VAN WERT, OH (WLIO) - The historic YWCA in Van Wert is getting a big helping hand from OhioHealth.
The condition of the current facility is declining, and the new facility will offer new amenities and services and be up to modern standards.
The healthcare services company committed a $100,000 check to the Van Wert YWCA on Thursday to support a capital campaign for a new facility. The current Van Wert YWCA has operated in the same facility since 1916 and has served the Van Wert community as well as four surrounding counties. The condition of the current facility is declining, and the new facility will offer new amenities and services and be up to modern standards.
According to the Van Wert YWCA, they hope to break ground for the new facility in May of 2026.
We caught up with officials from both the YWCA and OhioHealth to speak about the partnership and excitement surrounding the new facility in the future.
"It feels amazing. I'm super proud of OhioHealth and their commitment to the Van Wert community. I'm happy to be a part of this in Van Wert. The YWCA does just amazing things for this community, for women, for children, and I feel blessed to be a part of it," said Joy Bischoff, president of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.
The YWCA of Van Wert offers a variety of services, including survivor services from domestic violence and sexual assault, youth development, and support groups. These services will be significantly more equipped in the new facility.
The healthcare services company committed a $100,000 check to the Van Wert YWCA on Thursday to support a capital campaign for a new facility.
"Our biggest excitement that it's going to be offering is, just as I mentioned, more dignified living spaces for our residents. Currently, right now they all share restrooms and kitchen area. We will have some one-studio apartments and two bedrooms, so they will each have their own bathroom and kitchenette area, which may not always seem like a lot, but that is a huge step forward for these victims and survivors to heal with the trauma that they are facing. Just that minor little thing that we sometimes take for granted," said Kimberly Laudick, president and CEO of YWCA Van Wert County.
According to the Van Wert YWCA, they hope to break ground for the new facility in May of 2026.
