Strategic Plan 2026–2031
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Providing Free Lodging for Law Enforcement Families in Need

📍 Rochester, Minnesota
📞 507-993-7364
✉️ info@houseofshields.org
🌐 www.houseofshields.org

Founded in 2008, the Rochester House of Shields (RHoS) provides free lodging for Police Officers—active or retired—and their immediate family members who travel to Rochester, MN, for treatment at the Mayo Clinic.

Over the next five years, RHoS will move from its current volunteer-led, small-scale operation to a sustainable, purpose-built lodging facility near Mayo Clinic’s downtown campus. This plan outlines the steps to recruit skilled community partners, secure land, raise funds, and construct a new 6-unit lodging home by 2031.

Our mission remains clear: to support those who serve by alleviating the financial burden families face during medical challenges.

The House of Shields was founded in 2008 by Officer Don Bray (retired), a Rochester-area law enforcement officer who recognized a need to support his own—officers and families facing medical hardship. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, RHoS operates entirely through volunteers and donations.

Located in Rochester, home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, the House of Shields has already provided countless nights of free lodging to families navigating health crises. The next chapter is about ensuring long-term capacity, comfort, and stability through a new permanent home.

To provide free lodging and compassionate support to law enforcement officers and their families while they receive medical care at the Mayo Clinic.

To build a lasting home for law enforcement families—a place of comfort, community, and care in times of need.

Focus: Strengthen leadership and expand community engagement.
Objectives:

• Recruit 3–5 community members with financial, real estate, or construction expertise.
  
  
• Recruit 2–3 younger officers from local law enforcement agencies to join the organization.
  
  
• Build relationships with Mayo Clinic community outreach, civic organizations, and regional police associations.
  
  
• Conduct an internal capacity and skills assessment to guide growth.
  
  

Expected Outcomes:

• Expanded leadership base with professional expertise.
  
  
• Established mentorship for future officers.
  
  
• Clear understanding of organizational capacity and resource needs.
  
  

Focus: Prepare for expansion and secure the future location.
Objectives:

• Develop architectural plans for a 6-unit lodging facility.
  
  
• Identify and secure a site near Mayo Clinic’s downtown campus.
  
  
• Establish partnerships with city planning and zoning officials.
  
  
• Launch a capital campaign branded “Future Home of the House of Shields.”
  
  

Expected Outcomes:

• Approved site and conceptual design.
  
  
• Capital campaign launched publicly.
  
  
• Feasibility and site studies completed.
  
  

Focus: Build financial and community momentum.
Objectives:

• Grow the capital campaign through major donors, grants, and sponsorships.
  
  
• Host 2–3 annual fundraising events (e.g., Law Enforcement Gala, Golf Tournament).
  
  
• Form partnerships with law enforcement foundations and corporate sponsors.
  
  
• Seek in-kind donations from unions and construction firms.
  
  

Expected Outcomes:

• $500,000+ in pledges or secured funding.
  
  
• Broader donor and media reach.
  
  
• Strategic construction partnerships established.
  
  

Focus: Prepare for construction and sustainability.
Objectives:

• Accumulate funds necessary to fully finance construction.
  
  
• Finalize engineering, design, and permitting requirements.
  
  
• Develop a maintenance and sustainability plan for long-term operations.
  
  
• Prepare staffing and volunteer coordination structure for the new facility.
  
  

Expected Outcomes:

• Funding goal achieved.
  
  
• Construction documents ready for approval.
  
  
• Operational framework established.
  
  

Focus: Build and open the new 6-unit House of Shields.
Objectives:

• Begin construction and complete the facility build.
  
  
• Continue fundraising for furnishings, landscaping, and reserves.
  
  
• Plan a grand opening celebration with law enforcement and donors.
  
  
• Establish an endowment or reserve fund to support future maintenance.
  
  

Expected Outcomes:

• Fully functional 6-unit lodging home.
  
  
• First families welcomed by late 2030.
  
  
• Sustainable operational and financial model in place.
  
  

• Create a Board Development Committee to identify and mentor future leaders.
  
  
• Implement succession planning to ensure leadership continuity.
  
  

• Strengthen brand visibility through media, social storytelling, and events.
  
  
• Engage local businesses for sponsorships and naming opportunities.
  
  
• Partner with national police support organizations for awareness campaigns.
  
  

• Diversify revenue streams: grants, sponsorships, private donors, and legacy gifts.
  
  
• Offer “Adopt-a-Room” and “Brick-by-Brick” donation programs.
  
  

• Develop a Volunteer Ambassador Program for events, maintenance, and family support.
  
  
• Host annual volunteer recognition events.
  
  

• Conduct annual reviews of goals and adjust strategy as needed.
  
  
• Use measurable metrics: recruitment numbers, funds raised, families served.
  
  

President: Caleb Tesdahl
Vice President: Lee Rossman
Treasurer: Craig Jacobsen
Secretary: Cassandra Carlson
Board Members: Kelly Lee, Ryan Mangan, Danielle Hoff, Sarah Cronk

2026–2027

Recruitment & Partnerships

Expanded board, community allies

2027–2028

Site Planning

Land secured, designs completed

2028–2029

Fundraising

$500K+ raised, public campaign launched

2029–2030

Pre-Construction

All funds secured, permits approved

2030–2031

Construction

Facility built and operational

The Rochester House of Shields stands as a beacon of support for law enforcement families during their most difficult times. Through strategic planning, community engagement, and unwavering commitment, the next five years will see the realization of a lasting home—built by those who serve, for those who serve.