It was almost three-years ago to the date that Tracie Hodson and representatives from DJ Construction toured the facility at 603 N. Parker St., Warsaw. Today that dream became a reality as the official announcement came that construction will begin on Dec. 15.

After almost 30 years, The Beaman Home is celebrating the first step of its journey to a new Emergency Shelter and Outreach Center.

The organization has faithfully served the past 30 years in a 1,800 square-foot single-family home that no longer serves its needs or provides space for innovative new programs.

The dream of a larger facility is unfolding after the board decided to renovate the existing building on the site as phase one of the construction. According to Pat Gross, preconstruction manager this first phase consists of a complete interior renovation and exterior facade upgrade. Total square footage involved for this first phase is 4,040. Estimated completion date is March 2015 when Beaman Home will occupy its new Outreach Center and administrative offices.

This will coincide with the 30th anniversary of Beaman Home.

Tracie Hodson, executive director, explains the construction/renovation plans. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Beaman Home Executive Director Tracie Hodson said the renovation is “so much more than just a building or another construction project. It’s about providing appropriate space and improved programming to better support domestic violence victims and their children as they heal from the damaging effects of abuse. It’s about saving lives.”

Hodson stated the new facility will allow the offering of more programs for children, teens and adults, in an attempt to break the cycle of abuse. She added the shelter is now seeing second generation victims and more teens. Teens abuse, due to dating relationships, are becoming more prevalent.

Board President Sue Creighton added phase one will enable domestic violence victims and their families to attend ongoing counseling and training programs whether or not they are staying in the shelter. It will also allow a new program to begin to help children cope with the abuse they’ve experienced.

Phase II at the new campus will add a two-story emergency shelter to the west end of the existing building, allowing domestic violence victims to heal in uncrowded space designed to serve unique needs. Plans call for that construction to begin in the spring and will expand the total square footage to 10,000.

Additional donations are needed to complete the Emergency Shelter portion of the project.

A campaign to raise remaining funds to complete the Emergency Shelter is underway. Beaman Home has been humbled by donations grateful for community support. Over $1.4 million has been raised toward the $1.8 million to complete the entire facility. Donations both large and small will reach that goal.

A plan is in place, by the board, to complete the facility if remaining funds are not raised when phase II is ready to begin. Creighton stated it is hopeful, by the end of the year, close to $250,000 will still be needed.

Individuals may contact Hodson at (574) 372-3503 or [email protected] for more information. Donations may be mailed to The Beaman Home, P.O. Box 12, Warsaw, IN 46581-0012.

Kosciusko County Shelter for Abuse Inc. (better known as The Beaman Home) has been providing essential services to domestic violence victims and their children from Kosciusko, Marshall and Fulton counties since 1985. Beaman Home provides a safe haven, along with supportive services, while partnering with and educating the community.