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.
🩷 You can’t pour from an empty cup… That’s why we’re coming together to refill, recharge, and be inspired at Filling Your Cup—Opening Doors’ empowering summer event!
We are thrilled to announce that Jasmine Brett Stringer will be our keynote speaker this year! Jasmine is a renowned speaker, award-winning author of Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day, on-air TV personality, and host of the podcast and blog Carpe Diem with Jasmine.
With her dynamic energy and powerful message, Jasmine will inspire us all to live authentically and fully.
📣 Join us on June 26 at 7:00 AM at Hotel Julien for this uplifting morning of connection and empowerment.
Link in bio to snag a ticket!
📸 @sportsbyhannah
#FillingYourCup #OpeningDoorsDBQ #WomenEmpoweringWomen #CarpeDiem #JasmineBrettStringer #HopeStartsHere #LiveFully #SummerInspiration
🩷 You can’t pour from an empty cup… That’s why we’re coming together to refill, recharge, and be inspired at Filling Your Cup—Opening Doors’ empowering summer event!
We are thrilled to announce that Jasmine Brett Stringer will be our keynote speaker this year! Jasmine is a renowned speaker, award-winning author of Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day, on-air TV personality, and host of the podcast and blog Carpe Diem with Jasmine.
With her dynamic energy and powerful message, Jasmine will inspire us all to live authentically and fully.
📣 Join us on June 26 at 7:00 AM at Hotel Julien for this uplifting morning of connection and empowerment.
Link in bio to snag a ticket!
📸 @sportsbyhannah
#FillingYourCup #OpeningDoorsDBQ #WomenEmpoweringWomen #CarpeDiem #JasmineBrettStringer #HopeStartsHere #LiveFully #SummerInspiration
👏💯❤️Gratitude and Success: Celebrating the Meat Paddle Wheel Fundraiser!
We want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support the Meat Paddle Wheel Fundraiser at Burkey’s Bar and Grill this past Saturday! The event was an incredible success, filled with great music, community fun, and, most importantly, generosity for Opening Doors.
Thank you to the Eagles Eyes on the Future Committee for hosting this fantastic event and choosing Opening Doors as the beneficiary. Your dedication to making a difference in our community is truly inspiring.
To everyone who attended, spun the wheel, enjoyed live music, and joined us in this effort—THANK YOU! Your support means the world to us and makes it possible for us to continue providing essential services and a safe haven for women and children in need.
We are so grateful for your participation and can’t wait to share more community events with you in the future. Stay tuned, and let’s keep making a difference together!
#MeatPaddleWheelFundraiser #OpeningDoorsDubuque #CommunitySupport #ThankYou #StrongerTogether
👏💯❤️Gratitude and Success: Celebrating the Meat Paddle Wheel Fundraiser!
We want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support the Meat Paddle Wheel Fundraiser at Burkey’s Bar and Grill this past Saturday! The event was an incredible success, filled with great music, community fun, and, most importantly, generosity for Opening Doors.
Thank you to the Eagles Eyes on the Future Committee for hosting this fantastic event and choosing Opening Doors as the beneficiary. Your dedication to making a difference in our community is truly inspiring.
To everyone who attended, spun the wheel, enjoyed live music, and joined us in this effort—THANK YOU! Your support means the world to us and makes it possible for us to continue providing essential services and a safe haven for women and children in need.
We are so grateful for your participation and can’t wait to share more community events with you in the future. Stay tuned, and let’s keep making a difference together!
#MeatPaddleWheelFundraiser #OpeningDoorsDubuque #CommunitySupport #ThankYou #StrongerTogether
🌞📚 Community Love from Local Schools - @holyfamilydbq
This week, I had the delightful opportunity to join the students at Saint Columbkille School for their morning announcements. I was truly touched they surprised us with a generous donation drive for @openingdoorsdubuque helping us meet some of our shelter’s essential needs.
A huge thank you to both Saint Columbkille School and Saint Joseph the Worker for your incredible support and for being such devoted advocates for our community. Your kindness and generosity remind us of the power of unity and compassion, and we are so grateful to have you by our side.
There’s no better way to kick off the month than with a heart full of gratitude 🙏
🌞📚 Community Love from Local Schools - @holyfamilydbq
This week, I had the delightful opportunity to join the students at Saint Columbkille School for their morning announcements. I was truly touched they surprised us with a generous donation drive for @openingdoorsdubuque helping us meet some of our shelter’s essential needs.
A huge thank you to both Saint Columbkille School and Saint Joseph the Worker for your incredible support and for being such devoted advocates for our community. Your kindness and generosity remind us of the power of unity and compassion, and we are so grateful to have you by our side.
There’s no better way to kick off the month than with a heart full of gratitude 🙏
✨ Meet the Board at Opening Doors! ✨
Behind every great organization is a dedicated team of leaders working tirelessly to drive its mission forward. At Opening Doors, our Executive Committee & Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping our vision, supporting our programs, and ensuring we continue to empower women and children in our community.
Each board member brings unique expertise, passion, and commitment to our cause, helping us create lasting change. Stay tuned as we introduce these incredible individuals and share their stories!
Thank you to our board for your leadership and dedication!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #MeetTheBoard #CommunityLeadership #EmpoweringWomen #MakingADifference
✨ Meet the Board at Opening Doors! ✨
Behind every great organization is a dedicated team of leaders working tirelessly to drive its mission forward. At Opening Doors, our Executive Committee & Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping our vision, supporting our programs, and ensuring we continue to empower women and children in our community.
Each board member brings unique expertise, passion, and commitment to our cause, helping us create lasting change. Stay tuned as we introduce these incredible individuals and share their stories!
Thank you to our board for your leadership and dedication!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #MeetTheBoard #CommunityLeadership #EmpoweringWomen #MakingADifference
Community Advocate Spotlight! A big thank YOU to a extraordinary couple who have made a significant impact on the lives of our residents – Richard and Joyce Smith.
Week after week, the Smiths have been working tirelessly to provide food for our residents and always bring a warm smile and comforting presence when making their deliveries. Their unwavering dedication to supporting our shelter and the families we serve truly makes a difference in our community. If you see Richard and Joyce around town, please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude for the meals, family feels, and smiling faces they generously share with our residents and staff.
We couldn’t do it without their incredible support and the help of our community partners.
Community Advocate Spotlight! A big thank YOU to a extraordinary couple who have made a significant impact on the lives of our residents – Richard and Joyce Smith.
Week after week, the Smiths have been working tirelessly to provide food for our residents and always bring a warm smile and comforting presence when making their deliveries. Their unwavering dedication to supporting our shelter and the families we serve truly makes a difference in our community. If you see Richard and Joyce around town, please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude for the meals, family feels, and smiling faces they generously share with our residents and staff.
We couldn’t do it without their incredible support and the help of our community partners.
Introducing Our Keynote Speaker for Filling Your Cup: @carpediemjbs
We are absolutely delighted to announce that the brilliant Jasmine Brett Stringer will be joining us as the keynote speaker for this year’s highly anticipated summer event, Filling Your Cup!
Jasmine Brett Stringer is a celebrated keynote speaker, an award-winning author of “Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day,” a vibrant on-air TV personality, and the inspiring host of the podcast and lifestyle blog Carpe Diem with Jasmine.
With her empowering message and infectious energy, Jasmine is dedicated to helping others lead authentic, fulfilling lives. Her wisdom and enthusiasm are sure to leave us all feeling inspired and motivated to embrace life to its fullest potential.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to hear from Jasmine Brett Stringer and connect with fellow attendees at Filling Your Cup!
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, June 26
Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Venue: @hoteljuliendubuque
We can’t wait to share this uplifting experience with you! Stay tuned for more updates and information.
#FillingYourCup #JasmineBrettStringer #KeynoteSpeaker #Empowerment #CarpeDiem
Introducing Our Keynote Speaker for Filling Your Cup: @carpediemjbs
We are absolutely delighted to announce that the brilliant Jasmine Brett Stringer will be joining us as the keynote speaker for this year’s highly anticipated summer event, Filling Your Cup!
Jasmine Brett Stringer is a celebrated keynote speaker, an award-winning author of “Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day,” a vibrant on-air TV personality, and the inspiring host of the podcast and lifestyle blog Carpe Diem with Jasmine.
With her empowering message and infectious energy, Jasmine is dedicated to helping others lead authentic, fulfilling lives. Her wisdom and enthusiasm are sure to leave us all feeling inspired and motivated to embrace life to its fullest potential.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to hear from Jasmine Brett Stringer and connect with fellow attendees at Filling Your Cup!
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, June 26
Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Venue: @hoteljuliendubuque
We can’t wait to share this uplifting experience with you! Stay tuned for more updates and information.
#FillingYourCup #JasmineBrettStringer #KeynoteSpeaker #Empowerment #CarpeDiem
✨Wrapping up Women’s History Month with gratitude!
Meet our current Board President, Katie McClain, AVP, Human Resources at @dupaco ! Katie first joined Opening Doors as a committee member before transitioning onto the Board, where she continues to make a lasting impact.
Her passion for our mission and her willingness to go the extra mile for our board and team is truly a gift. Thank you, Katie, and our entire team for empowering women, changing lives, and creating hope, healing, and home for our residents. 🏡
#WomensHistoryMonth #Gratitude #Leadership #OpeningDoorsDBQ #EmpowerChangeHope
🎥 @kodiak_creative
✨Wrapping up Women’s History Month with gratitude!
Meet our current Board President, Katie McClain, AVP, Human Resources at @dupaco ! Katie first joined Opening Doors as a committee member before transitioning onto the Board, where she continues to make a lasting impact.
Her passion for our mission and her willingness to go the extra mile for our board and team is truly a gift. Thank you, Katie, and our entire team for empowering women, changing lives, and creating hope, healing, and home for our residents. 🏡
#WomensHistoryMonth #Gratitude #Leadership #OpeningDoorsDBQ #EmpowerChangeHope
🎥 @kodiak_creative
Sunshine and Smiles: A Beautiful Day at the Shelter
Today, the sun is shining bright, and so are the smiles at our shelter! 😎 We’re grateful for the gorgeous weather and the uplifting energy it brings to our residents and staff.
These moments of joy and warmth remind us of the importance of cherishing the simple pleasures in life and finding hope even in the face of challenges.
Here’s to brighter days ahead for all!
#SunshineAndSmiles #HopeAndHappiness #ShelterLife #StrongerTogether
Sunshine and Smiles: A Beautiful Day at the Shelter
Today, the sun is shining bright, and so are the smiles at our shelter! 😎 We’re grateful for the gorgeous weather and the uplifting energy it brings to our residents and staff.
These moments of joy and warmth remind us of the importance of cherishing the simple pleasures in life and finding hope even in the face of challenges.
Here’s to brighter days ahead for all!
#SunshineAndSmiles #HopeAndHappiness #ShelterLife #StrongerTogether
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.
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
🩷 You can’t pour from an empty cup… That’s why we’re coming together to refill, recharge, and be inspired at Filling Your Cup —Opening Doors’ empowering summer event!
🌟 We are thrilled to announce that Jasmine Brett Stringer will be our keynote speaker! Jasmine is a renowned speaker, award-winning author of Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day, on-air TV personality, and host of the podcast and blog Carpe Diem with Jasmine.
With her dynamic energy and powerful message, Jasmine will inspire us all to live authentically and fully. 💫
Join us on June 26 at 7:00 AM at Hotel Julien for this uplifting morning of connection and empowerment.
Snag your tickets here - FYC.givesmart.com
#FillingYourCup #OpeningDoorsDBQ #WomenEmpoweringWomen #CarpeDiem #JasmineBrettStringer #HopeStartsHere #LiveFully #SummerInspiration ... See MoreSee Less
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👏💯❤️Gratitude and Success: Celebrating the Meat Paddle Wheel Fundraiser!
We want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support the Meat Paddle Wheel Fundraiser at Burkey’s Bar and Grill this past Saturday! The event was an incredible success, filled with great music, community fun, and, most importantly, generosity for Opening Doors.
Thank you to the Eagles Eyes on the Future Committee for hosting this fantastic event and choosing Opening Doors as the beneficiary. Your dedication to making a difference in our community is truly inspiring.
To everyone who attended, spun the wheel, enjoyed live music, and joined us in this effort—THANK YOU! Your support means the world to us and makes it possible for us to continue providing essential services and a safe haven for women and children in need.
We are so grateful for your participation and can’t wait to share more community events with you in the future. Stay tuned, and let’s keep making a difference together!
#MeatPaddleWheelFundraiser #OpeningDoorsDubuque #CommunitySupport #ThankYou #StrongerTogether ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌞📚 Community Love from Local Schools - @holyfamilydbq
This week, I had the delightful opportunity to join the students at Saint Columbkille School for their morning announcements. I was truly touched they surprised us with a generous donation drive for @openingdoorsdubuque helping us meet some of our shelter’s essential needs.
A huge thank you to both Saint Columbkille School and Saint Joseph the Worker for your incredible support and for being such devoted advocates for our community. Your kindness and generosity remind us of the power of unity and compassion, and we are so grateful to have you by our side.
There’s no better way to kick off the month than with a heart full of gratitude 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you Burkey’s Bar and Grill for hosting this weekend! ... See MoreSee Less
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Multicultural Family Center we can't wait to be apart of it again this year! ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you DRA for the kickoff! ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
✨ Meet the Board at Opening Doors! ✨
Behind every great organization is a dedicated team of leaders working tirelessly to drive its mission forward. At Opening Doors, our Executive Committee & Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping our vision, supporting our programs, and ensuring we continue to empower women and children in our community.
Each board member brings unique expertise, passion, and commitment to our cause, helping us create lasting change. Stay tuned as we introduce these incredible individuals and share their stories!
Thank you to our board for your leadership and dedication!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #MeetTheBoard #CommunityLeadership #EmpoweringWomen #MakingADifference ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congrats and thank you for your committments 🙌🙌
Amazing team 👏💯
An amazing engaged board!
Community Advocate Spotlight! A big thank YOU to a extraordinary couple who have made a significant impact on the lives of our residents – Richard and Joyce Smith.
Week after week, the Smiths have been working tirelessly to provide food for our residents and always bring a warm smile and comforting presence when making their deliveries. Their unwavering dedication to supporting our shelter and the families we serve truly makes a difference in our community. If you see Richard and Joyce around town, please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude for the meals, family feels, and smiling faces they generously share with our residents and staff.
We couldn’t do it without their incredible support and the help of our community partners. ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
<3
❣️
Dick & Joyce are two beautiful souls❣️
Introducing Our Keynote Speaker for Filling Your Cup : Carpe Diem with Jasmine
We are absolutely delighted to announce that the brilliant Jasmine Brett Stringer will be joining us as the keynote speaker for this year’s highly anticipated summer event, Filling Your Cup!
Jasmine Brett Stringer is a celebrated keynote speaker, an award-winning author of “Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day,” a vibrant on-air TV personality, and the inspiring host of the podcast and lifestyle blog Carpe Diem with Jasmine.
With her empowering message and infectious energy, Jasmine is dedicated to helping others lead authentic, fulfilling lives. Her wisdom and enthusiasm are sure to leave us all feeling inspired and motivated to embrace life to its fullest potential.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to hear from Jasmine Brett Stringer and connect with fellow attendees at Filling Your Cup!
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, June 26
Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Venue: @hoteljuliendubuque
We can’t wait to share this uplifting experience with you! Stay tuned for more updates and information.
#FillingYourCup #JasmineBrettStringer #KeynoteSpeaker #Empowerment #CarpeDiem ... See MoreSee Less
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