Elizabeth House in Marshall was dedicated on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 with a prayer of dedication by pastor Jamie Thompson of Door Creek Church, one of the largest evangelical churches in Madison. Minutes later, the staff of Elizabeth House and Care Net of Dane County were prayerfully commissioned in their new facility by Bishop Donald Hying of the Madison Catholic Diocese.
Since the days of Martin Luther, Protestants and Catholics have had trouble agreeing on some things.
But in the Madison area, ProLife Christians of many denominations have given strong support to Care Net, known as the Pregnancy Information Center when it began 40 years ago.
Elizabeth House is a place where women who are single and pregnant, with few options, can find hope and help, learning how to be a mother, getting a GED or job training, and getting their life on track. The service is offered freely and over the past 20 years the first Elizabeth House in Madison has helped 360 women and children.
But there was a growing waiting list. Care Net wanted to expand in Madison but “we ran into a lot of obstacles,” said Care Net board chair Mark Schweiger. “It was really disappointing.”
Board member Jim Vogel, serving as project manager, scoured the area looking for the right property and found it in Marshall, where Care Net was welcomed with open arms. City Administrator Brandon Bledsoe “Marshall takes pride in being a community that values compassion, service, and supporting our neighbors. The new Elizabeth House will have a lasting impact on mothers and their children.”
The $1.9million capital campaign enabled not only the purchase and renovation of the property but also one year of operating expenses. A small crowd of about 60 people represented the donors (corporate and individual), foundations, and churches that participated in the campaign. “Today we are here to dedicate this house for God’s glory in thanks for his compassion, celebrating with joy and thanksgiving,” Schweiger said. “It’s a place for women to learn and grow and all along the way they hear the Gospel.”
Before his prayer of dedication, pastor Thompson mentioned his own personal history with Care Net. As a college student he participated in an abstinence education program that Care Net sponsored for Middle School students. “What a gift to be able to come and celebrate and pray that this would be a place of transformation and community.”
After the ribbon cutting by Care Net CEO Sara Patterson and Project Manager Jim Vogel, Bishop Hying observed that Jesus said, in Matthew 25, that what we do for the weakest among us we do for him. “There is no more beautiful work than helping women, welcoming women, and giving them a place of support and care. It’s an honor to be a part of this.”
Elizabeth House is now hiring. Up to seven moms and their babies will be served when it is fully staffed, perhaps as early as mid-August.
