When Dena (63) came to Opening Doors in December 2024, she carried the weight of years spent in unstable living environments and the challenges of substance use. At first, she was unsure about shelter life and hesitant to share her story.

Building Trust and Community

With time, patience, and compassion, Dena began to open her heart. She formed meaningful friendships with other residents and built trust with our staff, allowing herself to lean on them as a support system. Even while facing significant health challenges like COPD, neuropathy, diabetes, high blood pressure, and foot injuries, Dena stayed committed to her healing. She attended medical and physical therapy appointments, even celebrating the milestone of “graduating” from PT.

“Opening Doors Dubuque has been the most amazing place in my eyes! These people are so supportive and help you get on with life…I can’t thank them enough.” – Dena

Growth Through Shelter Support

During her stay in Extended Stay (Teresa Shelter), Dena embraced life skills and growth opportunities. She learned how to budget, save money, and start paying down old debts. She practiced healthy coping strategies, strengthened her mental health, and remained clean and sober—the longest period of sobriety she has experienced in years.

A New Chapter of Independence

In August 2025, Dena proudly stepped into her very own space—a place to call her own. Today, she continues to stay connected through our aftercare program, ensuring she has the encouragement and support she needs as she builds her new chapter.

Resilience and Hope for the Future

Dena’s journey is a testament to resilience and a powerful reminder of the healing, hope, and home made possible through your love and support of Opening Doors. As a program-first shelter, we know that housing is just the beginning—true transformation comes from the skills, support, and resources that empower women to achieve sustainable, independent living.

Addressing the Needs of Older Women

In recent years, we have also seen an uptick in older women entering our programs. Regardless of age, stable housing and supportive services remain a pressing challenge. While Maria House is not a handicap-accessible facility, and options for senior living centers or safe environments are limited, our staff works tirelessly to bridge those gaps. We encourage residents every step of the way, helping them navigate resources and plan their next steps toward sustainable living.