History of Carol House of Hope
In 2011, the Center for Prevention of Abuse acquired its second domestic violence emergency shelter in Pekin, Illinois called the Carol House of Hope.
Tazewell County incorporated the shelter on April 16, 1998, when a group of people consisting of police officers, attorneys, probation officers, and the state’s attorney recognized the growing need for safe shelter for women and children fleeing violence and abuse in Tazewell County. The agency received funding from the United Way of Pekin and through community fundraisers.
A local family close to retirement, Dr. Nelson (Pete) and Barbara Wright, heard about this need and decided to donate their family medical practice building as the shelter facility. They wanted to find a way to honor the memory of their daughter, Carol Wright, who passed away in 1982 in a driving accident. Dr. Nelson Wright’s brother, Dr. Robert (Buck) agreed, supported, and joined Pete and Barb in the donation. From this tragic loss came a glimmer of hope for women and children in need of safety.
CFPA worked in partnership with the shelter for years, providing residents with counseling, support, and court advocacy services, and in 2010, their Board of Directors approached CFPA to inquire about a possible absorption of their agency into the Center for Prevention of Abuse. After much planning and preparation, on July 13, 2011, CFPA welcomed the shelter as a second emergency location. Now, Carol House of Hope residents are eligible for all CFPA services, which greatly expands the resources available to residents of Tazewell and Woodford Counties. Dr. Robert Wright passed in April 2020. Dr. Nelson and Barbara Wright and Dr. Robert’s wife, Gwen, remain strong financial contributors and supporters of the Carol House of Hope and the mission of CFPA.
It is a privilege to honor the memory of Carol Wright and continue serving women and children in Tazewell County who are seeking a life of peace. Each year, CFPA organizes a Fish Fry to raise funds in support of the Carol House of Hope and its services for survivors of abuse.