The Gratitude Club launches capital campaign to build Phoenix Nest, a new sober living residence for women in Fond du Lac

The Gratitude Club, a respected 501(c)(3) organization with a long-standing, impactful presence in the Fond du Lac community, has announced the launch of a major capital campaign to build Phoenix Nest, an 8-bed sober living residence designed specifically for women recovering from substance abuse disorders.

Phoenix Nest will provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment where women can rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and purpose. The project is a significant expansion of the Gratitude Club’s mission to support individuals in recovery and strengthen the community’s continuum of care. The ongoing collaboration between The Gratitude Club and Phoenix Nest is further strengthened by their close proximity. The Gratitude Club already owns the land at 299 Western Avenue, where Phoenix Nest will be built, directly adjacent to its existing facility.

The total estimated construction cost is $757,080, and the Gratitude Club aims to raise $1 million. This goal will not only fully fund the project but also establish a long-term operational reserve to support Phoenix Nest and the Gratitude Club’s ongoing recovery programs.

Key features of Phoenix Nest include:

· Structure & Accountability: A safe, drug- and alcohol-free living environment with clear expectations and guidelines.

· Skill Development: Support for residents to build employment readiness, life skills, and long-term self-sufficiency.

· Supportive Staffing: A live-in peer manager and supervising manager providing daily support, accountability and coordination with residents’ families and recovery teams.

“Phoenix Nest fills a critical gap in our community,” said Ellen Buretta, Manager of the Gratitude Club. “For women completing treatment—and possibly after incarceration—the transition back into everyday life can be overwhelming without stable housing and ongoing support. Phoenix Nest will give them the structure and encouragement needed to build healthy, independent futures.”

The Gratitude Club invites individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners to join the campaign and help bring this transformative project to life.

To learn more or to contribute to the Phoenix Nest Capital Campaign, please visit www.gratitudeclub.net or contact Ellen Buretta at manager@gratitudeclub.net.