Q and A with the Founder
A conversation with LeNae Williamson, TDP Executive Director and Diane Store, Founder of The Dwelling Place..
LeNae Williamson, TDP Executive Director (left) and Diane Stores (right)
LeNae: Why did you start this organization back in 1998?
Diane: Several times I looked for a safe place for my kids and I to go when we were fleeing abuse, but that was 45 years ago and there was nothing available where I lived. While on staff at Christian Recovery Center we had women coming to us often asking us for resources for Christ-centered shelters. As I researched, I could not find a shelter that was focused on healing with Jesus and from trauma and abuse. God began to place within my heart the vision for The Dwelling Place. He kept bringing me back to the scripture Isaiah 32:18, “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” It was what my heart had longed for and what these women’s hearts were seeking. With fear and trembling I began to work on the non-profit in 1997 and opened the doors to the first women and children on October 1, 1998.
LeNae: How would you describe the need the dwelling place is meeting in our community?
Diane: I believe complete healing doesn’t happen outside of the truth and hope Jesus brings. There are not many places where women and children can find a safe refuge which also understands the dynamics of abuse trauma and knows how to lead each one into the fullness of their true, God-given identity.
LeNae: How has Tdp grown or changed over time?
Diane: We started with one 5-bedroom home on the eastside of St. Paul. We could shelter 4 women and their children as one bedroom was used for overnight staff and office space. We had limited programming in the beginning but did offer support groups, prayer ministry and parenting classes. The Dwelling Place now offers these components and counseling, life skills, domestic violence class, and programs for the children. Today, the organization can house up to 57 women and children and they are working to expand capacity.
LeNae: What is most encouraging to you about what TDP has become today?
Diane: I am so grateful that TDP has stayed true to the original vision – providing a SAFE space for women and children to heal and grow. They haven’t wavered from the call to stay Christ-centered and Holy Spirit-led.
LeNae: How has the Lord fulfilled your dream?
Diane: I started The Dwelling Place feeling so uncertain and unqualified. The fact is – I was! However, God was just looking for the “yes” in my heart. He’s been so faithful over these 25 years to lead, provide, and protect. I think of all the women and children who have found safe harbor and healing at TDP and my heart is overwhelmed with joy and gratefulness.
LeNae: do you have Dreams for the next 25 years for tdp?
Diane: I’m excited to see all God will do in and through The Dwelling Place in the next 25 years. I have complete confidence that He will continue the good work He has started under the leadership of LeNae and the faithful staff He has called to The Dwelling Place. I know generations have been and will continue to be impacted by the hope and healing women and children have found at The Dwelling Place.
