January is all about fresh starts, meaningful conversations, and standing together as a community. In this issue, see how our Sexual Assault Response Center supports survivors of human trafficking, learn how our homeownership workshops are helping families plan for the long haul, explore the future of voting in Delaware, and meet our new Chief Development Officer. Plus, we've got fun ways for you to connect through our MLK Day Book Talk, Women’s History Month Bingo Night, and upcoming Mission Tours.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Every January, Human Trafficking Awareness Month reminds us that trafficking often happens closer to home than we realize, and survivors need compassionate, trauma informed support.

For survivors of trafficking, being believed and supported can be life-changing. Our Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) team meets survivors where they are, helping them navigate the path toward safety and healing. SARC provides crisis response, emotional support, and assistance connecting survivors to medical care, counseling, and legal resources.

In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, SARC has compiled a list of books available at local Delaware libraries that provide more information about the third-largest criminal industry in the world. 

If you are somone you know needs help, call our 24/7 Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC): 800-773-8570.

Homeownership Starts Long Before Closing Day

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most of us will ever make, which is why the preparation matters just as much as the purchase itself.

At YWCA Delaware, we believe preparation is an act of empowerment. Our free homeownership workshops offer guidance, education, and one on one counseling with HUD certified housing counselors to help participants understand what true affordability looks like for their lives.



With housing costs rising and many families feeling financial pressure, having a plan matters. These workshops are designed to help individuals build confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and create a sustainable path toward homeownership that supports long term stability.

Upcoming Free Homeownership Education Workshops

Felisha Lawrence, MSJA Joins YWCA Delaware as Chief Development Officer

YWCA Delaware is delighted to welcome Felisha Lawrence, MSJA, as our new Chief Development Officer. Felisha has supported our organization since 2024 as a housing grant consultant and brings more than a decade of experience in housing policy, grant management, and community development.

In her new role, Felisha will lead fundraising strategy, strengthen relationships with donors and partners, and help ensure our programs continue to empower individuals and families statewide. Her background includes regional program leadership with the Veterans Multi-Service Center and grant development work with Housing Alliance Delaware.

We are thrilled to have Felisha stepping into this new role.

Register to Attend our MLK Day Book Talk and Enter a Chance to Win a Copy of Calling In


Join us in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day for a meaningful exploration of Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel. This thoughtful community gathering invites us to reflect on how we create change—in ourselves, in our conversations, and in our communities.


Choose the option that works best for you on Monday, January 19, 2026:


Virtual Lunchtime Gathering

12 p.m. | Zoom

In-Person Community Gathering

6–8 p.m.

The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew

719 N Shipley St, Wilmington, DE

Includes a main meal—bring a side dish to share!

What Does the Future of Voting Look Like in Delaware?

Our upcoming State of the Vote panel discussion in partnership with ACLU Delaware and the Delaware Voting Rights Coalition, brings together local experts for a timely conversation about where our state stands on voting protections, including the Every Vote Counts (EVC) amendments and potential updates to the Voting Rights Act.

We hope you will join us on Tuesday, Feburary 17 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek, 579 Polly Drummon Hill Rd, Newark, DE for a discussion that explores what these changes could mean for voters across Delaware and why civic engagement continues to matter. 

Guest Panelists include:


• Andrew Walchuk, Policy Director of Counsel, Voting and Fair Representation, Common Cause
• Dr. Marlene Saunders, DSW, MSW, Retired DSU Chair of Social Work, DSU Board of Trustees, Vice-Chair of Southern Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ), Vice-Chair of Women's March Sussex, Divine 9 Member
• Tiffany Lydon, President, League of Women Voters of Delaware (LWVDE)



Women's History Month Bingo at The Nomad Bar

Join us for a fun and feel-good evening on Wednesday, March 11 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The Nomad Bar, 905 Orange St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Enjoy Women’s History Month bingo-style cards ($15 per card or 2 for $25), music, and great company—all while supporting YWCA Delaware’s mission. We'll be running two rounds of bingo. The first round starts at 5:30 p.m. and the second round starts at 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy drinks and mocktails, grab a bite from a food truck, and bid on items in our silent auction. Connect with community and play along as we celebrate the women who’ve made history (and those making it today!).

Upcoming Mission Tours at the Home-Life Management Center

• Wednesday, February 11, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  
• Monday, February 23, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  
• Thursday, March 12, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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