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.
FREE Event on Thursday June 5th- Join Opening Doors as we celebrate 25 years of empowering women and children in our community!
We’re marking this incredible milestone with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in partnership with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce — and you’re part of the story.
Celebrate our dedicated staff, incredible community partners, and the thousands of lives transformed over the years.
Learn about our vision for the next 25 years of hope, housing, and healing.
Lunch will be available for purchase, and guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour of Maria House, one of the heartbeats of our mission.
📍 Location: Maria House, 1561 Jackson St., Dubuque, IA
📅 Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Empower Women, Change Lives
In 2023, Opening Doors proudly took full ownership of Francis Apartments, a major step in expanding both our impact and sustainability as a nonprofit.
Francis Apartments is our Permanent Supportive Housing program, providing safe, affordable homes for women and children who have experienced homelessness. Residents continue to receive guidance from Case Managers as they build independent, stable lives.
But that’s not all—Francis Apartments is also a source of income for Opening Doors, helping sustain our mission long into the future. By owning this property, we’ve created a lasting asset that supports our programs financially and strengthens our ability to serve more women in need.
🏠 Stability for our residents.
💛 Support that empowers.
🔑 Sustainability for our mission.
Thank you to our supporters for helping us make this milestone possible!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #FrancisApartments #SupportiveHousing #NonprofitSustainability #EmpoweringWomen #EndHomelessness #Dubuque
🙏🏡 Grateful for Community Champions: Melissa Schmitt Supports Opening Doors
We’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Melissa Schmitt of New Eagle Wealth Management for her unwavering support and advocacy for our mission. Yesterday, Melissa took the time to join us for an updated tour of our program and homes, as well as discussing our vision for the future of Opening Doors.
It’s community champions like Melissa who make our work possible, and we truly couldn’t do it without the support of individuals and organizations in our community who share our commitment to making a difference.
Thank you, Melissa, for your continued support and belief in our mission. Together, we can create lasting change and build brighter futures!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #CommunityChampions #MelissaSchmitt #SupportingOurMission #StrongerTogether
🌸 Happy Mother’s Day! 🌸
Today, we celebrate the strength, love, and resilience of all the incredible mothers in our community — especially the courageous women at Opening Doors who are working hard every day to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
To our amazing mothers: your determination inspires us, your love grounds us, and your journey gives hope to so many. 💜
Thank you for showing the world what true strength looks like.
#MothersDay #OpeningDoors #StrongWomenStrongFamilies #HopeBeginsHere
A Fond Farewell to Lauren Krapfl 💗
This week, we shared an emotional goodbye as we wished our beloved Case Manager, Lauren Krapfl, all the best on her next professional adventure and exciting new chapter.
Lauren began her journey with Opening Doors as a field student in January 2021 during her senior year at Loras College. Her passion and dedication quickly stood out, and she was soon hired as a part-time Program Advocate. After earning her Master of Social Work from Clarke University in May 2023, she was promoted to a full-time Case Manager, working closely with our Emergency Stay residents and the amazing volunteers who support our mission.
Lauren brought heart, joy, and unwavering commitment to every role she stepped into. From walking alongside women in their journeys to empowering volunteers to engage meaningfully with our work, she truly embodied the mission of Opening Doors.
Thank you, Lauren, for the compassion, hard work, and warmth you brought to the shelter every single day. You will be deeply missed!
THANK YOU to our Amazing Sponsors!!
Our annual Filling Your Cup event next month — and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors!
A special shout-out to our Cappuccino Sponsors:
@tuckerfreightlines
@cottinghambutler
@bvmsisters
DuTrac Community Credit Union
Sisters of the Presentation
And heartfelt thanks to our Brew Crew Sponsors:
Sisters of St. Francis
@houseoftraveldbq
Friday Financial
In-Kind Sponsors
@verenastreet
@hoteljuliendubuque
@thmediadubuque
@district20supplyco
@amazon
Curious about becoming a sponsor? email natalie@openingdoorsdbq.org
☀️ The weather officially feels like summer, and we can’t wait to get outside and soak up the sunshine!
There’s nothing better than enjoying a walk, a picnic, or some time with the kids at one of Dubuque’s beautiful parks. We especially love being near the downtown area where there’s always something to see and do!
💬 What’s your favorite downtown park? Let us know in the comments—we’re ready to explore!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #SummerVibes #DubuqueParks #GetOutside #CommunityConnections
🎙️ Today we hear from our Executive Director, Carol Gebhart!
At Opening Doors Dubuque, our mission has always been about empowering women and children who are experiencing homelessness and crisis—and today, Carol shares a heartfelt message about how that mission continues to shape lives and create lasting impact.
💬 “For 25 years, Opening Doors has been more than a shelter. It’s been a place of hope, healing, and new beginnings. Every woman who walks through our doors carries her own story—and together, we help her write a new chapter.” – Carol Gebhart, Executive Director
✨ Join us as we reflect on our journey and look forward to the legacy we’re building for the next 25 years.
🎥 @kodiak_creative
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #LegacyOfHope #EmpoweringWomen #CarolGebhart #MissionDriven #25YearsOfImpact
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
FREE Event on Thursday June 5th- Join Opening Doors as we celebrate 25 years of empowering women and children in our community!
We’re marking this incredible milestone with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in partnership with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce — and you’re part of the story.
Celebrate our dedicated staff, incredible community partners, and the thousands of lives transformed over the years.
Learn about our vision for the next 25 years of hope, housing, and healing.
Lunch will be available for purchase, and guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour of Maria House, one of the heartbeats of our mission.
📍 Location: Maria House, 1561 Jackson St., Dubuque, IA
📅 Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Empower Women, Change Lives
In 2023, Opening Doors proudly took full ownership of Francis Apartments, a major step in expanding both our impact and sustainability as a nonprofit.
Francis Apartments is our Permanent Supportive Housing program, providing safe, affordable homes for women and children who have experienced homelessness. Residents continue to receive guidance from Case Managers as they build independent, stable lives.
But that’s not all—Francis Apartments is also a source of income for Opening Doors, helping sustain our mission long into the future. By owning this property, we’ve created a lasting asset that supports our programs financially and strengthens our ability to serve more women in need.
🏠 Stability for our residents.
💛 Support that empowers.
🔑 Sustainability for our mission.
Thank you to our supporters for helping us make this milestone possible!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #FrancisApartments #SupportiveHousing #NonprofitSustainability #EmpoweringWomen #EndHomelessness #Dubuque ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
🙏🏡 Grateful for Community Champions: Melissa Schmitt Supports Opening Doors
We’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Melissa Marie Schmitt of New Eagle Wealth Management for her unwavering support and advocacy for our mission. Yesterday, Melissa took the time to join us for an updated tour of our program and homes, as well as discussing our vision for the future of Opening Doors.
It’s community champions like Melissa who make our work possible, and we truly couldn’t do it without the support of individuals and organizations in our community who share our commitment to making a difference.
Thank you, Melissa, for your continued support and belief in our mission. Together, we can create lasting change and build brighter futures!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #CommunityChampions #MelissaSchmitt #SupportingOurMission #StrongerTogether ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We’re just weeks away from our summer fundraiser - Filling Your Cup !!!
A huge THANK YOU to our incredible $1,500 Cappuccino Sponsors , $500 Brew Crew Sponsors and In-kind sponsors who are helping make this year’s Filling Your Cup a morning to remember:
Tucker Freight Lines
Cottingham & Butler
BVM Sisters
DuTrac Community Credit Union
Sisters of the Presentation
Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa
House of Travel
Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque
Friday Financial
Verena Street Coffee Co.
Hotel Julien Dubuque
Telegraph Herald
District 20 Supply Co.
Amazon.com
Your support helps empower women and children experiencing homelessness at Opening Doors. Because of YOU, hope begins at our door.
LIMITED tickets still available - FYC.givesmart.com
Curious about becoming a sponsor? email natalie@openingdoorsdbq.org
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #AttitudeOfGratitude #ThankYouSponsors #DubuqueEvents #25YearsOfHope ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you, Crescent Community Health Center, for being such a strong advocate for the women and children we serve at Opening Doors. Your compassionate care and partnership make a lasting impact every day. We truly couldn’t do this work without you! 💙
#CommunitySupport #OpeningDoorsDBQ #ThankYouHappy Women’s Health Week 2025! This week, we celebrate the progress made in advancing the health and well-being of women—and renew our commitment to keeping it going.
It’s also a reminder to prioritize your own health—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You deserve it. 💙 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌸 Happy Mother’s Day! 🌸
Today, we celebrate the strength, love, and resilience of all the incredible mothers in our community — especially the courageous women at Opening Doors who are working hard every day to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
To our amazing mothers: your determination inspires us, your love grounds us, and your journey gives hope to so many. 💜
Thank you for showing the world what true strength looks like.
#MothersDay #OpeningDoors #StrongWomenStrongFamilies #HopeBeginsHere ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A Fond Farewell to Lauren Krapfl 💗
This week, we shared an emotional goodbye as we wished our beloved Case Manager, Lauren Krapfl, all the best on her next professional adventure and exciting new chapter.
Lauren began her journey with Opening Doors as a field student in January 2021 during her senior year at Loras College . Her passion and dedication quickly stood out, and she was soon hired as a part-time Program Advocate. After earning her Master of Social Work from Clarke University in May 2023, she was promoted to a full-time Case Manager, working closely with our Emergency Stay residents and the amazing volunteers who support our mission.
Lauren brought heart, joy, and unwavering commitment to every role she stepped into. From walking alongside women in their journeys to empowering volunteers to engage meaningfully with our work, she truly embodied the mission of Opening Doors.
Thank you, Lauren, for the compassion, hard work, and warmth you brought to the shelter every single day. You will be deeply missed! ... See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
☀️ The weather officially feels like summer, and we can’t wait to get outside and soak up the sunshine!
There’s nothing better than enjoying a walk, a picnic, or some time with the kids at one of Dubuque’s beautiful parks. We especially love being near the downtown area where there’s always something to see and do!
💬 What’s your favorite downtown park? Let us know in the comments—we’re ready to explore!
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #SummerVibes #DubuqueParks #GetOutside #CommunityConnections ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎙️ Today we hear from our Executive Director, Carol Streif Gebhart!
At Opening Doors Dubuque, our mission has always been about empowering women and children who are experiencing homelessness and crisis—and today, Carol shares a heartfelt message about how that mission continues to shape lives and create lasting impact.
💬 "For 25 years, Opening Doors has been more than a shelter. It's been a place of hope, healing, and new beginnings. Every woman who walks through our doors carries her own story—and together, we help her write a new chapter." – Carol Gebhart, Executive Director
✨ Join us as we reflect on our journey and look forward to the legacy we’re building for the next 25 years.
#OpeningDoorsDBQ #LegacyOfHope #EmpoweringWomen #CarolGebhart #MissionDriven #25YearsOfImpact
🎥 Kodiak Creative ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook