Stepping Out in Faith to Make a Difference

Nancy Bornbach of Marshfield was working at her job at St. Josephs Hospital as a security officer when she was approached by an individual with no place to stay. The following day she attempted to help this person find housing in Marshfield. The dark, dirty and run-down places available were disappointing.
About this same time, Nancy and her husband, Kevin, were trying to find housing for Nancys mentally disabled sister who was living on a limited income. It was impossible to find anything affordable, and at the same time safe and clean.
These experiences showed the Bornbachs that something needed to be done to provide for the many people who fall through the cracks of society. With the nearest homeless shelter more than 30 miles away, Kevin and Nancy saw the need, stepped out in faith and with God leading us, started this much-needed project in our own community.
They purchased the old North Star Motel at 300 North Central Avenue in 2005 and named the new ministry Marys Place. The North Star had been a low income housing facility for many years, but the building had deteriorated due to neglect, and much work was needed to make it clean and safe. Within the first year, Marys Place was granted non-profit status, and received a grant from the St. Josephs Hospital Foundation for building improvements. With the help of many hard-working volunteers, the building has been cleaned up, renovated and updated, providing residents with a safe, clean place to sta ...