Through awareness events, empowerment opportunities, Youth Development Programs and Survivor Services, we will lift voices of all those who need us in our community.
- Awareness Initiatives: HERstory Matters, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Stand Against Racism, Women of Achievement Scholarship Dinner, Get Out the Vote, Dignity for All, Survivor Services Awareness Months [January/Human Trafficking, April/Sexual Assault, and October/Domestic Violence]
- Empowerment: Women’s Circle, Girl’s Circle, Unity Circle, Human Trafficking 101
- Youth Development: Girl’s Circle, Cougar Leaders
- Survivor Support: Legal Advocacy, Women’s Circle, Therapy Groups,
Visit the tabs below for program and event descriptions.
Programs that lift voices
HERstory Matters
Macy Johnson, a local high school student, felt that the only Black History she was learning was that of Slavery. Macy knew there was more to be told and she began her quest for further knowledge.
Through videos, Macy shares her research and stories of Black Americans and people of color, the impact they had in the founding of our nation, as well as the racism and other struggles they faced. The information Macy presents is typically left out of history books.
Macy’s vlogs are published on YWCA of Van Wert County social media platforms.
Stand Against Racism
We take a Stand Against Racism by raising awareness about the impact of institutional and structural racism and by building community among those who work for racial justice.
Stand Against Racism provides the opportunity for our community to unite their voices to educate, advocate, and promote racial justice.
For more information about how to get involved with Stand Against Racism, contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg (419-238-6639 ext 311 or khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Get Out the Vote
Ensuring voting access is an important part of YWCA’s commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women. Through Get out the Vote, we assist in getting citizens of our community registered to vote in upcoming elections so their voices are heard!
For more information about Get Out the Vote, contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg (419-238-6639 ext 311 or khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Dignity for All
We celebrate and advocate for dignity for all. Domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking services are available to survivors and their families regardless of sexual orientation or gender. YWCA staff are Safe Zone trained to better understand and respond to the unique needs of marginalized populations. Our doors are open to all.
Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of past, present and future leaders Black Leaders and especially those within our community.
Women of Achievement Scholarship Dinner
Each March during Women’s History Month, we celebrate local women of achievement . These nominated individuals have impacted our community through Professional Development, Advocacy, Women’s Empowerment, Racial Justice, Volunteerism, Youth Development, Civic Dedication, and Overcoming Adversity. Each nominee is an inspiration for all of us to be contributors to our community. We also award 3 college scholarships to local young women who exemplify the YWCA mission.
Survivor Services Awareness
Each January, April and October, the YWCA brings awareness to Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence and the services we offer to the survivors of these traumatic experiences. We hold several events each of these months for the community to become familiar with our services as well as to become allies in bringing an end to them and destigmatizing survivors. The most current awareness events can be found here: Events page
For more information about Survivor Services Awareness events, contact Outreach Coordinator Julie Schaufelberger (419-238-6639 ext108 or julies@ywcavanwertcounty.org.)
Women’s Circle
Developed by the One Circle Foundation, the Women’s Circle Support Group encourages participants to share, explore, build skills, and encourage one another to live authentically. This program is suitable for women from all walks of life who wish to live more mindfully including those attending college, involved in careers or recovery programs, women working in institutions or in military or volunteer service, faith- based settings, homemakers and caregivers.
For more information about Women’s Circle, contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg (419-238-6639 ext 311 or khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Girls Circle
One Circle Foundation also developed Girls’ Circle, a structured support group for girls ages 9-18 years which integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training. Girls Circle is the first program in the country to demonstrate effectiveness in reducing delinquency in at-risk for girls.
For more information about Girl’s Circle, contact Director of Youth Development Betsy Hamman (419-238-6639 ext 106 or bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Unity Circle
Unity Circle is a structured support group that explores the ways in which race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, and gender intersect.. Unity Circle addresses critical needs and strengths while honoring and celebrating the unique life experiences of its participants.
For more information about Unity Circle, contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg (419-238-6639 ext 311 or khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
The Council for Boys and Young Men®
This program promotes safe and healthy development of boys and young men (pre-teen through adolescent years) in a group environment. The program focuses on the strengths of each individual while working toward a future where participants develop healthy and diverse masculine identities allowing them to grow as leaders. For boys/young men in marginalized families or communities, there is a higher risk of school drop-out, physical and sexual risk-taking, substance abuse, sexual violence, and crime. By participating in The Council, boys and young men reduce these risk factors and find belonging, build assets, and deconstruct harmful masculinity beliefs.
This program will be offered by the YWCA beginning the Summer of 2022
For more information about The Council for Boys and Young Men, contact Director of Youth Development Betsy Hamman (419-238-6639 ext 106 or bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Human Trafficking 101
Human Trafficking 101 gives participants the basic understanding of what trafficking looks like, the various forms of trafficking and how victims are lured in. HT 101 trainings are available free to businesses, schools and organizations and each July a training is open to the public.
For more information about scheduling an HT 101 training, contact Director of Survivor Services Jamie Evans (419-238-6639 ext 105 or jevans@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Girls Circle
One Circle Foundation also developed Girls’ Circle, a structured support group for girls ages 9-18 years which integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training. Girls Circle is the first program in the country to demonstrate effectiveness in reducing delinquency in at-risk for girls.
For more information about Girl’s Circle, contact Director of Youth Development Betsy Hamman (419-238-6639 ext 106 or bhamman@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Cougar Leaders
In a partnership with Van Wert Middle School, the YWCA provides opportunities for 7th grade students to learn more about our mission and impact their school and community through various projects and grow their leadership potential. Students with leadership qualities are chosen by school staff to work with our Mission Impact Coordinator to take a deeper dive into all that the YWCA does in our community.
For more information about Cougar Leaders, contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg (419-238-6639 ext 311 or khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Legal Advocacy
A legal advocate works with and on behalf of those in our Survivor Services programs to advocate for their needs and inform them of their rights. Whether the survivor is a plaintiff or a defendant in a case, the legal advocate provides support and assistance and explains the legal process along the way.
For more information about Legal Advocacy, contact our Legal Advocate Jodi Brummette (419-238-6639 ext 112 or jwallenhorst@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Women’s Circle
Developed by the One Circle Foundation, the Women’s Circle Support Group encourages participants to share, explore, build skills, and encourage one another to live authentically. This program is suitable for women from all walks of life who wish to live more mindfully including those attending college, involved in careers or recovery programs, women working in institutions or in military or volunteer service, faith- based settings, homemakers and caregivers. Women’s Circle is one of the programs utilized with Survivor Services residents.
For more information about Women’s Circle, contact Mission Impact Coordinator Kelly Houg (419-238-6639 ext 311 or khoug@ywcavanwertcounty.org)
Group Therapy
Residents have many opportunities and are encouraged to participate in beneficial group therapy sessions lead by various professionals and YWCA staff. The small group sessions are designed to provide residents insight into improving their life, as well as providing hands-on learning opportunities. A variety of topics are covered by trained housing staff, community organizations, and local mental health care professionals. Topics and discussions may include anger management, life skills, conflict resolution, self-esteem and parenting skills.