WELCOME

Welcome to the Father Bradley Shelter

for Women & Children

A safe place to land. A strong place to rise. A meaningful place to serve.

Hope, Healing, & Housing

We’re a proud part of the Henderson community—offering safe shelter, practical support, and compassionate, trauma-informed care for single women and mothers with children. Whether you’re here seeking help or hoping to lend a hand, we’re so glad you’re here. You belong.

The Father Bradley Shelter is a 4–6 month housing program designed to help women and families rebuild stability. During their stay, residents receive hands-on support to:

Obtain vital documents needed for housing, employment, and services
Find and maintain steady employment
Build savings and prepare for long-term, stable housing

We provide:

Safe, clean shelter for women and children
Daily essentials—meals, hygiene items, and bedding
Goal-focused case management to promote independence and next steps
Connections to community partners for health care, transportation, employment, and housing
A respectful, judgment-free environment that honors each woman’s dignity, culture, and story

Join Us in Opening More Doors

Your generosity keeps families safe, hopeful, and moving forward. Here are a few ways to make an impact:

Give: One-time or monthly gifts provide meals, shelter, and essential programs.
Sponsor: Partner through event or program sponsorships to sustain services all year.
Volunteer: Share your time and talents—help with meals, resident support, classes, upkeep, and more.
In-kind gifts: High-need items like linens, toiletries, cookware, luggage, and children’s supplies help families settle and succeed.
Corporate & civic groups: Host drives, team service days, or learning sessions to strengthen community care.

Our Story

The Father Bradley Shelter for Women and Children was born from compassion, faith, and a deep belief that every woman and child deserves a safe place to call home.

In the late 1990s, as homelessness among women and children grew throughout the Tri-State area, Father Bradley, Sister Pauletta Kane, and Mary Ann Thrasher saw the urgent need for refuge and stability. Their shared vision became a promise—to open doors of safety, dignity, and hope for families in crisis.

That promise came to life in 2001, when the Shelter for Women and Children first opened its bright red door. Since then, thousands have walked through it—finding warmth, stability, and a path toward independence.

In November 2013, the shelter was rededicated in honor of Father Bradley, whose unwavering advocacy and compassion continue to guide our mission. When he passed away on November 30, 2024, at the age of 81, the community lost a beloved leader—but his spirit lives on in every woman and child we serve, and in every life changed beyond that red door.

"If it wasn't for this place and the people here, I wouldn't be walking with my head held high today"

Stories of Hope

Every woman who walks through our door carries a story of strength, of struggle, and of hope. At the Father Bradley Shelter for Women and Children, these stories remind us why we do what we do: to help women rebuild their lives and rediscover their worth.