The serene stone, natural wood and hunter green wooden shake exterior of the new two-story Beaman Home belies the intense and vital ministry that takes place within its walls.

Battered women enter these doors for safe shelter, counseling and classes on parenting and life skills.

“Our mission is not glamorous,” said Tracie Hodson, the organization’s executive director for the past seven years.

“We are helping people pick up the pieces of their lives. Many have been in a life-and-death situation because of somebody else.

“It’s hard, but we see the hope and strength of the human spirit to overcome the challenges of life. Every single person in this world deserves to live a life free of abuse and full of dignity,” she said.

“We are called to be the hands and feet to be able to help them. The ultimate goal is to give somebody the hope that there is a better tomorrow.”

The new facility on Parker Street in Warsaw has housed the organization’s administrative and nonresidential program staff since fall 2015. Construction on the second-story addition was completed August 2016.

Within the next three weeks the building will serve as the new emergency shelter, replacing the existing three-bedroom, 13-bed single-family home donated when the nonprofit, Kosciusko County Shelter for Abuse Inc., was founded in 1985.

The former facility will be put on the market, according to Hodson.

When the dust settles in February 2017, the new structure will host 11 sleeping rooms with 38 beds, adult classes and childcare.

Residential stays are 45 days, but “we know life doesn’t just fall into place when you come into a shelter,” said Hodson, so Beaman Home launched other services such as DoVE Outreach, a domestic violence education program, and its newest endeavor, a child and youth services program called SYNC Up!, which started this summer.

The organization subsists on grants and donations, and has two upcoming fundraisers to help defray the costs of the fewer than 20 paid staff and other expenses.

• Area Mary Kay consultants are hosting a “Purses with Purpose” benefit from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 1621 W. Lake St., Warsaw.

The evening will feature a presentation by Hodson, raffles and a silent auction.

Tickets are available for a $10 donation and may be obtained by calling Heather Ross at (574) 527-0935 or Roberta Yates at (765) 863-1307.

• The Beaman Home will hold its annual bingo fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at Center Lake Pavilion, 119 E. Canal St., Warsaw.

The admission fee — $25 in advance or $30 at the door — includes dinner, bingo cards and a chance to win a door prize.

Tickets may be picked up at the Beaman Home, 603 N. Parker St., Warsaw; or by calling (574) 703-0722 or emailing [email protected] or [email protected].

The Beaman Home will also accept donations, which are tax-deductible.

“We are looking for volunteers,” said Hodson. “Anybody with the desire to help will find a place here. We will find a way to utilize their talents and energy.”

Hodson cited some volunteer tasks: helping move the residents and property from the current shelter, assembling furniture, helping with childcare “when a mom needs to go to a job interview or attend class” and generally helping “implement activities and programs.”

“They need to pass a background check and go through an application process,” Hodson said.

For more information, call (574) 703-0722.