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.