Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director, Donnita Young, who joined our staff in August after a lengthy search process. One of the Center’s supporters was praying for us in our search, and while in prayer Donnita’s face came before her. This woman contacted Donnita to let her know about the position and the impression she had received. At that time, Donnita had been seeking God’s guidance about the "next step" in her life. "I would never have known about the position if she hadn’t called me," she notes.

     As most of you will recall, Wanda Dudek, our former executive director, resigned last October due to health concerns. Wanda is feeling much better now and remains actively involved with ABC.

     During her interviews, Donnita immediately impressed our search committee. Of particular note is her heart for women and families, her gifts of leadership, public speaking, as well as her passion for prayer and God’s transformative grace in our lives. She is a real prayer warrior and is currently involved with the Connecticut House of Prayer.

     Donnita has a strong background of ministering directly and indirectly to women in a variety of life situations. She explains her approach as a focus on "equipping and empowering" people. She is a visionary leader, launching many new programs and ministries over the course of her career. In addition to her church-based ministries, she also worked for several years developing and implementing programming in a facility for Alzheimer’s patients.

     Donnita grew up a pastor’s daughter, and she began ministering in music while still a teenager. She met her husband, Eugene, at college; they have been married for over 25 years. Her hobbies include reading, music, taking a painting class, and playing with her grandchildren.