On July 8, 2022, Benjamin's House took ownership of the east half of Heart Island, which includes the existing shelter, the old chapel (Heart Island Enrichment Center), the old rectory (formerly the warming shelter), and the Guest House. The transfer was an opportunity for the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, to create a legacy as Benjamin's House follows their mission to serve the poor and those in need.
The Sisters approached Benjamin's House (BH) with the idea over a year ago, and the BH Board of Directors did not enter the exchange lightly. But with a vision to expand and serve a greater need, Benjamin's House knew this was an opportunity that was meant to be.
Growing the mission and creating new opportunities is a vision fueled by the board and led by the director, Lori Zahrbock. "With the purchase of the property and the additional buildings we are eager to expand our reach. We want Benjamin's House to be an all-encompassing touch point in the community, a place to receive services beyond just a bed and a hot meal, a place to seek assistance in moving beyond the traumas and issues that may have contributed to the homelessness. Not only do we want to help those who stay in shelter but we hope to have programming for those in the community to help them avoid the downfalls that might land them without housing thus stopping the cycle before it begins."
As of today, the possibilities are endless and the excitement is clear…
Benjamin's House staff and board are forever thankful to Sister Claudine, Sister Jeanne, Sister Judi, Sister Michelle, and the rest of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis for believing in Benjamin’s House. For trusting the organization to be the legacy they want to see and for knowing they will be the best stewards of its mission. Benjamin's House is so thankful for the generosity, compassion and goodness from the Sisters, and they are honored to carry on their legacy as long as God allows.
The Sisters approached Benjamin's House (BH) with the idea over a year ago, and the BH Board of Directors did not enter the exchange lightly. But with a vision to expand and serve a greater need, Benjamin's House knew this was an opportunity that was meant to be.
Growing the mission and creating new opportunities is a vision fueled by the board and led by the director, Lori Zahrbock. "With the purchase of the property and the additional buildings we are eager to expand our reach. We want Benjamin's House to be an all-encompassing touch point in the community, a place to receive services beyond just a bed and a hot meal, a place to seek assistance in moving beyond the traumas and issues that may have contributed to the homelessness. Not only do we want to help those who stay in shelter but we hope to have programming for those in the community to help them avoid the downfalls that might land them without housing thus stopping the cycle before it begins."
As of today, the possibilities are endless and the excitement is clear…
Benjamin's House staff and board are forever thankful to Sister Claudine, Sister Jeanne, Sister Judi, Sister Michelle, and the rest of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis for believing in Benjamin’s House. For trusting the organization to be the legacy they want to see and for knowing they will be the best stewards of its mission. Benjamin's House is so thankful for the generosity, compassion and goodness from the Sisters, and they are honored to carry on their legacy as long as God allows.
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As part of the Feed My People Food Rescue Program, Kwik Trip Stores help save millions of pounds of good and edible goods from ending up in landfills each year. The local Rice Lake stores donate perishable items that have been pulled from their shelves and distribute this food to Benjamin’s House Emergency Shelter. In 2015 the amount of food donated was equivalent to over 10,000 meals which could provide 27 meals each day at the shelter. Benjamin’s House director Lori Bowman states “This is a win-win for our community. Not only can we help feed those at the shelter but we also are helping our environment and dramatically reducing food waste. We are lucky to have Kwik Trip as such a great community partner.”
If you would like to know more about how you can donate, or volunteer with us, please click on the "How You Can Help" menu on the top of your screen.