Milwaukee South News

In 1999, Sister Rose Clare Ehrlich, CSA, was serving as a Pastoral Associate at St. Andrew’s Parish in Fort Wayne, Indiana. During this time, she was approached by a man interested in using the old convent building for a recovery home for men. After receiving permission from diocesan authorities, the convent became "The Shepherd’s House," dedicated to helping men recover from addictions.

A year later, as Sister Rose Clare prepared for a sabbatical, the same gentleman suggested she consider establishing a recovery home for women. This idea came at an opportune moment during her sabbatical when she had time to reflect and consult with her superiors in Wisconsin.

After obtaining approval to proceed with the project, Sister Rose Clare began searching for a suitable location. She found it during a dinner invitation at the home of parishioners who were moving due to an expanding family. The couple offered their Victorian house to St. Andrew’s Parish if they could secure funding.

Sister Rose Clare reached out to a Catholic benefactor with ties to a foundation who agreed to purchase the house on one condition: that she would serve as its director. She accepted immediately, leading to the establishment of The Rose Home.

The house underwent thorough cleaning and preparation before officially opening its doors in 2002. The first resident arrived escorted by police officers directly from jail and shared that drugs had been sold from her previous residence. Over time, more women joined The Rose Home community where they were required to find employment and contribute rent while participating in morning reflections and AA/NA meetings.

Sister Rose Clare served as director for six months before retiring and appointing Barb Kaminskas as her successor. Kaminskas implemented new rules during her nearly six-year tenure before Deborah Burton took over leadership 17 years ago.

In August 2024, The Rose Home narrowly escaped destruction when an adjacent tire facility caught fire but was saved through prayers and efforts by firefighters who prevented flames from reaching it.

Since its founding 23 years ago, The Rose Home has supported 816 women on their journey toward addiction recovery. Residents commit to staying at least six months—most remain around nine—and engage in AA/NA meetings along with weekly discussions centered on "The Purpose Driven Life."

Though retired now serving on its board of directors while volunteering within other parish activities; Sister Rose Clare regularly visits residents offering mentorship or transportation assistance when needed expressing joy witnessing personal growth among them saying: “Growth is very visible in these women.”

Daily gratitude fills Sister's heart thanking God not only for existence but also directors’ dedication alongside those eager reclaim lives free from addiction within supportive environment provided here today!