By Kari Wissel—
MUNCIE, IN—YWCA Central Indiana officially finalized its purchase of the former Garfield Elementary School on Friday, marking a major milestone in expanding services for women and families across Central Indiana.
The organization will transform the historic building into a hub for expanded programming focused on economic stability, housing support, neighborhood resources, and educational opportunities for children. This new space will create pathways to safety and opportunity for women and families.
“Today is long overdue and marks a pivotal step forward for our organization and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Kiesha Warren-Gordon, Chair of the YWCA Central Indiana Board of Directors. “Garfield has long served as a place of learning and connection. We are honored to carry that legacy forward by creating a hub of opportunity and support for women, children, and families.”
The building’s previous owner, Muncie Housing Authority, has long been a community anchor working to support housing stability and strong neighborhoods. These goals closely align with YWCA Central Indiana’s mission. This transition allows the space to continue serving the neighborhood while expanding services that strengthen families and support children’s education.
“Projects like this demonstrate what is possible when organizations committed to housing stability come together with a shared vision,” said Curtisa Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer of the Muncie Housing Authority. “When housing partners invest collectively in solutions, we build pathways toward long-term community sustainability.”
This represents Phase One of a multi-phase project and the organization’s first-ever capital campaign, “Yes, ME!”, which launched in the fall of 2025.
Early financial supporters include the George and Frances Ball Foundation, Mayor Dan Ridenour and the City of Muncie, the Patricia Shaefer Trust, and the Ball Brothers Foundation. Their contributions made the purchase possible and demonstrated strong community support.
Curtisa Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer of the Muncie Housing Authority (left) and WaTasha Barnes Griffin, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Central Indiana at the closing of the YWCA’s new building. Photo provided.
YWCA Central Indiana serves women and their children across Delaware, Blackford, Jay, Henry, Randolph, Grant, and Madison counties. It is the smallest YWCA in Indiana, yet it has an outsized impact in restoring lives. Some facts include:
1 to 3 months is the average length of stay for many women and their families
• Nearly half of those served are under the of age 17
• 30 percent of women served are over age 70
“Homelessness is not the individual,” said WaTasha Barnes Griffin, CEO of YWCA Central Indiana. “It is a moment in time. We are the safety net that catches women and their children at what is often their darkest hour. The work we do lifts not just a family, but the entire community.”
The shelter is just one part of YWCA Central Indiana’s work. Its programming provides life-changing services, from teaching essential skills such as personal finance to providing transitional housing support. The organization also offers youth programming that supports children’s well-being early in life, including access to free books and leadership development opportunities for teenagers.
YWCA Central Indiana began in 1910 when a group of Muncie women started meeting. Its current location at 310 E. Charles St. no longer meets the community’s growing needs.
“The Garfield building represents both preservation and progress,” said Juli Metzger, Capital Campaign Co-Chair. “It allows us to expand programs, strengthen partnerships, and create new opportunities for women, children, and families throughout Central Indiana.”
Campaign Co-Chair Wilisha Scaife said, “This is what it looks like when a community decides that women and children matter. Garfield was part of my own journey. I walked through these halls as a young student and later returned to serve the school and its families as an adult. To see it now reimagined as a place of safety, opportunity, and new beginnings, revived to serve children and families once again, is incredibly powerful.”
About YWCA Central Indiana
YWCA Central Indiana is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through programs focused on housing stability, economic empowerment, emergency shelter, youth programming, and community partnerships, the organization helps women and families move from crisis to long-term stability. To learn more about the Garfield project or support the capital campaign, visit www.ywcacentralindiana.org Donate to the Yes, ME! Campaign here.
