Vision

Sheltering Wings was formed in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ. We will extend the love and compassion of Christ to survivors of domestic abuse. Christ was never coercive or offensive and neither are our services. Our assistance will be offered in the name of Christ to any survivor of any background.

Mission

Sheltering Wings provides emergency housing for survivors escaping domestic abuse. We build stable and independent lives through essential programs offered in a supportive and Christ-centered environment.

Guiding Principles

  • We acknowledge that God is the owner and sustainer of the shelter and that the families we serve are His children.
  • We commit to adhering to Biblical principles when making all decisions.
  • We conduct ourselves at all times and in every interaction respectfully, courteously, compassionately and professionally.
  • We imitate Christ’s example of love and compassion in every interaction with those in need, serving them as though we are serving the Lord.

A History of Compassion

Loyal volunteers at the Cornerstone Christian Church food pantry in Brownsburg, Ind., saw that many of the women who needed food for their families showed signs of being abused.

They wanted to help.

But they quickly discovered that Hendricks County had no local shelters for domestic violence victims. Meanwhile, shelters in neighboring cities were already struggling to keep up with demand.

Then and there, they decided to build a shelter in Danville, the geographic center of the county.

They didn’t wait to start helping victims, however. As they worked on plans, they began a clearinghouse for domestic violence issues, taking crisis calls and referring women to resources in the region.

These caring people raised $1.4 million. Hendricks Regional Health donated a parcel of land. And in January 2002, the first resident walked through the doors of Sheltering Wings, an 11,600-square-foot facility with 11 family living areas. Each had a private shower and tub, four beds, and a walk-in closet.

An expanding mission

A decade later, we needed more room for more families. Our board led a successful capital campaign that turned the shelter into a 37,000-square-foot facility with 68 beds in 2013.

In 2019, Sheltering Wings began renovations to create on-site residential facilities for male victims of domestic abuse. United Way of Central Indiana donated nearly $300,000, or 50%, of the cost. Generous donors and vendors related to the construction made the dream come true. The first male resident moved in with his children in early February 2020.

Day after day, our partners donate their time, talents and financial gifts to help survivors of domestic violence. We also receive support from more than 110 churches, 69 civic organizations, 400 businesses, 28 schools, 17 government organizations and 50 foundations – ensuring that Sheltering Wings can offer safety, hope and Christ’s love to survivors and their children.

Programs

program (noun) – a plan or system under which action may be taken toward a goal

For Victims
We stand ready to help any victim of any form of abuse – regardless of their background – who reaches out to us. We are even accessible for family members, friends or professionals who want to help others break the cycle of abuse. Our 24-hour helpline and 80-bed facility are available to help people escape domestic violence.

For Survivors
Our goal is to help residents and their children build the life skills they need to live stable, independent, happy lives. Alongside compassion and emotional, physical and spiritual support, our case management services guide them through practical steps toward achieving independence and freedom.

For the Community
We will only achieve our goal of ending domestic violence – along with all other forms of violence – if we work together. Because it’s not enough to merely respond to incidents of abuse, we partner with schools, churches, businesses, civic clubs, first responders and government agencies to raise awareness and to prevent domestic violence before it happens.

Learn about our programs

Emergency Housing

Providing safe haven for victims

Life Skills Programming

Helping men and women build stable, independent lives

Children & Youth Services

Helping young people build brighter futures

Prevention and Education

Equipping our community to help break the cycle