YWCA thankful for state, federal funds

VW independent staff/submitted information

Monday was a good day for the YWCA of Van Wert County. The State of Ohio’s capital budget signed by Governor Mike DeWine that day included a $250,000 allocation to YWCA to support construction of its new 30,000 square foot facility.

In a press release, officials said the YWCA is grateful to Ohio Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) and Ohio Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) for their support of the project and for bringing the funds to Van Wert.

“On behalf of the YWCA of Van Wert County, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Senator McColley and Representative Klopfenstein for their support of this transformational project,” said Kimberly Laudick, President/CEO of YWCA of Van Wert County. “This investment from the State of Ohio brings us one step closer to creating a facility that will expand access to healthcare, strengthen services for youth, and provide critical support for survivors in our community. Their advocacy and commitment to Van Wert County will have a lasting impact on generations to come.”

This award comes on the heels of YWCA of Van Wert County’s recent award of $1 million in Congressionally directed spending through the Department of Health and Human Services, sponsored by Senator Jon Husted.

In 2024, the YWCA of Van Wert County launched a capital campaign to build a new facility that will meet the current and future needs of the greater Van Wert community. An emerging community need is health care, with Van Wert County designated a Health Professional Shortage Area. YWCA of Van Wert County’s new facility will include a community clinic in partnership with Mercy Health that will provide family medicine and specialty and behavioral health services to the general public and YWCA of Van Wert County clients and employees.

In addition to the clinic, YWCA of Van Wert County’s new facility will include a youth wing to support underserved youth with its long-running Summer Food Program and a new after-school program. YWCA of Van Wert County will continue to provide emergency and long-term shelter and wraparound support services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking in its survivor services wing.

YWCA of Van Wert County expects to break ground on its new facility in 2027.

While the state and federal investments represent significant milestones, YWCA of Van Wert County continues to raise funds through its capital campaign to make the vision for the new facility a reality.

Community support from individuals, businesses, foundations, and civic organizations remains essential to reaching the campaign goal and ensuring the facility can fully meet the growing needs of Van Wert County and the surrounding region. Those interested in supporting the project are encouraged to contact the YWCA of Van Wert County to learn more about giving opportunities.

If interested in supporting YWCA of Van Wert County’s Capital Campaign for a new facility, contact Kimberly Laudick at 419.238.6639.