About Us

Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services

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

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 Clark, 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

2023

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Started fundraising for the future facility at 240 Algoma Blvd.

March 30

Sub Label

FACILITY MOVE

October we started officially operating out of 240 Algoma Blvd. and expanded the Emergency Floor beds to 64, added a Transitional Housing Program, become fully ADA accessible, and started accepting pets into shelter.

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.

About Us

Christine Ann Story

Mission

Vision

Agency History

Annual Reports

2019 Community Impact Report

2020 Community Impact Report

2021 Community Impact Report

2022 Community Impact Report

2023 Community Impact Report

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