WASHBURN COUNTY (DrydenWire) - A fifteen-year dream of Spooner's Debbie Jetto is soon to be realized in the form of a much-needed place to house women coming out of jail or prison. Jetto has been a hands-on advocate for years as a Washburn County Jail Chaplin, also leading weekly Bible studies for the women when they are no longer incarcerated. Her goal, and that of the nine-member board is to provide an opportunity to not only give the women a sense of hope but also a future. The goal is to not only teach these women the life skills they'll need to succeed but also teach them how to make wise decisions with God's help.
Washburn County is in need of this kind of facility seeing the closest one is 283 miles away in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Local law enforcement, including the probation officers, fully backs this project and would welcome a place of safety and learning responsibility for the women.
Recently, a generous check was awarded to Peragon Enterprises, Inc. Shell Lake, WI, a manufacturer of solid aluminum truck bed covers. According to a spokesperson, "Peragon was recognized by the Flowers Family Foundation and received the 2023 Wisconsin Business Achievement award. Peragon chose to give $25,000 of that money to their charity of choice, and the Restored House was selected."
According to Jetto, time is currently being spent building up operating capital and seeking someone to donate a house to their 501(c)(3) organization in the Spooner, Trego, or Shell Lake area.
A website and Facebook page are being developed for Restored House and Jetto's email for cash donations or housing is restoredhousewi@gmail.com. You can also contact her by phone, at 715-416-0323.
Photo: Debbie Jetto
Last Update: Oct 31, 2023 7:25 am CDT
