A safe place to heal: Supporting families in Northeast Indiana

For women and families escaping violence or beginning recovery, safety and stability can feel out of reach. In Northeast Indiana, YWCA Northeast Indiana is helping survivors take the first steps toward healing with support from a Norfolk Southern Thriving Communities grant.

The nonprofit received a $7,500 grant in 2025 to expand services for women recovering from addiction and survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Since 2018, NS has contributed $23,000 to advance the organization’s work.

Why it matters: Survivors fleeing violence or entering recovery often arrive with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing. Programs that provide shelter, essential resources, and individualized support create a foundation for rebuilding lives.

The organization’s program includes two core services:

• Crisis shelter: Emergency housing for individuals and children seeking safety.
• Residential recovery program: Addiction recovery support for women and their families.

Grant funding helps provide essential items many residents lack when they arrive, including nutritious meals, bedding, hygiene supplies, and specialized items for infants and children. By meeting these immediate needs, the program removes the burden of survival and allows residents to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.

The results: In 2025, YWCA Northeast Indiana:

• Answered 2,225 crisis calls.
• Provided 25,595 shelter care bed nights.
• Assisted 5,120 adults and children.

What they’re saying:

“Programming and services for our clients are individualized and specific to each person's journey. Norfolk Southern's grant support flows directly into the lives of the women and children we serve, giving them the peace and security they need to rebuild. Together with partners like Norfolk Southern, we are doing more than building a safer community; we are creating a sanctuary where healing can begin." — Jennifer Kasmier, Chief Programming Officer, YWCA Northeast Indiana

What we’re saying:

“YWCA Northeast Indiana is doing critical work to support survivors and help families rebuild their lives. Through our Thriving Communities grant, we’re helping strengthen the organization’s ability to provide safe spaces, essential resources, and a beacon of hope.” — Kristin Wong, Director of Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact

Apply for an NS grant: Through our grant programs, NS partners with local organizations working directly with communities to address critical needs. Together, these investments help expand access to safety, healing, and opportunities in neighborhoods across our network. Learn more and apply by Aug. 3 here.

Chad Previch leads external communications for Norfolk Southern in the areas of Sustainability, Community Impact and Technology. He also manages messaging related to the company’s Government Relations and Investor Relations priorities. He joined NS in 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of PR and corporate communications experience.