FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/12/26
Amani Family Services Announces Transition of Leadership
Long-time CEO Ewelina Connolly to Step Down after Transformative Tenure
Fort Wayne, IN — Amani Family Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering immigrant and refugee families in Allen County, today announced that Ewelina Connolly, MS Ed, LMFT, LCAC, will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer. Connolly, who provided 12 months’ notice to the Board of Directors in early December 2025, has led Amani through a period of exceptional growth and community impact and will conclude her role later this year in December 2026.
Connolly’s leadership has been defined by innovation, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to expanding access to community services. As CEO, she championed major initiatives that have strengthened Amani’s mission to foster belonging, well-being, and opportunity for all families in Allen County.
“After much reflection and planning, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Amani Family Services during a time of remarkable growth,” Connolly said. “I am confident that the organization’s strong leadership and dedicated staff will continue advancing our mission with excellence.”
Under Connolly’s visionary leadership, Amani Family Services has:
Expanded the Amani campus to create more inclusive, family-friendly spaces, including the addition of a new natural playground that supports community connection and holistic well-being.
Championed the Welcoming Fort Wayne – Allen County initiative, transforming a visionary concept into a county-wide effort that became a statewide and national model for inclusion. The plan was developed collaboratively with more than 40 community leaders and launched in January 2024, focusing on Connected Communities & Public Safety, Civic Engagement, Economic Development, and Education.
Helped Allen County earn the designation of Certified Welcoming — the first county in Indiana to receive this recognition from the national organization Welcoming America — marking a historic milestone in inclusive community building.
Launched the Naturalization & Legal Assistance (NALA) program, a groundbreaking resource providing affordable immigration legal support, including naturalization, work authorization, and humanitarian visa assistance. Developed through more than two years of coordinated planning and fundraising, NALA addresses a critical service gap and strengthens pathways to stability for immigrant families.
Maintained a strong commitment to clinical excellence in behavioral health services, serving thousands of families with culturally responsive care.
Connolly’s leadership has also brought national recognition to Amani’s clinical work; in 2023, Amani received the Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, honoring innovative efforts to raise mental health awareness and increase access to quality services in underserved communities.
A licensed mental health professional with deep roots in the region, Connolly came to the United States from Poland and has dedicated more than two decades to building inclusion and opportunity in Allen County. Over her tenure at Amani — from home-based therapist to Clinical Director, COO, and ultimately CEO — she has demonstrated servant leadership, resilience, and a steadfast belief that equitable systems and community collaboration are essential to thriving communities.
“Within her various roles at Amani, from therapist to CEO, Ewelina’s commitment to the mission, her team and to our communities have been the epitome of servant leadership. Her dedication and leadership have been the driving force behind Amani’s growth and tremendous impact on the communities we serve. We, as the Board, are forever grateful for her past contributions and her steadfast commitment in the future as we plan for Amani’s continued success.” - Board Chair Shawn Sullivan reflecting on Ewelina’s contributions and the organization’s future direction
The Board of Directors of Amani Family Services will soon announce a comprehensive leadership transition plan to ensure continuity of services and strategic momentum.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ewelina Connolly, CEO
260 484 1414 ext.507
econnolly@amanifamilyservices.org