For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – Shirley’s House of Hope is announcing the completion of “The Building of Hope” capital campaign.  The community is invited to join the celebration on May 23 from 6-8 p.m., where the public will learn about future plans for the shelter and celebrate with a mortgage burning ceremony and refreshments.

The campaign has provided funds for replacing the parking lot, adding insulation, and paying off the building debt. This was vital to continue providing shelter and healing program services to victims of domestic abuse.

The faith-based program at Shirley’s House of Hope is the vision of co-founders Julie Cravillion and Sue Poole. In 2007, after being made aware of the number of families that were affected by domestic violence on an annual basis, Cravillion and Poole felt the tug to do something.

In 2008, a steering committee was created to lay the groundwork. In 2010, the doors to Shirley’s House of Hope opened to provide services to women and children in need.

As of 2018, a total of 400 women and children have received assistance with the recovery process.

It is estimated that over 7,000 women in Wisconsin alone have been the victims of domestic violence at one time in their lives. Wood County police respond to calls related to domestic violence on average of every other day.

Cravillion said, “The support of the community has been an encouragement for the staff and the Board of Directors; Just to see that so many people care about women and children hurting from domestic violence.  Completing the campaign has provided a firm foundation for Shirley’s House of Hope. Knowing that it will be here for years to come is very important to Sue and I.”

The May 23 celebration will be held at 1316 N. Hume Ave.,  Building D, Marshfield,

For more information about Shirley’s House of Hope or to volunteer or donate, please call 715-486-9000 or visit www.shirleyshouseofhope.org.