Hope Renewal Center for Women and Children in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has closed, but when it was open, it served as a shelter and care center for women and children dealing with homelessness and sometimes addiction, where they could find a safe, warm place with support services at no cost, and the program accepted donations and even allowed pets, which made it a bit of a comfort for some. The facilities had two main buildings, both once used for Care Partners Assisted Living & Memory Care, with one building offering 11 units for women with kids, each with two bedrooms and a bathroom, and the other building for 14 single women, who shared bedrooms and common spaces like kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, and living areas, all in a setting that provided meals, study and play spaces, and areas for crafts, quiet times, and social activities.
The center gave its residents support for daily needs, like help with bathing, dressing, medication, and meal prep, and there were programs for people with Alzheimer's and dementia, including secure memory care rooms, 24-hour supervision, memory-enhancing activities, and specialized support designed to keep people safe and active, and there were also options for both independent and assisted living, as well as board and care home setups for small groups.
Health care staff included on-site physicians and professionals who could manage skilled nursing, wound care, rehabilitation, and services for those with mild cognitive impairment, and the center accepted women and children up to a certain maximum stay, though the exact time wasn't listed, and required a minimum age for residents. The Ruth House part of the program, also known as the Discipleship Transitions Program, focused on long-term life changes, and the Campaign of Hope project worked to help women move toward independence and self-sufficiency.
Meals covered different diets, including special needs like diabetes or allergies, and there were scheduled meal times plus an all-day dining option, which made it easier for people to eat when they needed. Residents could enjoy outdoor patios, play areas, gardens, walking paths, educational support, social and recreation programs, and access to community services, and the facility was located near parks, cafes, and pharmacies, which helped make errands and outings easier. The place did its best to give people a sense of belonging and stability, even though its policy limited how long someone could stay.
For seniors and adults, there were care options ranging from help with daily routines and medication management to more advanced memory care and nursing, as well as board and care style living, so you'd find medical support, emergency alert systems, housekeeping, and move-in help among the usual amenities, all in a setting that stayed focused on safety and privacy, aiming to support independence and dignity, which mattered a lot to people living through challenging times.
