Empowering Women
A new uplifting nonprofit organization is creating a sisterhood of support throughout Muncie.
Real conversations and real needs led president and founder Albone Kelly to launch Women Support Girls Women Support Each Other (WSGWSE) in 2023.
The mission of WSGWSE is to build a supportive community that uplifts and empowers women and girls from all backgrounds, including those facing adversities such as domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, incarceration, abuse and barriers to education. WSGWSE provides resources and support to help women grow holistically and realize their full potential.
A domestic abuse survivor, Kelly has overcome poverty, single motherhood and homelessness. Kelly evolved through her challenges with deepened empathy and resilience. She founded WSGWSE to provide the critical support and strength she needed to grow beyond tremendous struggles and hardships.
Through WSGWSE, women and girls can garner power from their stories, claim their inner fortitude and transform struggles into success.
WSGWSE provides support groups, crisis assistance, empowerment workshops, community events, career development and youth-focused programs for women and children. Kelly said WSGWSE’s focus is on healing, development, leadership and breaking generational cycles through education, conversation and community connection.
“What led me to launch WSGWSE is simple, but deep — everybody needs support,” Kelly says. “Big or small, everybody needs that extra push, that safe space and somebody in their corner.”
Kelly said she recognized that many women are trying to survive without the proper support systems.
“I’ve experienced the weight of wanting more for yourself while trying to figure out how to get there,” Kelly says. “That pushed me to create a space where women don’t just survive — they grow, they heal and they reach a level where the cycle stops with them.”
Kelly said her work is personal and purpose-driven, with a focus on caring. Kelly holds an associate degree in medical assisting and a bachelor’s degree in health care management. Both through her clinical work in rheumatology and with WSGWSE, Kelly aims to provide compassionate, relatable support.
“Helping people is my passion, and caring for others aligns with everything,” Kelly says. “I believe in service, compassion and purpose.”
Kelly said creating lasting change inspired her to lead WSGWSE.
“I want to see women sustained, not just encouraged in the moment, but sustained long-term,” Kelly says. “My goal is to help women break cycles so those same cycles don’t continue through them into the next generation.”
Each month, WSGWSE spotlights inspirational women and girls in the Muncie community, including Tae’Lyn and Addison. The two young girls represent the next generation of women leaders. Tae’Lyn is a rapper, straight-A student and a passionate dancer and cheerleader. Addison is an academically gifted volleyball player who showcases intelligence, teamwork and heart on and off the court.
Horizon Convention Center CEO and President LaShanta Vaughn, a WSGWSE supporter, described Kelly as a visionary and highly driven young leader.
“Kelly has transformed personal challenges into a powerful platform that uplifts and empowers women and girls from all backgrounds,” Vaughn says.
Vaughn said the organization’s mission extends beyond advocacy, addressing critical areas such as mental health, financial stability, self-care and personal development, while also emphasizing the importance of education.
“Kelly’s commitment to empowering others is both inspiring and impactful — her work reflects the kind of support system many wish they had access to earlier in life,” Vaughn says. “With a strong foundation and a clear vision, WSGWSE is poised to continue its growth, serving as a vital resource not only for the Muncie community, but as a model of empowerment with the potential for broader, even global, reach.”
WSGWSE partners with local community organizations, leaders and supporters to grow the organization’s outreach.
“We believe real change happens through unity, not isolation, and we actively work with community partners to expand our impact,” Kelly says.
WSGWSE supporter James Williams attended WSGWSE events Been There Done That and the Roses and Pearls Annual Event in May. Williams said he believes the support and opportunities offered by WSGWSE are greatly needed.
“The organization’s mission aligns well with positive work already taking place in the community. As awareness continues to grow, I believe WSGWSE will have a significant and lasting impact on the lives of women, girls and families,” Williams says.
At WSGWSE’s Been There Done That event, Williams said he especially enjoyed seeing the smiles on children’s faces.
“It was inspiring to watch participants put their business ideas and plans on paper and confidently share their visions with others,” Williams says.
Upcoming events include Her Story Is Our Story at Heekin Park on July 18, The Financial Glow Up, a virtual workshop, on Oct. 17, and the Prayer Board Support Group on Dec. 12.
“I want the world to know that WSGWSE is not just an organization — it is a movement,” Kelly says. “It is a safe space for women and girls to be seen, heard and developed. We are building confidence, leadership, healing and generational change one program at a time.”
For more information, visit wsgwse.com.
