Madeline’s House Getting Closer to Moving

Board and staff members have been focused on finding a new home ever since the federal government gave notice in August 2011 that it is purchasing the current shelter’s location from Nottoway County for the construction of a large training facility.  This unexpected, forced relocation came as a great shock to shelter staff and board as well as our many supporters and volunteers, who had spent countless hours and money in making sure victims of domestic and sexual violence had safe haven in times of crisis and services to help them end their days as victims and become a survivors.

Once the shock of our displacement subsided, everyone went to work to do everything we could to assure that this disruption would not lead to a lapse in the critical services provided by Madeline’s House.  Numerous meetings were held with federal, state and local officials from the 12 counties served by Madeline’s House.  Many potential properties were considered.  Should we buy or lease space?  A capital campaign was launched.  Community groups held fundraisers.  Churches held events and collected special offerings for our relocation.  Newspaper editors and radio announcers made sure their readership / listeners stayed up-to-date on roadblocks faced and progresses made.  Rezoning and financing were accomplished (no small feat for a small nonprofit with no collateral).  The year and a half that has followed the initial announcement of our displacement has given enormous credibility to the phrase “it takes a village”.

Today, I sit at my desk writing this article, knowing that we now have a location, we have enough money to make the down payment, and we now know Madeline’s House will have a new home.  But the challenges don’t stop here.  In a few months, Madeline’s House must figure out a way to down-size without reducing the level of services it has been providing for nearly 14 years.  Renovations to the building will need to be made, and building security assured.  A plan for the transition weeks needs to be made.  But, it was only by the grace of God that we have successfully come this far, and we know it will be the grace of God that helps us meet these challenges, too.

I, personally, want to thank every person…every group…that has made the first part of our journey the success it is.  And I want to pay forward my gratitude to those who will see us through this next phase.  I know that this is also the sentiment of the SCVP board and the rest of the staff.  We could not have come to this point without you, and I know you will continue to support us for the rest of the journey.

May God bless each of you,

Emily Marshall, Executive Director

Dedicated volunteer and Supporter

Long-time Madeline’s House volunteer and supporter, Mimi Owen, presents a check to Bernice and Rudy Hawkins, founding members of the shelter’s Board of Directors, to launch a 3-year Capital Campaign that will fund relocation and renovation costs for a new shelter home.  Madeline’s House is located on a parcel of land that is being offered for sale by Nottoway County to the US State Department for construction of its Foreign Affairs Security Training Center. Madeline’s House is reaching out to residents and leaders of the 12 counties it serves for assistance in funding the extraordinary costs of moving to and renovating another facility. The goal of the Madeline’s House Capital Campaign is to raise a minimum of $300,000.  All money donated to this campaign will be restricted solely for relocation and renovation purposes.  For information about how this fund will be used, or to contribute to the campaign, contact Emily Marshall, Executive Director (pictured at right), at 434.292.1077.