Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services moves to larger facility

OSHKOSH, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services is moving across a parking lot from its current location to the Beach Building on Algoma in Oshkosh. An open house showing off the new emergency shelter and transitional housing was held Thursday. 

Alicia Wenger, Executive Director with Christine Ann, conducted a tour of the new facility. She said they are calling the new shelter and location, Christine Ann 2.0. 

“We’ve really only had to do very minor renovations with this building. And it was just on the first floor and to create a play area outdoors,” said Wenger. 

The first floor holds common gathering spaces, meeting rooms, rooms for support groups to meet, a community clothing closet, and a pantry. Where the new facility shines is its second and third floors which feature the emergency shelter and the transitional housing apartments.

Christine Ann 2.0

“We will be going from 37 beds to 64 beds,” Wenger said. “Then, on the third floor, we will be adding a brand new program that is focused specifically on transitional housing. So folks will be able to stay with us from six months, all the way up, to two years.”

While the clients who look to Christine Ann for shelter are currently living in a shared, communal space, when they move to the new building they will have apartments. The apartments vary in size from a studio to larger two-bedroom apartments for families. Each apartment has a kitchen, bath, seating area, and beds.

Wenger said another program they will be able to offer survivors of domestic abuse that they never could at their current location is the ability to bring their pets with them.

“We are the fourth known shelter in the state of Wisconsin that will be able to accommodate survivors and their animals. We know a lot of people don’t even consider shelter as an option if they can’t bring their animals with them. They’re furry family members and fear that their animal may be harmed if left behind.”

The new location for Christine Ann allows the organization to have dedicated office space for community partner agencies to provide office hours to meet with clients. Wenger said this is important for the convenience and also the safety of the clients.

“It eliminates the safety barriers that folks have if they don’t feel safe leaving here,” Wenger said. “It eliminates transportation barriers and also child care barriers.” 

The personal touch

During the tour, Ross, the shelter’s canine advocate joined the group for some attention. Wenger said Ross came from Journey Together. He works right along with his handler to provide comfort and companionship to the clients. 

Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services is named in honor of Christine Ann Clark, who was murdered by her ex-husband during a child exchange in the area. Her portrait hangs in the main hall leading to the front desk 

“She’s kind of the symbol of hope for anyone who needs our services,” said Wenger

How much did it cost?

The renovation of the Beach Building to make it ready for Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services cost $7 Million. Wenger said they are very close to funding it completely.

“I’m really proud to say that we only have about six hundred thousand dollars left,” said Wenger. “So we’re in the final push here! Anything and everything given at this point is so appreciated.”

Wenger said donations and volunteers are always needed and welcomed at Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services. You can find wishlists and volunteer information at ChristineAnn.net. Clients haven’t moved into the building yet but will be doing so soon. Their first night saying in the Beach Building will be October 8th. 

“There’s a safety aspect on that day for moving. So we’ll have police presence just to kind of make sure that there’s that extra level of security,” Wenger said.

Solutions Recovery purchased the building that Christine Ann is moving out of and will be providing support to those impacted by alcohol and drug addiction.