MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Domestic violence survivors in Reno County now have a new path to lasting independence thanks to BrightHouse’s latest initiative — Jean’s House, a long-term transitional home focused on skill development, mentorship, and financial stability.
Unlike traditional emergency shelters, Jean’s House is designed for survivors ready to rebuild their lives over an extended period. “Our emergency shelter is still available for those in immediate danger — it’s what we call ‘low-entry,’ open to anyone who needs safety right away,” explained BrightHouse Executive Director Sue Wray. “Jean’s House is very different. It’s communal living for just a few people, and they’ll stay six to eighteen months while they complete training or education that helps them earn a sustainable living.”
The program aims to address one of the most heartbreaking realities of domestic violence — victims returning to their abusers due to financial dependence. “No one should have to choose between safety and survival,” Wray said. “When they can pay for their own door and lock it from the inside, they don’t have to go back.”
More Than Shelter — A Foundation for Change
Jean’s House offers more than a roof — it provides structure, accountability, and mentorship. Residents sign a contract, agree to communal living rules, and participate in personal development plans that include self-esteem building, financial literacy, parenting, and relationship skills. Mentors will help participants navigate challenges like setbacks in school or training, offering consistent encouragement and practical support.
Research, Wray said, shows that flexibility is key to success. “We’re not limiting people to a few job tracks. Everyone’s different. Some may want to learn a trade, others might want to go to school — we’ll tailor it to their goals.”
The home features five bedrooms, each accommodating an individual and up to two children. The program is open to both women and men — a distinction Wray emphasized. “It’s not just women who are victims of abuse. Some men face incredibly difficult situations, especially those raised never to strike a woman. Abuse can happen to anyone, and we want to be there for everyone.”
Breaking Generational Cycles
Beyond financial independence, the program seeks to interrupt generational cycles of abuse. “We’ve seen how abuse passes down — from grandmother to mother to daughter,” Wray said. “We want to break that chain. By building confidence and skills, we help people model something new for their children.”
The pilot project was made possible through the generosity of a private donor, who contributed the house and many of its repairs. Additional support from the State of Kansas is funding the educational and mentoring components.
While Jean’s House offers residency-based services, BrightHouse is expanding the model’s reach to others in the community. “If someone has already left an abusive situation but still struggles to stay independent — maybe they’re living with family or barely holding onto an apartment — we can still help with mentoring, training, and financial assistance,” Wray said. “It might seem more expensive upfront, but if it stops the revolving door of repeat abuse, it saves lives and resources long-term.”
How the Community Can Help
BrightHouse welcomes volunteers, especially mentors willing to work one-on-one with participants. “We’ll do background checks, and volunteers will cover that cost themselves,” Wray noted. “But we need people who want to walk alongside survivors as they rebuild. And of course, financial donations are always appreciated.”
Ultimately, Wray said, Jean’s House represents hope — not just for safety, but for self-sufficiency. “Nobody deserves to live in fear or cruelty,” she said. “If we can help even a few people build a new life, one where they never have to come back to us for safety again, then we’ve done something truly meaningful.”