Future domestic abuse shelter gaining ground
It has been over a year since NiCole Hoffmann, a part-time employee for the Waupaca County Sheriff's Department, embraced the idea of providing a domestic abuse shelter in Waupaca County. She was also part-time officer for the Weyauwega Police Department when she saw a large house for sale that she believed would be perfect for such a shelter. The house had three kitchens in it and six bedrooms, with the potential for eight bedrooms.
"Waupaca County has never had a shelter for victims of domestic abuse," said Hoffmann. "There were attempts in the past, but they never got the nonprofit status," she said. "None of us are happy that it is needed. It's a necessity."
The name "Jurnie" was chosen for the future shelter because it is the name of Hoffmann's young daughter. Hoffmann says she would want her daughter to have a safe place to go if she was in a domestic abuse situation as an adult.
Hoffmann's first step in her goal for a shelter was to establish a board. Hoffmann is president, Tara Pachan serves as vice president, Kathy LeClair as secretary, and Leah Zeamer as treasurer. Waupaca County Sheriff Brad Hardel, Derin Tangwall and Tami Johnson are also board members. They have also arranged housing and publicity committees.
Pachan, along with attorney Art Parry and Amy DeSantis of Janssen Accounting, agreed to work on 70-some pages of paperwork to become a nonprofit organization. Originally, they asked Parry to be a board member. He offered to be their attorney. Hoffmann said getting nonprofit status was the most difficult step.
Jurnie's Shelter received its status as a nonprofit organization this summer, on July 22.
As a legitimate organization with nonprofit status, they are now seeking grants and stepping up their fundraising efforts. Those who have experience in writing grants would be most appreciated and may call 920-290-4912 or email jurnies_shelter@yahoo.com. After the board obtains a grant or grants, they can begin to search for a house. The house Hoffmann initially saw in Weyauwega did sell, so she continues to keep her eyes open for other possible sites.
"It's going to happen. It's just a matter of when," Hoffmann said of the opening of a shelter in the county. "I think once it's in the community, people will appreciate it."
"It's truly touching to see a lot of people with the same passion," Hoffmann said. "It's a huge milestone."
In addition to working at the sheriff's department, Hoffmann is working to complete her bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Marian University.
Educating the public about domestic abuse is an integral step to getting a shelter started, Hoffmann believes. "No domestic call is the same," she said, "but the number one reason why women do not leave when they are in such a situation is because they do not have a place to go to." Many times, the women are embarrassed to reveal their situation.
To support the mission of a domestic abuse shelter in Waupaca County, donations can be sent to Jurnie's Shelter, P.O. Box 404, Weyauwega, WI 54983.
A future fund raising event is scheduled for Feb. 25, 2012, from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at Bear Lake Dance Hall, Manawa. The Winter Wonderland Ball will give donors a chance to dust off their prom or bridesmaids dresses and suits or tuxedos, but any formal attire would be acceptable. Thirty dollars a couple in advance can be mailed to the address above. Singles are $15. Look for more information on the fund raiser and a 5K Walk in future editions of the County Post East and West.
"Waupaca County has never had a shelter for victims of domestic abuse," said Hoffmann. "There were attempts in the past, but they never got the nonprofit status," she said. "None of us are happy that it is needed. It's a necessity."
The name "Jurnie" was chosen for the future shelter because it is the name of Hoffmann's young daughter. Hoffmann says she would want her daughter to have a safe place to go if she was in a domestic abuse situation as an adult.
Hoffmann's first step in her goal for a shelter was to establish a board. Hoffmann is president, Tara Pachan serves as vice president, Kathy LeClair as secretary, and Leah Zeamer as treasurer. Waupaca County Sheriff Brad Hardel, Derin Tangwall and Tami Johnson are also board members. They have also arranged housing and publicity committees.
Pachan, along with attorney Art Parry and Amy DeSantis of Janssen Accounting, agreed to work on 70-some pages of paperwork to become a nonprofit organization. Originally, they asked Parry to be a board member. He offered to be their attorney. Hoffmann said getting nonprofit status was the most difficult step.
Jurnie's Shelter received its status as a nonprofit organization this summer, on July 22.
As a legitimate organization with nonprofit status, they are now seeking grants and stepping up their fundraising efforts. Those who have experience in writing grants would be most appreciated and may call 920-290-4912 or email jurnies_shelter@yahoo.com. After the board obtains a grant or grants, they can begin to search for a house. The house Hoffmann initially saw in Weyauwega did sell, so she continues to keep her eyes open for other possible sites.
"It's going to happen. It's just a matter of when," Hoffmann said of the opening of a shelter in the county. "I think once it's in the community, people will appreciate it."
"It's truly touching to see a lot of people with the same passion," Hoffmann said. "It's a huge milestone."
In addition to working at the sheriff's department, Hoffmann is working to complete her bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Marian University.
Educating the public about domestic abuse is an integral step to getting a shelter started, Hoffmann believes. "No domestic call is the same," she said, "but the number one reason why women do not leave when they are in such a situation is because they do not have a place to go to." Many times, the women are embarrassed to reveal their situation.
To support the mission of a domestic abuse shelter in Waupaca County, donations can be sent to Jurnie's Shelter, P.O. Box 404, Weyauwega, WI 54983.
A future fund raising event is scheduled for Feb. 25, 2012, from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at Bear Lake Dance Hall, Manawa. The Winter Wonderland Ball will give donors a chance to dust off their prom or bridesmaids dresses and suits or tuxedos, but any formal attire would be acceptable. Thirty dollars a couple in advance can be mailed to the address above. Singles are $15. Look for more information on the fund raiser and a 5K Walk in future editions of the County Post East and West.
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