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Christine Ann Domestic Violence Shelter in Oshkosh, WI.

About Us

Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services

Portrait of Christine Ann Clark.

Christine Ann Story

Christine Ann Clark was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and music teacher. She met her husband Alan while in college at UW-Oshkosh. Soon after they got married, he became very physically abusive. After each incident, he apologized and promised never to do it again. After he threatened to harm their baby daughter, she fled to a domestic abuse shelter. She then went to live with her parents and filed for divorce. Claiming to love his daughter very much, Alan settled for biweekly visitations with their daughter. It was during an exchange of the baby that he murdered Christine Ann. The baby was unharmed. Alan was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree sexual assault. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Throughout the ordeal of her relationship, Christine drew on her own strength to do what she thought was best to survive. She was resourceful and leaned on friends, family, and community agencies. Her desire to protect her daughter from a life of violence led her to end the marriage. Her death reminds us of the need to remain vigilant in our work and never underestimate the potential for deadly consequences. Our work with survivors is inspired by Christine’s resilience.

Mission

Empower individuals and families through education, safety and support, and lead our community to reduce the incidents and the effects of domestic abuse and dating violence.

Vision

To end the cycle of domestic abuse and dating violence.

Agency History

Over the years, the agency expanded its programs and services to meet the increasingly complex needs of domestic violence victims, as well as it’s geographic reach to include rural Green Lake County. It also expanded to include community education and prevention programs. Agency services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are provided free of charge.
1984
RDAS OPENED

On September 13, 1984, RDAS opened public offices at the Neenah/Menasha YMCA and on September 16, 1984, opened a public shelter located at Park View Health Center in Winnebago, WI capable of housing 13 women and children.

1987
RDAS GROWING

Over the years RDAS continued growing to meet the needs of the community. In July 1987, a Children's Program was added to serve children coming into shelter and children in the community who were growing up in family violence.

1990
CHRISTINE ANN CLARK MURDERED
Portrait of Christine Ann Clark.

April 8, 1990 - Christine Ann was found murdered in the Eldorado Marsh State Wildlife Area in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin

1991
STAND-ALONE SHELTER OPENS

In May of 1991 the shelter was moved into the current location on Algoma Blvd. in Oshkosh.

In 1991 a Capital Campaign was kicked off to purchase the 206 Algoma Blvd. property in Oshkosh to serve as a shelter. The need for more space as well as accessibility to county services precipitated this campaign. On May 30 the shelter was physically moved from Park View Health Care to 206 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh. On July 11, 1991 the shelter was renamed the Christine Ann Center, in memory of Christine Ann Schambow, who was murdered by her husband.

1992
EXPANDING TO GREEN LAKE COUNTY

In 1992 we opened an outreach program in Berlin to better serve the needs of Green Lake County families.

1995
PREVENTION SPECIALIST

In February 1995 a Prevention Specialist was hired to address family violence issues and develop curriculums for the school systems in Winnebago and Green Lake counties for grades K-12.

In 1995 we also purchased the property next to the Christine Ann Center which became an addition to the shelter to improve and maintain services to families affected by violence.

1996
SHELTER EXPANDS
In 1996 RDAS succeeded in raising $1.3 million during the capital campaign and added on office area, group rooms, a board room, and indoor playroom in the basement. Handicap bedrooms were also added to the first floor of the shelter and an additional 10 beds and 2 cribs to the Carriage House.
1997
SHELTER ADDITION
In 1997 the addition to the Christine Ann Center was completed, an open house was held in May that year to show off the new quarters.
2012
RENOVATIONS

Christine Ann facility renovations

2018
MENASHA OFFICE

Opened office inside LEAVEN in Menasha

2020
NEW GREEN LAKE LOCATION

Opened office in Town Square Community Center in Green Lake

Support the Cause!

Just like any home, we have constant basic needs such as cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and coffee. We gratefully accept donations of these items and more. Please call ahead to arrange a time to drop off donations – 920-235-5998.