News release from the YWCA Northeast Indiana:
YWCA Northeast Indiana and Hope House Join Forces
(July 1, 2015) – As of July 1st, the boards’ of directors of YWCA Northeast Indiana, Inc. and Hope House, Inc. formally merge operations. This decision was motivated by the desire of both organizations to reach more women in Northeast Indiana and approved after considerable due diligence.
The leadership of both organizations worked to consolidate operations and develop a strong brand that connects the broader mission of the combined organizations: To empower women and families by moving them from crisis to self-sufficiency while increasing both organizations’ capacity to serve Northeast Indiana. The staff from both organizations remains employed, with no positions lost during the merging process. Financial support for this merger was provided by the Foellinger Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.
“YWCA Northeast Indiana and Hope House have similar missions and programs that empower women to be their best selves, but most importantly we share a culture of compassion for the people we serve.” said Barbara Phillips, Board President. “We are confident that by joining forces we will be able to offer more services to those who need them most. As YWCA embarks on another 120 years of service to the community, this merger ensures that the vital services the combined organizations provide will continue to be available for generations to come.”
Debby Beckman, President/CEO of YWCA Northeast Indiana will continue to serve in this role and oversee all aspects of the organization’s leadership.
Mary Etheart, previous executive director of Hope House, will assume a new title as Director of Hope House. Mary will oversee the daily operations and staff team of Hope House, a division of YWCA Northeast Indiana, maintaining the excellent program currently offered.
Since 1894 YWCA Northeast Indiana which serves Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells, and Whitley counties, has given a voice to the concerns of women and provided services to meet the changing needs of women and their families. YWCA of Northeast Indiana is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA operates Indiana’s oldest domestic violence shelter, providing shelter and services to women, men and children escaping domestic violence.
Established in 1981, Hope House offers a state-certified transitional residential program for homeless women in recovery from chemical dependency. Hope House has expanded in both size and scope of services throughout the past thirty-four years and provides women with the opportunity to pursue recovery and self-sufficiency in a healthy supportive living environment.
About the YWCA
The YWCA is the voice for every woman. For over a century, the YWCA has spoken out and taken action on behalf of women and girls. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Over 2 million people participate each year in YWCA programs at more than 1,300 locations across the U.S. Worldwide, the YWCA serves more than 25 million women and girls in 125 countries.Since 1894 YWCA Northeast Indiana, which serves Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells, and Whitley counties, has given voice to the concerns of women and provided services to meet the changing needs of women and their families. A nonprofit organization, the YWCA operates Indiana’s oldest domestic violence shelter, providing shelter and services to women, men and children escaping domestic violence. The YWCA welcomes the interest and participation of both women and men committed to this vision. The organization receives support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other groups, and is a United Way Partner Agency in each county served.
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