Christine Ann to expand services for domestic violence survivors

OSHKOSH, WI – (WISS) – Christine Ann announces a fundraising campaign to expand services for survivors of domestic violence. The campaign will allow them to move from their current location on Algoma Boulevard to the Beach Building next door at 240 Algoma in September.  

The need for more space

Christine Ann Executive Director Alicia Wenger says the new location will allow for more families and survivors to be served. But, more importantly, it will be safer as well.

“Having two separate buildings where if folks are staying in one building and have to get to the other, they have to physically walk outside. With the demographics that we serve, that’s very dangerous,” said Wegner. “We’re currently on a corner, so there’s a lot of visibility.”

In addition to the safety factor, the current facility is just too small, says Wenger.

“The bedrooms are all different sizes, from two beds all the way to seven. Our largest bedroom is the one 7-bed bedroom,” said Wenger. “So, if we have multiple large families that are seeking the safety of our shelter, unfortunately, our building is unable to accommodate that.”

Wenger said they had to turn away dozens of people every year, who would have otherwise been accepted into the shelter, simply because the space wasn’t there.

The increased need is a troubling trend within Wisconsin. Wenger says the state is 8th in the nation for the number of domestic violence homicides. She says the increases in physical violence, strangulations and domestic violence homicides began around COVID.

“Unfortunately, it is rising,” said Wenger. “It is increasing. People are seeking help. It’s one of those situations where everybody knows somebody. You may just not be aware of it.”

Expanded services

The new emergency shelter location will allow Christine Ann to expand from 37 beds to 60 beds. It will include more first-floor ADA-accessible beds. Additionally, the new shelter will offer Transitional Housing with 11 apartments. 

“Folks will be able to stay with us from six months up to two years to really work with our advocates and kind of regain or gain some of those life skills to prepare for full independence,” said Wenger.

The transitional housing program includes financial literacy programs, helping with returning to school, and low-cost housing. 

“What we plan to do with that, is save a good majority of those funds for when they exit the program to be able to put down a security deposit on a new apartment or a home!” said Wenger.

Additionally, pets will be accommodated because the new facility will offer apartment-style living arrangements. Wenger says this is a huge benefit and help for domestic violence survivors.

“A lot of times people won’t even consider seeking the safety of a shelter if they can’t bring their animals with them. It’s their family member!” said Wenger. “We’re very excited to eliminate that barrier for folks.”  

Community help needed

At this point, Christine Ann has raised $5.9 million towards a $7 million goal. They are now asking the community to help them reach the finish line and to ensure the space is fully equipped and ready to go. 

Wenger says they have about a million dollars to raise. They will be launching wishlists at Amazon and Walmart for people to help.

“People can purchase bedding for the beds or dishes for each of the apartments. And really help us get to the next phase,” said Wenger. 

People who want to help by donating to the capital campaign can do so by visiting www.christineann.net/SaferTogether or by sending a check to 206 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54091 with “capital” in the memo line. 

Volunteers are always welcome at Christine Ann, said Wegner.

“We have a lot of painting and landscaping projects and a lot of different things in our new building, and in our current building too, to prepare for the move,” said Wenger. “If individuals are interested in volunteering, we would absolutely would welcome that.”

 In addition to the capital campaign, Christine Ann will always take donations of food and personal hygiene items for the families it helps. 

After Christine Ann moves to the Beach Building, Wenger says the old shelter will change hands. The building was sold to Solutions Recovery, a non-profit that helps people with alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) issues.

“We’re so excited that they’re going to be moving next door,” said Wenger. “Sometimes coping includes drugs or alcohol. To be able to have Solutions right next door is going to be a wonderful partnership.”

Press Release:

Christine Ann Expands Services for Survivors in Larger Facility

Capital Campaign Announced to Invite the Community for Support

Oshkosh, WI – May 15, 2024 – Today, Christine Ann announced their capital campaign to expand services for survivors of domestic abuse. The campaign will support the completion of their new home in the historic Beach Building in downtown Oshkosh at 240 Algoma Blvd.

Christine Ann has occupied the facility at 206 Algoma Blvd for over 30 years, but has outgrown the space and needed a larger facility to meet a growing demand for their services and fill a need for affordable housing.

The Beach Building will allow the 40-year-old organization to expand its Emergency Shelter capacity from 37 beds to 60 beds, offer Transitional Housing with 11 apartments, welcome survivors fleeing violence with pets, and provide a comforting environment for all those seeking help.

“One of the most significant benefits of this new facility is the ability to offer an on-site transitional housing program—something that has been in our strategic plan but out of reach until now. These transitional living units will give survivors more time to build the life skills necessary to become self-sufficient and break generational cycles of abuse and poverty,” said Alicia Wenger, Christine Ann Executive Director.

To date, Christine Ann has raised $5.9 million towards a $7 million goal. The organization is now asking the community to help them reach the finish line and ensure the new space is fully equipped, accessible, and operational.

“Not only will we be able to house more survivors, we will be able to provide private apartments to ensure families and children have a sense of comfort and normalcy during a very difficult time,” said Wenger. “Also, our pet-friendly rooms will ensure no one has to leave their beloved pet behind as they seek safety.”

For more information or to make a gift or donate items, visit www.christineann.net/SaferTogether or send a check to 206 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54091 with “capital” in the memo line. The impact of your gift will be doubled with all gifts matched $1 for $1 (up to $250,000) thanks to Otto Bremmer Trust and Christine Ann Board of Directors.

The organization would like to extend gratitude to the lead donors who have made a generous pledge to our campaign so far including: City of Oshkosh, JEK Foundation, Winnebago County, Otto Bremmer Trust, Menasha Corporation Foundation, J.J. Keller Foundation, Amcor, Kimberly-Clark Foundation, U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Theda & Tamblin Clark Smith Family Foundation, and many others.

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Christine Ann’s mission is to empower individuals and families through education, safety, and support and lead our community to reduce the incidents and the effects of domestic abuse and dating violence. Current programs include emergency shelter, crisis hotline, outreach & legal advocacy, youth advocacy & prevention education, support groups, community education, and more. Help is available 24/7/365 by calling 920-235-5998.