OhioHealth Donates $100,000 to Transform YWCA in Van Wert
OhioHealth is proud to announce a donation of $100,000 to the YWCA of Van Wert County to support a capital campaign for a new building . This commitment supports the YWCA’s efforts to upgrade its facilities, which have served the community since 1916.
The YWCA serves hundreds of people in Van Wert and the surrounding counties, providing services such as survivor support for domestic violence and sexual assault, youth development programs and advocacy and education. However, the aging infrastructure has increasingly struggled to meet the needs of those it serves.
“It’s a cause that’s close to my heart,” said Paula Stabler, chief nursing officer at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “Not only do a I serve on the YWCA of Van Wert County board of directors, I also see the positive impact it has on our community first-hand. OhioHealth is excited to celebrate the expansion of our partnership with the YWCA.”
The new YWCA facility aims to provide modern amenities and improved living conditions for residents. Currently, residents share restrooms and kitchen areas, but the new building will feature private studio apartments and two-bedroom units, each with its own bathroom and kitchenette.
"Our biggest excitement is that it's going to be offering more dignified living spaces for our residents,” Kimberly Laudick, president and CEO of YWCA Van Wert County, told WLIO. “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.”
The YWCA of Van Wert hopes to break ground on the new facility in May 2026, paving the way for enhanced support services and a more welcoming environment for everyone in need.
"I'm super proud of OhioHealth and their commitment to the Van Wert community,” said Joy Bischoff, president of Van Wert Hospital. “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.”
To learn more about community support at OhioHealth, click here.
To learn more about YWCA of Van Wert, click here.
