By Dr. Jeff Bird—
MUNCIE, IN—The YWCA of Central IN has been active in Muncie, IN since it was established in 2011 when a group of women got together to put programs in place to help women in need. These Munsonian women soon outgrew the house they were using and sought to build a new structure to accommodate the growing need locally, and with significant philanthropic help, a new home was constructed at 310 E Charles St from 1925-1927, a building that still stands today as the home of the YWCA. But more on that later.
This location has a special place in my heart, as it previously served as the location of the Gateway Clinic, a free medical clinic for residents of the YWCA and downtown Muncie and surrounding neighborhoods. I was blessed to be the Medical Director of Gateway and served on its board of directors for many years.
Our YWCA is one of 6 regional locations in Indiana and covers a 6-county geographic area including Delaware, Henry, Randolph, Jay, Blackford, Grant, and Madison Counties. Its mission is to “eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all.” It serves women of all ages with or without children. The YWCA has significant wrap-around services to support women in need including a C.O.T.S program to provide emergency shelter and necessities and longer residential stays of on average 90 days. During this time, the clients are asked to actively participate in programs and education to enhance their opportunity for a successful transition from the Y.
The YWCA is led by a dynamic CEO, Watasha Barnes Griffin, who leads with skill, passion, resolve and energy. Watasha is a Muncie native and product of Muncie Community Schools and serves MCS as a member of their board of directors as well as numerous other community leadership positions. Watasha is a graduate with a BS in Human Services Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and is working towards finishing her Masters of Public Administration at IWU. She has held numerous positions in human services prior to this role including roles at Hillcroft Services, Open Door Community Services, and A Better Way before coming to the YWCA as Director of Shelter Services in 2015 and then ascending to the role of CEO in 2016.
Watasha in assisted by her Director of Operations Tracina Greenleaf, another native of Muncie. Tracina is responsible for the day-to-day operations at the YWCA since she assumed this role in 2021. She oversees and supports the residents, helps with their Resale Store and supports programs like the upcoming HEELS event which will take place on October 22, 2026 from 11:30-1 p.m. at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie. Find out more on the YWCA website.
An exciting development—the YWCA is embarking on a transformational move to expand its footprint. They have purchased the Muncie Housing Authority the “Garfield” school building and will be remodeling it to serve their client’s needs for decades to come. The campaign to support this work will be led by the YWCA administration, its impressive board of directors, and the campaign co-chairs, Julie Metzger and Wilisha Scaife.
The essential work done by the YWCA is both amazing and needed. This work needs to be supported by our community to serve women and children at their most vulnerable times.
