station #2 – Millsboro
• Laurel Fire Hall – Laurel
• Margaret Rollins Community Center – Lewes
• Millville Community Center – Millville
• Roxana Fire Hall – Frankford

Election Day: September 15

Check your voter registration: ivote.de.gov

Preview your ballot: vote411.org/ballot

Make your plan to vote — your voice shapes Delaware’s future.

Stay Informed: Learn More About the SAVE America Act

The SAVE America Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act), passed by the House last year and still being debated by the Senate, could affect families, caregivers, friends, neighbors, and anyone who helps a loved one navigate a complicated voting process. This overview is intended to help voters understand the legislation itself, not to support or oppose any candidate or election outcome.

The act proposes tightening documentation rules so that a voter's identity must match across multiple records. The act would increase the number and type of documents required if a voter does not have a passport or REAL ID compliant identification and will require voters to show documentation that establishes a continuous identity change, meaning every name you've ever had must be documented and linked.

Only a limited number of states currently offer identification that may meet the bill’s documentary proof of citizenship requirements. Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs), which can serve as proof of U.S. citizenship. However, not all REAL ID compliant identification qualifies. In many other cases, voters could need additional documents, such as a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or naturalization certificate, to meet the proposed requirements. This could be especially challenging for anyone who has changed their name after marriage, as they may need to provide multiple documents to connect their current identity to their citizenship records. The SAVE America Act may make voting harder for millions of eligible Americans, and its impact reaches far beyond the individual standing in line to vote.

Consider your mother-in-law: she changed her name when she married, doesn’t have a passport, and her current identification may not match the name on her birth certificate. If she encounters a documentation problem under the SAVE America Act, she may need to track down additional records—such as her birth certificate and documents proving her legal name change—and make additional trips to government offices to resolve the discrepancy before she can register or cast her ballot.

Who helps her find those records? Who drives her to the courthouse or government office? Who takes time off work to go with her? For many families, the answer is a daughter, son, spouse, friend, caregiver, or other loved one. That is the ripple effect: a barrier placed in front of one voter can create time, transportation, financial, and administrative burdens for an entire family. And for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and trafficking—who may already face challenges obtaining or safely accessing personal records—the consequences can be even more significant. We share this example to illustrate how documentation rules affect everyday voters, not to influence support for any candidate or party.

Free Three-Part Workforce Development Series
 Launches this September

We’re thrilled to invite all Delawareans, ages 18 and older, to our new Fall Workforce Development Workshop Series—Your Next Chapter, a no-cost opportunity designed to help you fill your cup with purpose, motivation, and practical tools for your career journey.

Facilitated by Soyica White, CWDP, CED, SRSB, a seasoned workforce development professional and life coach, this three-part series will help you discover your purpose, navigate life and work’s uncertainties, and take confident action toward your next opportunity.

Join us October 7 for Living on Purpose (The Compass), October 28 for Managing the Uncertainties of Life & Work (The Anchor), and November 11 for Manage It (The Roadmap)—all from 6:00–7:30 PM at 709 N. Madison Street in Wilmington. Register to attend and explore this series and all of our free opportunities on our events page.

Maggie Henning Joins YWCA Delaware 
as a Community Champion

Join us at YWCA Delaware’s Annual Celebration Breakfast on Wednesday, October 7 at the DuPont Country Club as we celebrate the lasting intergenerational impact our programs and services have on the women and families we serve. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. for The Story Exchange, followed by the program at 8:00 a.m. Reserve your seat for our signature fundraiser at www.ywcade.org/breakfast.

We are proud to recognize Margaret Henning, Product Manager at TD, as our newest Community Champion attending our Celebration Breakfast.

For nearly two years, Margaret has used her voice, influence, and compassion to uplift survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and trafficking. Through the donation drives she organizes, Margaret has collected thousands of dollars’ worth of essential items from our wishlist — everything from detergent, soap, and bath supplies to back‑to‑school materials for children, plus sheets, pillows, clothing, and comforters for families in our Home-Life Management Center.

Her dedication reflects the very heart of community care, and we are deeply grateful for the hope and dignity she helps restore every day.

Build Your Path to Homeownership with YWCA Delaware's ALICE Asset Building Program

YWCA Delaware invites you to join one of our upcoming Zoom information sessions to learn how the ALICE Asset Building Program can help you strengthen your financial foundation and move confidently toward homeownership.

Eligible participants receive matched savings up to $1,500, which can be used for approved homeownership‑related expenses such as down payments, closing costs, required reserves, and other essential costs directly tied to purchasing a home — all carefully approved by program staff to support your success.

If you’re working hard, paying your bills, and still struggling to get ahead, this program may be the turning point you’ve been waiting for. Join us on Tuesday, September 22 at 6 PM, Wednesday, September 23 at 12 PM, or Thursday, September 24 at 7 PM to explore eligibility and learn how YWCA Delaware can help you build long‑term stability and generational wealth.

HERSTORY: Bringing Women Together Across Generations


Women of all ages (18+) are invited to join HERSTORY: Intergenerational Conversations, a new YWCA Delaware conversation series celebrating the wisdom, experiences, and perspectives of women at every stage of life.

We’re pleased to welcome the Junior League of Wilmington, DE as our partner for this special event, where women ages 18 and older are invited to connect, share stories, and learn from one another through guided conversations and reflective activities.

Whether you’re 18, 80, or anywhere in between, there’s something to gain from hearing another woman’s perspective—and sharing your own. Choose from an in-person conversation on September 22 at Route 9 Library & Innovation Center or a virtual conversation on September 24 via Zoom, both from 6:30–8 p.m.

These events offer a preview of our 2027 HERSTORY four-part series exploring roots, resilience, power, and legacy across generations.

How YWCA Delaware Supports Suicide Prevention


This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, learn how YWCA Delaware’s housing, advocacy, economic empowerment, youth development, and Sexual Assault Response Center services help people navigate trauma, rebuild their lives, and find hope when they need it most. Read our latest blog to learn why safety and stability are essential to suicide prevention—and how we’re helping make both possible.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.

Experiencing Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Human Trafficking?

YWCA Delaware’s 24/7 SARC Crisis Helpline: 800‑773‑8570

Servicios disponibles en español.

Experiencing Homelessness or Need Emergency Housing?

Delaware Centralized Intake: 1‑833‑346‑3233

Email: intake@housingalliancede.org

Worried About Losing Your Housing?

YWCA Delaware’s Homeless Prevention & Diversion Services may be able to help.

Call: 302‑658‑7110



Need to speak with a financial counselor?

Email: empower@ywcade.org

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Mission Tour - Thursday, September 24, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Annual Celebration Breakfast - Wednesday, October 7, 7:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Find Your Voice at Work - Thursday, October 22, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Find YWCA Delaware in the Community

Meet our team and learn more about our free services at these upcoming events:

Brandywine Festival of the Arts - Saturday & Sunday, September 12 & 13
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Brandywine Park, 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802

Kent County Family Emergency Preparedness Day - Saturday, September 12
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Brecknock Park, 80 Old Camden Road, Camden, DE 19934

Festival Hispano - Sunday, September 20
11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., 400-498 N Race St, Georgetown, DE 19947

YWCA Delaware Locations 


100 W 10th St, Ste 515, Wilmington, DE 19801

709 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

701 N. Clayton Street, Wilmington, DE 19805

15 Reads Way, Suite 200, New Castle, DE 19720

20123 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947

YWCA Delaware is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

(302) 655-0039

www.ywcade.org