Click here to view Boiler Replacement Fund Drive flyer
Shalom's Boiler Replacement Fund Information Update:
The Fund Drive began March 5, 2010. Through July 11, 2010 we have raised $44,153.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION!
We are thrilled to share that Shalom Retreat Center will be receiving a $10,000 grant for our Boiler Replacement Fund from the Dubuque Racing Association this summer.
March 5, 2010
Dear Shalom Friends and Benefactors,
In January, when temperatures dipped below zero, we realized the importance of having an efficient heating system. In the past, Shalom received its steam heat from the Mt. St. Francis power plant. In the interest of going green, the five buildings presently receiving heat from this aging and inefficient power plant will gradually go offline. Shalom will be the first building to do so in the summer of 2010.
While this is good news for Shalom, resulting in greater fuel efficiency and lower energy costs, it will require the purchase and installation of two new low-pressure steam boilers.
The cost of this project is approximately $150,000 – $200,000. Because the Sisters of St. Francis believe in and support Shalom, they will provide a gift of $100,000. It will be necessary for Shalom to fundraise the remaining $50,000 – $100,000.
The Shalom Development Committee is pursuing several avenues to assist in fundraising for this expenditure. We applied for a grant from the Dubuque Racing Association and are researching other grants and fund raising possibilities as well.
More than ever we need your financial assistance as we move through this transition. If you have never been a donor, now would be the time. If you have been a donor, thanks for already making a difference, and if you could increase your past giving level, it would be most helpful.
In the box on the left, we list our need. Your donation will fund the future of Shalom. With your help, we will continue to bring the Good News to God’s people in this turbulent age.
In the gospel spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare,
Margaret Jungers, OSF
Director, Shalom Retreat Center
Nancy Schreck, OSF
President, Sisters of St. Francis
Caring for the Shalom Building
When Shalom was founded in 1989, the Franciscan Sisters entrusted a treasured building with
a rich history to a new and ambitious endeavor. Built in 1881, the Shalom building had previously
served as the Sisters’ original motherhouse, as a beloved academic institution (Immaculate Conception Academy), and as a retirement center for the Sisters. With a profound sense of responsibility and stewardship for this historic facility, Shalom Retreat Center has designated projects each year that preserve, restore, and improve this cherished center of faith and service.
Shalom Building Project History
2009 East Chapel cornice replaced. South side Shalom roof repaired. Two large bathrooms renovated – tile flooring, painting, new bathroom fixtures. Four large custom-made windows installed. Forty mattresses replaced. Additional wireless access point installed.
2008 West Chapel cornice replaced. Digital elevator position indicators installed. Dining Room air conditioners installed. Repaired, sealed and restriped parking areas. Wireless access points installed for guest access.
2007 Shalom Chapel renovated – restoration of chapel walls and ceiling; repainting. Electrical service to dining room updated.
2006 Four energy efficient air conditioners installed in conference rooms. Twenty custom-made windows installed. Carpet was replaced in the west stairway.
2005 Shalom Hermitage received an “extreme makeover.” Third floor conference room floor reinforced and renovated. Coffee station and tile flooring installed by conference room 317.
2004 Two handicapped-accessible bathrooms constructed to replace outdated facilities. New flooring installed from the elevator to west stairway of second floor.
2003 Refurbished second floor conference room and hallway – carpet replaced, additional lighting and chair rails installed, repainting, purchased storage bench, sound system and 50 chairs for small chapel/conference room.
2002 Kitchen and adjacent hallways renovated – tile flooring, stainless steel counters, handi- capped accessible restroom, private retreatant dining room, and clean-up area.Renovated southeast section of the lower level – new tenant, Integrating Wellness, moved into Shalom.
2001 Transformed southeast lawn into a
meditation garden with pathways, flower beds, an herb garden and large fountain.
2000 Chapel air conditioning installed. Sacristy renovated. Emergency lighting completed.
1999 First floor renovated – new reception area,
gift shop, cloakroom; updated hallway ceiling, flooring, and lighting. Emergency lighting plan initiated.
1998 Courtyard renovated and accessibility to Center improved– landscaping with shrubs and plants, entrances rebuilt.
1997 Dining room and library refurbished.
1996 Recliners purchased for all the
bedrooms. Chapel - new roof installed.
1995 Chapel – storm windows installed. New
shades and blinds for all windows installed.
1994 Hailstorm caused extensive exterior
damage. Volunteers and friends helped
restore building, including the Chapel
windows. Seven bathrooms, many more
bedrooms, and first floor parlor renovated. Repaired, sealed and restriped parking areas.
1993 Chapel renovated into a beautiful
worship and meeting space.
1992 Purchased new ovens, ice-maker and
dishwasher. The old north gym taken down, and new outdoor deck constructed over its basement foundation.
1991 Third floor conference room and four bedrooms renovated. Roof and gutters repaired. External facade of the building painted.
1990 Purchase/installation of 255 storm windows.
Our Mission:
Founded in the Franciscan tradition, Shalom Retreat Center is
a sacred space in a peaceful environment, offering hospitality and hope,
inspiration and challenge, programs and privacy,
calling people to God and fullness of life.
1001 Davis Street Dubuque, IA 52001 563.582.3592
Email: info@shalomretreats.org Web: www.shalomretreats.org
© Shalom Retreat Center, Dubuque, Iowa. All rights reserved.