Thirty years after Altrusa International of Warsaw, Inc. founded The Beaman Home, executive director Tracie Hodson provided an exciting update to club members at their Nov. 6 meeting held at Warsaw Community Public Library. She told members that the campaign to build a new Emergency Shelter and Outreach Center is in the final stages.

Hodson explained Dec. 3 will be a milestone day for Beaman Home. Remodeling will begin at the new facility located at 603 N. Parker St., in Warsaw.

Hodson added, “Beaman Home Board members approved a plan to renovate the existing building at that site as Phase I of the construction and staff expects to occupy the new building next spring when the Outreach Center and administrative offices will be completed.”

The phased approach to construction will allow adequate space to transition outreach and administrative services to the new site. This will enable victims and their families to attend on-going counseling and training programs whether or not they are staying in the shelter.

It will also allow a new program to begin to help domestic violence children cope with the abuse they’ve experienced. The goal of this program is to reduce or eliminate the generational cycle of domestic violence that is prevalent in abused families.

Phase II construction will begin in spring and will add a two-story Emergency Shelter to the west end of the existing building. This addition will end the overcrowded conditions plaguing the old shelter and allow victim families adequate space to heal and begin violence-free lives. Donations are still being accepted to complete the Phase II addition.

Altrusa members presented Hodson with a $2,000 check to be used in the library of the new facility. They have also applied for a matching grant through Altrusa International’s Foundation.

Children’s program books and equipment are the purpose of the Altrusa donation. Altrusa’s International focus is on literacy and the materials for the new program fit into that mission. The club has continued its partnership of The Beaman Home over the past 30 years with financial donations, coordinating Bingo for Beaman Home during October Domestic Violence Awareness Month and through volunteerism.

Altrusa is conducting a membership drive, and individuals interested in serving the Kosciusko County area are encouraged to visit Altrusa’s Facebook page  -Altrusa-Warsaw, IN- or their website at www.altrusa.org. Emails may be sent to [email protected].

For more information about The Beaman Home and its programs, services or campaign, contact Tracie Hodson at (574) 372-3503 or [email protected].