What Middle Way House does

Middle Way House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social-services organization founded in 1971 and headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, that delivers a comprehensive continuum of trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking across six south-central Indiana counties (Monroe, Greene, Lawrence, Owen, Morgan, and Martin). Its service portfolio spans immediate crisis response (24/7 crisis line, walk-in services, on-scene hospital and law-enforcement advocacy), residential care (a 30-bed emergency shelter inside the New Wings complex and a 28-unit transitional housing program called The RISE!), legal advocacy (protective orders, custody, court accompaniment, and coordination with IU Maurer School of Law's Protective Order Project), ongoing recovery (support groups including a peer-led incest group and adolescent/teen sexual-violence group), youth programming (Youth Empowered Services for ages 4-18), and community prevention (Building Healthy Relationships curriculum delivered in schools and youth-serving agencies).

The organization operates no proprietary technology platform; its digital stack consists of commodity SaaS for donations and donor management (Bloomerang, Stripe, Give Lively, Venmo) plus a web-chat access layer (ResourceConnect, currently being replaced). Physical infrastructure comprises the administrative office, the New Wings complex, the RISE! apartment community, and three county outreach offices in Owen, Greene, and Martin counties. Revenue is generated entirely through voluntary contributions, with diversified streams spanning individual and corporate donations, federal and state grants (notably VOCA), signature fundraising events (Wrapped in Love tree sweater initiative, SAAM Walk), merchandise sales, and in-kind gifts. All client-facing services are provided free of charge; transitional housing rents are sliding-scale.

Recent strategic posture reflects retrenchment and continuity rather than expansion: the Rise & Shine Childcare program was closed in December 2023 to preserve core service sustainability, the Foodworks program was closed in 2015, and 2022-2023 federal VOCA funding cuts materially affected operations. A new Executive Director, Carrie Stillions, was permanently appointed in March 2023 following a transition period.

Name

Middle Way House

Legal name

Middle Way House, Inc.

Website

https://middlewayhouse.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Middle Way House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1971 in Bloomington, Indiana, providing free crisis intervention, emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and prevention education to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking across six southern Indiana counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Social Services

NAICS

Other Community Housing Services (624229), Community Housing Services (62422)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Domestic Violence & Abuse Support Services (BPAGAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

Keywords

• Domestic violence services
• Sexual assault support
• Human trafficking services
• Crisis intervention
• Emergency shelter

Headquarters

HQ city

Bloomington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual & Corporate Donations: Middle Way House operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit relying on donations from individuals, businesses, and community members. Donations fund emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, prevention programs, and general operations. Donors can give one-time or recurring gifts, sponsor tree sweaters (Wrapped in Love), purchase merchandise, or donate items via Amazon Wish List.
2. Government Grants & VOCA Funding: The organization receives federal and state grant funding, including Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants. In 2005-2009, the City of Bloomington provided $221,765 in grants for building renovation. Funding cuts to VOCA in 2022-2023 have impacted operations.
3. Fundraising Events & Merchandise Sales: Annual signature events like Wrapped in Love (tree sweater initiative) and the SAAM Walk generate sponsorship revenue and public donations. The organization also sells merchandise (Shop Our Merch) with proceeds supporting survivor services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Middle Way House provides free, confidential crisis intervention, residential, legal, and prevention services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking across six south-central Indiana counties. Core offerings include a 24/7 crisis line and web chat, walk-in services, on-scene advocacy at hospitals and law enforcement, a 30-bed emergency shelter, a 28-unit transitional housing program, legal advocacy, peer-led support groups, and school-based prevention education. All services are provided at no charge to survivors.

Product overview

Middle Way House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social service organization offering a comprehensive suite of trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Rather than a single product, the organization provides an integrated service ecosystem centered on crisis intervention and survivor empowerment. Core services include the 24/7 Help & Crisis Line, Walk-In Services, and On-Scene Advocacy for immediate crisis response; the New Wings Emergency Shelter (30-bed facility) and The RISE! Housing Program (28-unit transitional apartment complex) for residential needs; Legal Advocacy and Support Groups for ongoing support; and the Building Healthy Relationships (BHR) curriculum for prevention education. The Youth Empowered Services (YES) program provides specialized programming for children ages 4-18. Services are free, confidential, and available across six southern Indiana counties (Monroe, Greene, Lawrence, Owen, Morgan, and Martin).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 24/7 Help & Crisis Line A 24-hour telephone crisis line providing immediate support, crisis intervention, and connection to resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking across six southern Indiana counties.
• Walk-In Crisis Services Immediate, no-appointment crisis intervention and support offered by trained peers and advocates on a walk-in basis at the shelter for survivors in crisis.
• On-Scene Advocacy 24/7 advocates who meet survivors at hospitals, police stations, courts, or Middle Way House offices to provide emotional support and connect them with resources immediately following an assault or arrest.
• New Wings Emergency Shelter Emergency shelter with 30 beds providing safe housing for survivors and their children fleeing violence across six southern Indiana counties; no appointment needed.
• The RISE! Transitional Housing Program Transitional housing program consisting of 28 two- and three-bedroom apartments providing permanent, safe, and affordable housing for survivors and their children, with rent on a sliding scale and on-site programming.
• Legal Advocacy Free assistance navigating the legal system including help with protective orders, divorce petitions, custody issues, and court support across Monroe, Greene, Lawrence, Owen, Morgan, and Martin counties.
• Support Groups Free, ongoing facilitated support groups for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, incest, and adolescents/teens who have experienced sexual violence.
• Building Healthy Relationships (BHR) Prevention Curriculum Evidence-informed prevention curriculum delivered in middle and high schools addressing power and control behaviors, consent, bystander intervention, and healthy relationships across the six-county service area.
• Human Trafficking Support Services Comprehensive support for trafficking survivors including crisis intervention, emergency housing, walk-in services, legal advocacy, and community education across the six-county service area.
• Youth Empowered Services (YES) Program for children ages 4-18 living in shelter or transitional housing, offering homework help, tutoring, mentoring, arts, science programs, and games.
• ResourceConnect Confidential Web Chat Anonymous web chat service for survivors to message confidentially with advocates (service being phased out and a replacement was being sought at the time of the source).

Quantifiable outcome

• 452 families served by The RISE! housing program since 1998
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• United Way of South Central Indiana (UWSCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUWSCI is a funded partner providing financial support and community resource coordination. UWSCI's logo appears on the Event Partners page, indicating a formal funded partner relationship with Middle Way House for community services.
• City of Bloomington (COB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Bloomington is a key civic partner, having provided $221,765 in grants for the Coke building renovation (2005-2009), co-hosting the annual Wrapped in Love Yarn Cutting Celebration for three consecutive years, and partnering on the SAAM Walk.
• Yarns Unlimited / Mary Ann GinglescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMary Ann Gingles, owner of Yarns Unlimited, originated the Knitting to Heal tree sweater concept in 2012. She and MWH's Executive Director Toby Strout co-led the initiative that became Wrapped in Love — MWH's signature annual fundraiser and community art event. The initiative won the 2012 Downtown Revitalization Award.
• Loren Wood BuildersmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Spruce sponsor of Wrapped in Love tree sweater campaign. Actively supports MWH's mission to protect and rebuild lives of survivors. Described as proud sponsor with mission-critical commitment.
• Oliver WineryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCopper Maple sponsor of Wrapped in Love. Oliver Winery is a prominent Indiana winery that supports MWH's mission to provide safety, dignity, and hope to survivors.
• Cook MedicalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCopper Maple sponsor of Wrapped in Love. Major medical device company in Bloomington supporting the community.
• Boston ScientificminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze Birch sponsor of Wrapped in Love. Major medical device company supporting MWH through corporate sponsorship.
• Indiana University Credit Union (IU Credit Union)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze Birch sponsor of Wrapped in Love. University-affiliated credit union supporting MWH's mission to provide safety, support, and hope.
• Bloom MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze Birch sponsor of Wrapped in Love. Local Bloomington magazine and media outlet supporting the campaign and MWH's mission through sponsorship.
• Indiana Daily StudentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCopper Maple sponsor of Wrapped in Love. Student-run newspaper at Indiana University supporting MWH through community sponsorship.
• Alpha Chi (Alpha Chi Omega sorority)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlpha Chi Omega appears as an Event Partner, indicating an ongoing community partnership with MWH for events and awareness campaigns.
• Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) — Monroe CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMWH is a founding member of the Monroe County Sexual Assault Response Team, coordinating response to sexual assault with law enforcement, prosecutors, medical professionals, and victim advocates. On-scene advocates are integrated into this multi-agency response system.
• Monroe County Prosecutor's OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMWH's legal advocates coordinate with the Prosecutor's office to support survivors navigating criminal cases. The Victim's Assistance department contacts survivors to discuss prosecution decisions. MWH also coordinates with the Protective Order Project at IU Maurer School of Law.
• Indiana University Maurer School of Law — Protective Order Project (POP)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPOP provides volunteer attorney back-up for persons seeking protective orders. MWH's legal advocacy program coordinates with POP to provide comprehensive legal support to survivors.
• District 10 Pro Bono ProjectcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPro bono legal services organization serving the Bloomington area, providing referrals and legal support for survivors who need legal representation beyond what MWH advocates can offer.
• Youth-serving agencies (Banneker Center, Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc., Bradford Woods, Monroe County Public Library Teen Programs, Prism Youth Community, Rhinos, Stepping Stones, Youth Services Bureau)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMWH partners with multiple youth-serving organizations to deliver prevention programming (Building Healthy Relationships and EPP core lessons) to at-risk youth through interactive activities, discussions, and projects.
• Meineke Car Care Centers of BloomingtonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze Birch sponsor of Wrapped in Love. Local Meineke franchise supporting MWH's mission to end domestic violence.
• Acrisure Insurance CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze Birch sponsor of Wrapped in Love. National insurance company with local Bloomington presence supporting MWH.
• Shine Insurance AgencyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze Birch sponsor of Wrapped in Love. Local insurance agency expressing strong support for MWH's work protecting people in abusive relationships.
• Domino's Pizza (Bloomington)minorOthersFood donor for MWH events and programming, providing in-kind food donations to support survivor services and events.
• Texas Roadhouse (Bloomington)minorOthersFood donor for MWH events and programming, providing in-kind food donations to support events.
• Baked (Bloomington)minorOthersFood donor for MWH events and programming, providing in-kind baked goods donations.
• The Bloomington Center for Connection (BCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMWH partners with BCC to offer a new facilitated support group for youth (adolescents and teens) who have experienced sexual violence. BCC leads the group and conducts intake interviews, extending MWH's service capacity.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV): Statewide umbrella organization for DV service providers in Indiana. Comparable mission (DV survivor support and prevention education), serves the same regulatory/funding environment (VOCA, state grants), and is a likely source of referrals, training, and grant pass-through for Middle Way House.
• YWCA Central Indiana: Regional YWCA chapter providing DV/SA services, shelter, and advocacy. While a much larger umbrella organization, YWCA competes for the same donor and grant dollars in Indiana and operates a similar shelter-plus-advocacy service mix.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): National anti-sexual-violence organization operating the National Sexual Assault Hotline. MWH partners with related service networks and uses ResourceConnect for chat (similar to RAINN's chat platform). Comparable in mission for sexual assault services, though RAINN operates at a national scale rather than regional.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: National 24/7 crisis line for DV survivors — directly comparable to MWH's 24/7 crisis line as the front door of its service continuum. Both serve overlapping survivor populations and coordinate referrals, though the Hotline operates federally/nationally rather than regionally.

Regional players

• The Beacon (Center for Women and Families): Provides DV and sexual assault services in southern Indiana/ Louisville region. Operates emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling comparable to Middle Way House's crisis-to-housing continuum, and competes for some of the same donor and grant funding pools in the Indiana/Kentucky border region.
• Sheltering Wings: Indiana-based DV services organization operating emergency shelter, transitional housing, and advocacy. Highly comparable service model (shelter + housing + advocacy continuum) and similar mid-size nonprofit scale, though serving the Indianapolis suburb market rather than rural southern Indiana.
• Council on Domestic Violence (Safe House / Harbor House): Regional DV service provider operating emergency shelter and advocacy programs in Indiana. Highly comparable service model (shelter + legal advocacy + support groups), serving a different Indiana geography but competing for the same VOCA and state grant pools.

Emerging players

• A Safe Passage: Mid-size nonprofit providing DV services, shelter, and advocacy in the Midwest. Operates a comparable crisis-to-housing model at similar scale to MWH, and competes in overlapping donor and grant ecosystems.

Direct peers

• Turning Point Domestic Violence Services: Regional DV services organization operating emergency shelter, transitional housing, advocacy, and prevention education. Closest direct peer to MWH — comparable scale, comparable six-county-or-similar catchment, and essentially the same service stack from crisis line through housing.

Others

• Indiana University Kinsey Institute / IU Maurer School of Law POP: IU Maurer's Protective Order Project is a direct partner (provides pro bono legal backup) and a structural dependency for MWH's legal advocacy program. Listed as an ecosystem participant because of the formal referral and co-service relationship, not a competing organization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MiddleWayHouse
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/middle-way-house-inc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Middle Way House