Shirley’s House of Hope Marks 15 Years of Healing and Support for Women in Need

By David Ballerstein Marshfield Now!
Marshfield, WI
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​New Episode on The Producers Channel! from NOWi (Network of Wisconsin Impact)

Shirley’s House of Hope, a Christian-based domestic abuse and drug addiction recovery center, continues its mission of helping women rebuild their lives after trauma. The organization, which has served the Marshfield area for 15 years, was founded to address a significant local need for support services for women escaping abuse and addiction.

The idea began in 2007 when Julie, a women’s ministry leader at the time, learned that approximately 300 women per year in the Marshfield area were seeking services related to domestic violence. In response, she and other local women began collecting personal care bags to support survivors who often fled with few belongings of their own. Interest and community support quickly grew, leading to the formation of Shirley’s House of Hope in 2008.

A Mission Rooted in Restoration
The organization's mission is “equipping women through the love of Christ to rebuild, renew, and restore their lives from domestic abuse and addiction.” Staff members address not only physical needs but also emotional, spiritual, and mental health challenges that often accompany abuse. Many residents arrive without recognizing they have experienced abuse because it has always felt “normal.”

The program includes case management, counseling, daily devotions, Bible study, and a nine-month class program, with some women staying up to a year and accessing transitional housing support for up to two years. Research shows that breaking cycles of abuse and addiction can take up to three years—support the center is committed to providing.

Community Support Makes the Difference
Shirley’s House of Hope operates largely through grassroots support from local individuals, churches, families, and businesses. While the organization has received grants over the years, Julie emphasized that small, consistent donations have been the heart of the center’s sustainability.

“It costs about $130 a day to minister to each woman,” she said, noting recent efforts to strengthen programming and ensure fair wages for staff supporting residents through often difficult healing journeys.

Building Community Through Shared Healing
A key part of the program includes shared community meals. Many women and children entering the shelter have never experienced sitting together at a dinner table. Julie shared a story of a young boy who had only ever eaten in a truck with his family. Over time, daily dinners helped him and his mother rebuild trust and connection. That mother completed the program, later married a supportive partner, and her son went on to graduate high school.

Looking Ahead
Future plans for expansion include establishing a bargain center and increasing emergency service capacity, while continuing to partner with organizations such as the Personal Development Center, Orenda Center, and St. Vincent de Paul.

Upcoming Fundraisers
Two major events support the center annually:

• Iron Chef Competition (held each November)
• Run for Hope (held each April at Wildwood Park)

Both events help raise critical funding to maintain services and staffing.

How to Get Help or Get Involved
Women seeking assistance can review program information at shirleyshouseofhope.org and call 715-486-9000 for intake. Community members may donate funds or needed supplies, or apply to volunteer through the website. 

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