Our Beginning
Founded in 1992, Hannah Center began as a vision among community members who recognized a need for support for pregnant women in their area. In December of that year, a generous donation from a Marshfield family helped turn this vision into reality. The center aimed to provide a safe haven for pregnant women to find refuge, reflect on their lives, and plan for their futures.
On January 19, 1993, twenty-four individuals from various backgrounds gathered at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield to discuss the needs of pregnant women in society. They agreed that establishing a home for these women could make a significant difference in their lives. Inspired by the Biblical story of Hannah, they named the organization Hannah Center.
After extensive planning and legal consultations, Hannah Center Inc. was established as a residential facility, committed to relying on private support rather than federal or state funds. In June 1993, the center opened its doors, initially focusing on pregnant women in need of a stable environment.
Over the years, Hannah Center's mission has expanded to support women and their children facing various crises, including domestic situations, addiction recovery, and basic needs for stability. The organization has helped hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds.
Recognizing a growing need in Wisconsin Rapids, Hannah Center embarked on a fundraising campaign in 2018. By April 2022, the campaign successfully raised $1 million, leading to the purchase of a property on Pepper Avenue in early 2023. After extensive renovations, the Wisconsin Rapids location officially opened on June 17, 2024, with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on July 1st.
Hannah Center continues to adapt and expand its services to meet the evolving needs of women and children in crisis
Core Values
We support human life in all its forms.
We offer a home environment that is welcoming and non-judgmental to all who enter.
We commit to assisting in positive life changes. We embrace holistic care of a woman, taking into consideration her physical, emotional, social, familial and spiritual needs.
Philosophy
The philosophy of Hannah Center rests on the belief that all life is sacred. The Center is a home dedicated to meeting the needs of a woman facing a life crisis. Our moral commitment is to the women who come to stay with us.
Our voluntary group home atmosphere is conducive to and advocates personal growth. We lead a structured, yet loving home life. Life skills are acquired as residents participate in the day-to-day running of the home.
Because we are a pro-life organization that believes in the sanctity of life, Hannah Center does not support abortions or make referrals for contraceptives.
Our Services
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Hannah's Caring Closet allows Hannah Center to not only meet the needs of our residents, but to also assist community members facing hard times. Hannah's Caring Closet provides donated baby and children's items to any family in need. Thanks to the generosity of our friends, we can extend our mission beyond our doors to show compassion to those who need it most.
Hannah's Caring Closet offers a variety of items based on donations. Hannah's Caring Closet offers baby and children's clothing size 0-6T, diapers & wipes, baby necessities such as bottles, breast pumps, cribs, car seats, formula and much more. These items are available to any community member/family in our area.
To request items from Hannah's Caring Closet please call us at 715-387-6300 or stop in during our office hours Monday – Friday 9:00am – 3:30pm.
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Hannah Center offers an Individual Goal Based Program for women with children, a pregnant woman or a single woman in crisis. This program focuses on setting and achieving long and short term goals, support, advocacy, Life Skills Classes and much more. This program will assist each woman to create lasting positive changes in her life and the lives of her children, setting them up for a happy and healthy future. Length of stay for this program is individualized, and is based on the resident's progress and achievement of her goals. There is an intake process for acceptance into this program and can take up to two weeks (dependent on your ability to meet with our Program Coordinator) to be accepted into this program.
