From leadership transitions to life-changing survivor stories, July is full of movement and mission at YWCA Delaware. Discover how we're advocating for stable housing, uplifting voices, and creating healthier communities. Don’t miss out on what’s ahead—from confidence workshops to our annual health fair.

Keep reading and stay connected!

Leadership Transitions at YWCA Delaware

We’re thrilled to welcome Carolann Wicks, P.E., as our new Board President, effective July 1, 2025.

Since joining our Board in 2018, Carolann has brought visionary leadership across both public and private sectors.

She now follows in the footsteps of Karen Smith, CRISC, CSM, CSPO, whose eight years of service, including three as Board President, guided YWCA Delaware through the challenges of COVID-19, the hiring of a new CEO and the expansion of our advocacy efforts.

We are deeply grateful for Karen's dedication and lasting impact. As she passes the torch to Carolann, we celebrate the leadership of these two inspiring women.

A Survivor's Voice, A Call to Awareness

At YWCA Delaware, advocacy starts with awareness, and that often begins with brave voices willing to speak the truth.

Recently, Sam Hudran, our Counseling Services Manager at our Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC), courageously opened up to WDEL News about her childhood experience as a survivor of familial human trafficking. Sam's story is a testament to her resilience and a sobering reminder that human trafficking can happen in our neighborhoods, often hidden in plain sight.

Sam's journey from surviving abuse and exploitation to becoming a compassionate advocate for others reinforces the mission we live every day at YWCA Delaware.

With Delaware ranked 10th in the nation for human trafficking, stories like Sam's help illustrate the realities many endure in silence. We are grateful for her bravery and advocacy.

If you or someone you know is experiencing human trafficking, please know that our team is here 24/7. Call our confidential SARC helpline at 800-773-8570. To stand with survivors like Sam and raise awareness about human trafficking in our state, share her story and visit ywcade.org/SARC to learn more about our services.

YWCA Delaware Endorses Legislation to Expand Affordable Housing Solutions

We proudly support the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act, introduced by Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO).

This legislation would permanently authorize and expand HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Program, which strengthens community-led redevelopment in severely distressed areas. With over 21,000 new housing units built nationwide and $1.8 billion in investment to date, this program offers solutions to housing instability in communities like Wilmington.

An Afternoon with Dr. Karen Tang and Donation Drive at Huxley & Hiro

Join Dr. Karen Tang, renowned GYN surgeon and author of It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health – But Were Never Told, for an honest, empowering talk about reproductive health, advocacy, and breaking down menstrual stigma on Saturday, July 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Huxley & Hiro Booksellers, 419 North Market Street Wilmington, DE 19801.

During the event, Huxley and Hiro Booksellers and Delaware Sexuality and Gender Collective will be hosting a Period Product Donation Drive benefiting the Junior League of Wilmington and YWCA Delaware. Help us fight period poverty. Bring an unopened package of pads, tampons, liners, or menstrual cups and bring a friend!

Confidence Takes Practice — Let's Build It Together

Career confidence isn't something you're born with; it's something you build.

Be part of our free workshop "Building Confidence & Cultivating Self-Worth," facilitated by Soyica White, CWDP, CED, SRSB, and gain tools to silence self-doubt and step into your next job opportunity with clarity and courage.

This uplifting session will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at our Home-Life Management Center, (709 N. Madison St., Wilmington, DE) and is perfect for anyone working toward personal or professional goals.

Spread the Word About our Free Support Group Open to All Survivors of Domestic Violence or Sexual Violence

Our bi-weekly Healing Space Circle, led by trauma-informed DV/SV SARC Counselor Andrew Ramsaran, offers a safe, welcoming space for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Held on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at our Home Life Management Center, located at 709 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE, participants gain grounding techniques, emotional resilience, and community. All survivors are welcome. No registration required.

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