STEVENS POINT – A nonprofit organization supporting development of a housing project for people in the intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) community has appointed an executive director as the project nears the fundraising goal for its first phase.
Door2Dreams announced in a June 16 news release the appointment of Theresa Christianson as the organization’s first executive director.
Christianson began work with Door2Dreams on June 1 contributing to organization operations, fundraising, community partnerships and long-term planning, according to the release. She brings to the role over 20 years of experience in the mental health field and deep understanding of the risks of loneliness and isolation for those in the IDD community.
“I’m excited to help bring something groundbreaking to Central Wisconsin,” Christianson said in the release. “The work that Door2Dreams is doing will help Stevens Point stand out and provide important support to the families of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Door2Dreams leaders like Board President Karen Medo see the hiring of an executive director as an important milestone and evidence of the momentum behind the project, which will provide an inclusive community centered on connection, independence and opportunity for those in the IDD community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Theresa to Door2Dreams,” Medo said in the release. “This organization has reached an exciting point, and we are confident she will help lead Door2Dreams into its next chapter.”
Update on project fundraising
The organization has raised $4.1 million of a $4.5 million fundraising goal for the first phase of the project, which will construct the Berard Gathering Lodge starting in August. The Lodge will be built in a lot adjacent to the northwest of the project’s primary property, which is located north of Maria Drive and directly east of the Berkshire at The Grove apartments, or the former St. Joseph Convent, and between extensions of Meadow and Union streets, according to the release. The primary lot is set to contain various housing types built to serve the needs of people in the IDD community.
The community center, which will contain kitchen classrooms, a multi-purpose gymnasium and other wellness facilities for the development’s residents and their guests, is named after area philanthropists Bob and Mary Berard who contributed to the project, Medo previously told the Stevens Point Journal.
Other significant donors to the project include former Portage County Circuit Judge Thomas Flugaur in honor of his late wife Sharon Flugaur; Patti and Mark Olinyk, owners of Mark Motors vehicle dealership; Quincy, Massachusetts-based Granite Telecommunications LLC via Stevens Point native and NBA champion Sam Hauser; Delta Dental; and anonymous donors, Medo previously told the Stevens Point Journal.
The entire development is expected to serve at least 40 households by providing at least eight single-family homes, six duplexes and a three-story apartment building with at least 20 income-restricted residential unit, according to an early development agreement approved by the Stevens Point Common Council in June 2025.
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK – Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Door2Dreams sets Aug. groundbreaking for Stevens Point housing project
Reporting by Erik Pfantz, Stevens Point Journal / Stevens Point Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Erik Pfantz, Stevens Point Journal | USA TODAY Network
