About Us
Empowering Lives
Opening Doors is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and children experiencing homelessness. We empower individuals by providing goal-setting and life skills training, enabling them to achieve their full potential. Our approach offers a hand up, not a handout.
Since 2000, Opening Doors has served thousands of women and children through a comprehensive continuum of services.
- Teresa Shelter offers emergency and extended stay programs.
- Maria House provides transitional housing for up to two years.
- Francis Apartments offers income-based affordable housing with supportive services, a proven combination that helps break the cycle of homelessness.
Mission Statement
Empowering women and their children by providing shelter and personalized support to find healing, hope, and home.
Vision
Help all unhoused women and their children achieve independence and confidence.
Our Values
- Empowerment: We believe in the innate strength and capabilities of every woman. Through our structured programming and supportive services, we empower women to realize their potential and become confident, contributing members of society.
- Compassion: Our team approach and welcoming atmosphere create a safe space where women and their children are treated with dignity and respect. We meet them where they are, providing a listening ear, accountability, and tailored support.
- Opportunity: Opening Doors is committed to offering opportunities that go beyond shelter. We provide life skills education, case management, and resources that allow women to overcome homelessness and establish a foundation for a brighter future.
- Community: We are deeply connected to our community and collaborate with partners to provide comprehensive support. Through these partnerships, we equip women with the tools needed to break free from homelessness and create stable lives.
- Inclusiveness: At Opening Doors, we celebrate diversity and recognize that every woman’s journey is unique. We foster an environment that embraces individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Our commitment to inclusiveness ensures that all women have equal access to our services, regardless of their circumstances, and that they feel valued and understood as they work towards stability and independence.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for all individuals seeking shelter and stability. Teresa Shelter serves women, individuals who identify as women, and non-binary individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring that everyone has access to safe housing and essential services regardless of background or identity. We embrace diversity in age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and lived experience. Our programs are designed to remove barriers, promote equity, and provide individualized support tailored to the unique needs of each resident. By cultivating a culture of respect, dignity, and empowerment, we help individuals build pathways to self-sufficiency and long-term stability. Through continuous learning, community partnerships, and inclusive policies, we reaffirm our dedication to serving all individuals ages 18 and +, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued on their journey toward independence.
Opening Doors Dubuque
Empowering women and children experiencing homelessness through compassionate care & comprehensive programs. We provide shelter, support, and a path toward stability and independence. Services: Teresa Shelter, Maria House, and Francis Apt
🎄 What do the holidays look like at Opening Doors? We get this question a lot- and we love answering it.
At Opening Doors, the holiday season is full of magic. Our program staff works hard to make our spaces feel like home: Christmas trees in every corner, cookie-decorating nights, shared meals, family game nights, and thoughtful gifts for every woman and their child. For many, this is the first time in a long time they feel safety, joy, and true belonging, and that’s the heart of the season for us.
🎁So what are our biggest needs this time of year? They’re BIG - and your generosity truly matters.
Holiday drives, board support, and donations of essentials (see our Amazon Wish List!) help stock our shelves for months. This allows us to save agency dollars on hygiene items, cleaning supplies, food, and winter gear so more funding can go directly toward our buildings, staff, and programs.
Because of you, we can direct more funding toward what truly sustains our mission!
🌟 Thank you for asking, caring, and helping us raise awareness. Your support keeps the magic alive, not just during the holidays, but all year long.
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🌟 Meet Our New Emergency Stay Case Manager, Julie Fuller! 🌟
We are thrilled to officially welcome Julie Fuller into her new role at Opening Doors!
Julie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2020 and brings meaningful experience supporting individuals with Substance Use Disorder. Before joining our team, she worked at Pathways Behavioral Services Residential in Waterloo.
After moving to Dubuque, Julie joined Opening Doors in September 2023 as a Part-Time Program Advocate. This fall, she stepped into her new role as Emergency Stay Case Manager—a position where her heart, dedication, and belief in second chances shine every day.
She believes every woman deserves the support not just to survive, but to thrive and become the best version of themselves. That mindset makes her an incredible addition to our team and a powerful advocate for our residents.
When she’s not at the shelter, you can find Julie painting, drawing, creating art, or diving into documentaries, books, and trivia—always eager to learn something new.
Please join us in welcoming Julie to this next chapter with Opening Doors! We are so grateful for the compassion and strength she brings to our mission.
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Giving Tuesday is TODAY— and your generosity changes lives.
At Opening Doors, every gift transforms a moment of crisis into a pathway toward stability, safety, and hope.
When you give, you’re providing warm beds, safe shelter, personalized support, and the chance for women and children to rebuild their lives with dignity.
This year alone, supporters like you helped us provide over 10,566 bed nights to women and children in Dubuque. But the need continues to grow — up 112% since 2021 — and your support ensures no woman or child has to face homelessness alone.
Each slide shares the impact of your generosity:
✨ One night of safety
✨ A path forward through case management
✨ Stability and long-term success
✨ A community that believes in brighter futures
On Giving Tuesday, you can be the difference.
You can open the door to safety, stability, and a new beginning.
Join us. Give today.
👉 Donate at openingdoorsdbq.org / link in bio
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Some words from our new Executive Director, Jessica Schlader
“I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director at Opening Doors. Every day, this organization creates pathways to safety, stability, and possibility for women and children in our community. It is a privilege to walk alongside a team so committed to dignity, compassion, and empowerment.
In these first weeks, I look forward to listening, learning, and connecting with the people who make this mission come alive—our staff, residents, volunteers, partners, and supporters. Together, we will continue building a strong foundation for healing and hope.
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I am excited for all we will accomplish, together.”
— Jessica Schlader, Executive Director
💚 Please help us welcome Jessica to the Opening Doors family!
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We’re excited to share the Telegraph Herald story announcing Jessica Schlader as the new Executive Director of Opening Doors!
With a strong background in nonprofit leadership, development, and fundraising, Jessica brings fresh energy and deep compassion to our mission of serving women and children experiencing homelessness.
Jessica follows longtime Executive Director Carol Gebhart, whose leadership since 2017 helped expand our programs and shape years of growth. We are grateful for Carol’s dedication and the legacy she leaves as she supports us through the transition.
For 25 years, Opening Doors has provided safe shelter, stability, and support through Teresa Shelter, Maria House, and Francis Apartments, serving more than 6,000 women and their children. Demand continues to rise, and Jessica will help continue to lead efforts to strengthen community partnerships and expand our capacity.
“These women are strong and resilient… We’re focused on helping people find the solutions they need.” — Jessica Schlader
Please join us in welcoming Jessica to the Opening Doors family as we look ahead to the next chapter of Healing, Hope, and Home
New director takes reins of Dubuque nonprofit serving homeless women
www.telegraphherald.com
A new leader is at the helm of a Dubuque nonprofit that has helped more than 6,000 women experiencing homelessness.6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today, we’re especially grateful for our community — the volunteers who show up, the partners who invest in our mission, and the supporters who believe every woman and their child deserves safety, dignity, and a path forward. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
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With the guidance and support of the transitional program and Teresa Shelter staff, I am working hard at moving forward and reaching goals to transition into a better life.