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In Gillette, Wyoming, 100 women gathered for an evening of connection, coming together to learn how they could support women in the community through The Salvation Army. The evening drew inspiration from female elephants, which are known to gather around one another to protect and care for each other in times of need.
Called the “Power of 100,” the fundraising event asked each attendee to contribute $100 to help The Salvation Army purchase a building for the proposed Center of Grace, a two-year residential program planned to support women and women with children as they rebuild their lives.
With just over three months to raise the necessary funds, The Salvation Army in Gillette is racing to secure at least half of an available warehouse’s asking price before the end of 2025, when the property could be offered to other buyers.
The fundraisers are designed to share the Center of Grace’s vision and inspire the community to contribute.
Jennifer Nell, Salvation Army Intermountain Service Center Coordinator, said the Center of Grace would address a critical gap in Gillette, noting that few resources exist for women who need support while also staying with their children.
“For too many women in Wyoming, seeking help means leaving their children behind, which creates serious barriers to recovery and long-term independence,” Nell said.
She added that the Center of Grace would follow a “no wrong door” model, helping women throughout the state, whether they are facing domestic violence, addiction or homelessness.
“The goal is to help break generational cycles of addiction, poverty and trauma,” she said.
The program would provide interim housing for up to 20 women and their children, offering a sober, supportive space where they can work toward stability—a program that would be the first of its kind in Gillette.
“Now, twenty years later, I’m thriving—and my kids are thriving—because these programs helped break a cycle of addiction and homelessness in my family.”
Morgane Dussault, Salvation Army Regional Director of Development for the Intermountain Division
In cases of addiction, women would join the Center of Grace following treatment.
“Women need that safe, supportive space where they can focus on themselves, their families, and put their energy toward building their future,” Nell said.
During Power of 100, attendees gathered in a relaxed, intimate setting, enjoying pizza and refreshments while learning about the proposed Center of Grace. Instead of a formal program or large fundraising pitch, the evening centered on personal stories and supportive housing experiences.
To keep event costs low, local businesses donated food, refreshments and floral arrangements, while volunteers helped ensure the two-hour program ran smoothly.
“We didn’t make a hard ask. We just shared our stories,” said Morgane Dussault, Salvation Army Regional Director of Development for the Intermountain Division. “If we can truly inspire somebody with our Salvation Army story, then the ask takes care of itself. All we have to do is get people in the door.”
At the event, Dussault shared with attendees her journey of recovery, including completing The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) twice and then seeking interim housing that would allow her to stay with her two young children.
“I knew I wouldn’t be successful by being separated from my children any longer,” Dussault said. “I needed help to stay clean and sober—and not just for me, but to make my family whole again.”
After graduating from the ARC, she reached out to programs that could support her and her children, eventually moving into The Salvation Army Depot Family Crisis Center in Yuba Sutter, California.
“The Salvation Army quickly became home,” she said. “Now, 20 years later, I’m thriving—and my kids are thriving—because these programs helped break a cycle of addiction and homelessness in my family.”
Dussault said her transformative experience motivated her to work toward bringing the family-focused approach to women in Wyoming.
Following the Power of 100 event, the initial $10,000 goal was doubled as attendees and donors continued giving throughout the night, raising a total of $20,000.
“It’s incredible to see the community rally together and want to support one another,” Dussault said. “Guests left inspired, and their generosity showed just how much they believe in giving women and families a meaningful chance to start fresh.”
Plans are already underway for future gatherings, including a “Power of 100 More” event, inviting women to bring their husbands or a friend. Smaller fundraising dinners are also in the plans to continue inviting the community to learn about the Center of Grace.
“We hope this will be a scalable model,” Dussault said, “something other communities can adopt to help women and families heal.”
Your gift will help secure a safe space, supplies, trained staff, and short-term financial help so survivors can heal and rebuild. Donate now and share—let’s be the Power of 100 for our neighbors.
Do Good:
- See how The Salvation Army fights homelessness.
- It’s because of people like you that The Salvation Army can serve more than 27 million Americans in need each year. Your gift helps fight for good all year in your community. It’s an effort to build well-being for all of us, so together we rise—and that good starts with you. Give to spread hope with a donation of funds, goods or time today.
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