DUBUQUE, Iowa – Opening Doors is thrilled to announce a generous $500,000 gift from the Thomas & Mary Johnson Foundation to further its mission of empowering women and children experiencing homelessness. This transformational contribution will directly support the expansion of transitional housing services and strengthen programming at Teresa Shelter, Maria House, and Francis Apartments.

“The Johnson Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Opening Doors, and this extraordinary gift will allow us to enhance critical services for women and children in need,” said Carol Gebhart, Executive Director at Opening Doors. “With these funds, we will expand access to life skills training, case management, and mental health support—resources that help families transition from crisis to stability.”

Since 2000, Opening Doors has served thousands of women and children, offering emergency, transitional, and affordable housing solutions. This major gift will ensure continued investment in long-term solutions that break the cycle of homelessness.

A formal check presentation will take place on March 1, 2025 at the Creative Adventure Lab, where representatives from the Johnson Foundation and Opening Doors will discuss the impact of this gift on the organization’s future.

For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact:

Natalie Finley

Marketing & Development Director
563.582.7467
natalie@openingdoorsdbq.org