YWCA Evansville

YWCA Evansville Empowering individuals. Strengthening families. These individuals turn to the YWCA seeking safety, stability, and a path toward healing and empowerment.

Promoting peace, justice, freedom & dignity for all since 1911. šŸ’œ

šŸ  Domestic Violence Shelter & Outreach
šŸ” Emergency Housing
🌱 Recovery Housing
šŸ‘§ Youth Programs

24/7 Crisis Line ā˜Žļø 812-422-1191 Founded in 1911, YWCA Evansville (YWCA) is one of the longest-standing nonprofit organizations in Southwest Indiana. The organization has evolved to meet changing community needs while remaining a trusted

provider of critical services for women, children, and families experiencing crisis and instability in our region. Our programs focus on upward mobility and self-sufficiency through addressing emergency needs first, determining barriers to independence, helping clients create goals to overcome those barriers, providing support and case management through times of crisis and transition, and connecting clients to community resources that can maximize their success.

--Housing and Supportive Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Women in Recovery--
YWCA offers a comprehensive continuum of housing and supportive services designed to address immediate safety needs while supporting long-term stability and self-sufficiency including:

--Shelter and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and their children
--Outreach Services
--Recovery services: YES! (YWCA Embracing Sobriety), a long-term residential recovery program for women with substance use disorders.
--Emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness
--Trauma-informed case management, advocacy, recovery support, parenting support and education. Our clients represent some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community - homeless women with
histories of substance use disorder, many of whom have also experienced generational poverty, childhood trauma, and survivors of domestic violence. Within our supportive environment, they find a sense of belonging by connecting with others who share similar life experiences. Programs are designed to be trauma-informed, and focused on meeting individuals where they are while building pathways to long-term safety and independence.

--Live Y'ers after-school and mentoring program--
Since 1991, YWCA has provided impactful youth development through the Live Y’ers after-school mentoring program in partnership with Glenwood, Lodge, and Bosse Schools. The Live Y’ers Program is a long-term initiative designed to meet the unique needs of vulnerable youth who face significant barriers to academic and personal success. Live Y’ers operates through structured after-school programming during the school year and expanded programming during the summer months. Core components include:

• Academic support and enrichment
• Social-emotional learning and life skills development
• Long-term mentoring and relationship building
• Exposure to careers, college, and workforce pathways
• STEM-based learning experiences

Programming is intentionally designed to reinforce school-day learning while also addressing confidence, communication, decision-making, and healthy peer relationships. Career exploration is a core component of the Live Y’ers Program and is intentionally integrated across middle school and high school programming. The short-term goals of Live Y’ers focus on academic engagement, social-emotional growth, STEM interest, and future-oriented thinking. Long-term goals include high school graduation, delayed early pregnancy, avoidance of substance use, and pursuit of post-secondary education or career training. Ultimately, Live Y’ers prepares youth to become confident, responsible, and resilient adults—breaking cycles of generational poverty and strengthening the future workforce and community.

--Collaboration--
Collaboration is central to YWCA’s service model. The organization works closely with a broad network of partners, including mental health providers, substance use treatment agencies, hospitals, courts and criminal justice partners, schools, law enforcement, workforce development agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. These partnerships ensure coordinated care, reduce service gaps, and allow clients to access comprehensive supports across systems. With more than 115 years of service, deep community partnerships, and a holistic approach to care, YWCA remains a cornerstone organization dedicated to improving individual well-being and strengthening families and communities throughout Southwest Indiana.

Partnerships like this change lives. šŸ’œVanderburgh County Treatment Court is a valuable partner to our YES! (YWCA Embraci...
07/31/2026

Partnerships like this change lives. šŸ’œ

Vanderburgh County Treatment Court is a valuable partner to our YES! (YWCA Embracing Sobriety) Program. Together, we help women working toward recovery find the structure, accountability, support, and safe housing they need to build a healthier, more stable future.

We are grateful for Judge Trockman (Vanderburgh), Judge Weiberg (Warrick), the court teams, treatment providers, and community partners who recognize that recovery is possible. That collaboration can make all the difference.

We’re proud to work alongside Vanderburgh County Treatment Court and to be part of a community committed to giving women the opportunity to recover, rebuild, and thrive.

Read the full story: bit.ly/4pNMoIP

The Indiana Department of Corrections has defunded Vanderburgh County Treatment Court of over $300,000 for 2027.

Celebrating an Inspirational Leader: Mary BowerFor more than four decades, Mary McNamee Bower helped shape one of our co...
07/30/2026

Celebrating an Inspirational Leader: Mary Bower

For more than four decades, Mary McNamee Bower helped shape one of our community’s most treasured institutions -- the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science.

Mary retired in 2024 following an extraordinary 46-year career at the Museum, including serving as its first female Executive Director. Through her leadership, vision and commitment to excellence, she helped strengthen the Museum’s role as a place where art, history, science and education come together to enrich our entire community.

We are proud to honor Mary Bower as the Women Stepping Up 2026 Inspirational Leader at the YWCA’s 22nd Annual Women’s Equality Day Luncheon.

Mary will be honored alongside our 2026 Legacy Leader, the late Sister Mary Stella Simpson, whose pioneering work in maternal and infant healthcare created an impact that reached far beyond Evansville.

Join us as we celebrate two remarkable women whose leadership has left a lasting mark on our community.

22nd Annual Women’s Equality Day Luncheon
Wednesday, August 26th 11:30-1:00
Bally’s Riverfront Event Center
VISIT: https://womensequalityday.swell.gives/

Come celebrate the women who lead, inspire and create change and the continuing pursuit of equality for all women.

LIVE Y’ERS ALUMNA SHINING ON THE NATIONAL STAGE!We couldn’t be prouder of Alexia Smith, a 2023 graduate of the YWCA Live...
07/29/2026

LIVE Y’ERS ALUMNA SHINING ON THE NATIONAL STAGE!

We couldn’t be prouder of Alexia Smith, a 2023 graduate of the YWCA Live Y’ers program and Bosse High School, who continues to make her mark on and off the track!

Alexia, a member of the Purdue Track & Field team, competed in her first USATF Outdoor Championships and raced her way to an incredible 7th-place finish in the 400m among some of the best athletes in the country!

We watched Alexia grow through the Live Y’ers program, and it is so exciting to see where her talent, hard work and determination continue to take her. Moments like this remind us why investing in young people matters. The finish line at Bosse was only the beginning.

Congratulations, Alexia! Your YWCA family is cheering you on and can’t wait to see what comes next! 🧔

Did you know??  Women's Equality Day was established by the US Congress in 1973 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the ...
07/22/2026

Did you know?? Women's Equality Day was established by the US Congress in 1973 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. We celebrate this day locally each year to recognize the achievements of women and call attention to the continuing struggle for women's participation and equality in all spheres of society.

Tickets are on sale now for YWCA Evansville's Women's Equality Day Luncheon. Check out the flyer and read more about our distinguished 2026 keynote speaker, Dr. Chelsey Carter. Her topic will be Carrying the World: The Unshakeable Spirit of Women Who Care.

Visit the event link for more information and to purchase tickets, tables and sponsorships: https://womensequalityday.swell.gives/

A fresh new look is coming to one of the most loved spaces in the YWCA Emergency Shelter!Twelve years ago, when we trans...
07/21/2026

A fresh new look is coming to one of the most loved spaces in the YWCA Emergency Shelter!

Twelve years ago, when we transformed our shelter lounge to create a dedicated playroom for the children we serve, local artist Dakri Sinclair generously shared her talent by creating the beautiful mural that has inspired imagination and joy for countless families.

This week, Dakri returned to give the mural a much-needed refresh after years of bringing smiles to children who have called our shelter home. We are so grateful for her continued generosity and commitment to our mission.

This playroom provides a safe, welcoming space where children can simply be children…to play, imagine, create, and begin to heal. We can’t wait to move the toys back in once the paint dries and reopen this special space for the families we serve.

Thank you, Dakri, for helping us create an environment where hope, healing, and childhood can flourish. 🧔🧔🧔

Check out our board vice chair, Kim Wren, on today's ABC 25 morning show discussing our upcoming Women's Equality Day Lu...
07/21/2026

Check out our board vice chair, Kim Wren, on today's ABC 25 morning show discussing our upcoming Women's Equality Day Luncheon taking place on August 26th at Bally's Evansville. You do NOT want to miss out on this year's luncheon! There may be a big "reveal" for our crowd! Watch the video for more hints!

Event Page: https://womensequalityday.swell.gives/

Tickets: https://secure.swell.gives/womensequalityday/tickets/ #/ticket

Sponsorships: https://secure.swell.gives/womensequalityday/sponsorships #/sponsorship

Learn More about 2026 Women Stepping Up Honorees: https://womensequalityday.swell.gives/honorees

More about Women's Equality Day Speaker, Dr. Chelsey Carter: https://womensequalityday.swell.gives/Speaker

History of Women's Equality Day: https://womensequalityday.swell.gives/AboutWomensEqualityDay

Watch News25 Video Here: https://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/ywca-womens-equality-day-lunch-to-return/

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – August 26 marks the return of the YWCA of Evansville’s Annual Women’s Equality Lunch. Board Vice Chair Kim Wren joined Joe Bird and Gretchen Ross during da…

Members of the YWCA Evansville leadership team were honored to attend the 2nd Annual BriWay Foundation Gala, celebrating...
07/15/2026

Members of the YWCA Evansville leadership team were honored to attend the 2nd Annual BriWay Foundation Gala, celebrating the life and legacy of BrianyƩ Copeland.

Founded by former YWCA Evansville Board Member Tiffany Matthews, the BriWay Foundation is transforming loss into purpose by raising awareness and support for survivors of domestic violence. Brianyé’s legacy continues to inspire hope, healing, and action throughout our community.

We are deeply grateful to the BriWay Foundation for its generous donation in support of YWCA Evansville’s Domestic Violence Program. Partnerships like this help ensure that survivors have access to safe shelter, advocacy, and the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Thank you to Tiffany and everyone who made this beautiful evening possible. We are proud to stand alongside you in honoring Brianyé’s memory and working together to create a future where every individual can live free from violence.

šŸ’œ Together, we are creating hope, healing, and lasting change.

Important announcement for our Live Y’ers mentors and their guests who RSVP’d for our YWCA Volunteer Appreciation Lunch ...
07/10/2026

Important announcement for our Live Y’ers mentors and their guests who RSVP’d for our YWCA Volunteer Appreciation Lunch on Tuesday, July 14th. The event location has changed.

New Downtown Location:
Old Post Office Event Center
100 NW 2nd Street

Parking Options:
-Parking is available behind the Old Post Office Event Center.

-You may also park across from the YWCA in the parking lot of the former Girl Scouts building.

-Limited street parking is available.

-If needed, you may also park in the YWCA parking lot.

When you arrive, please enter through the doors facing the Old Post Office parking lot.

We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding. Thank you for your flexibility, and we can't wait to celebrate and thank you for the incredible difference you make for YWCA Evansville!

See you Tuesday!

On this Monday afternoon, we are especially grateful for our donor family including the Warrick County Community Foundat...
07/06/2026

On this Monday afternoon, we are especially grateful for our donor family including the Warrick County Community Foundation (Community Foundation of Southwest Indiana) who recently awarded YWCA Evansville a $10,000 Community Good Grant in support of our YES! Program. This funding directly supports the implementation and sustainability of the YES! Program, a structured, long-term residential recovery initiative designed to help women achieve sobriety, mental wellness, workforce readiness, and financial independence. Thanks to this Warrick County Community Foundation Community Good Grant, more women have access to comprehensive, trauma-informed residential recovery services right here in our community.

As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, we're also celebrating the women who have shaped our own community.Throu...
07/04/2026

As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, we're also celebrating the women who have shaped our own community.

Throughout Evansville's history, extraordinary women have broken barriers, challenged the status quo, and built stronger communities for generations to come. From advancing education, public service, athletics, business, journalism, philanthropy, and civil rights to creating opportunities for women and families, their leadership continues to inspire us today.

Today, we proudly honor local trailblazers including Albion Fellows Bacon (Founder of YWCA Evansville), Isabella Fine, Sadelle Berger, Sally Wyatt Stewart, Willie Effie Thomas, Estella Moss, Sondra Matthews, Senator Vaneta Becker, Mayor Stephanie Terry, Linda White, Marjorie Soyugenc, and Olympian Lilly King.

Each has helped shape Evansville in her own unique way. Together, they remind us that progress is driven by courageous women who see possibilities where others see obstacles, and who dedicate themselves to making their communities stronger, more equitable, and more hopeful.

As we reflect on 250 years of our nation's history, we celebrate these remarkable women whose legacies continue to move Evansville, and our mission, forward.
Their stories remind us that lasting change doesn't just happen. It's built by people who dare to lead.

Address

118 Vine Street
Evansville, IN
47708

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