Mama’s House is expanding, thanks, in part, to a $25,000 Coachella Valley Spotlight grant from the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. Funds are paying for the remodel of a large master bedroom and bathroom that will increase the resident occupancy for pregnant women in crisis situations. Mama’s House provides shelter for women who want to carry their baby to term, whether they plan to raise their child or seek adoption options.
“There are simply not enough safe places and shelters for women and children in the area who are in crisis,” said Jan Lupia, Founder and Director of Mama’s House. “However, we are working diligently to address our area’s need.”
This remodel is only part of a larger expansion project underway at Mama’s House. The organization has purchased additional property nearby, and over the next 2-3 years, Mama’s House plans to evolve from a 10-bed facility to providing a total of 48 beds at a multiple-home campus.
Mama’s House was established in 2013, and since then, more than 300 women and babies have received the comfort and care they needed. Most come to Mama’s House leaving negative, stressful, even dangerous situations. The staff and volunteers at Mama’s House help expectant and new mothers with educational goals, job training and job searching, plus basic life skills and exposure to arts, crafts and music. While at Mama’s House, every resident is required to work toward a high school diploma or GED certificate, if they have not already earned one.
“Jan and everyone at Mama’s House help women and their children through a challenging time,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “But, they don’t stop there. Mama’s House also gives them skills, strength and guidance for self-sufficiency.”
Mama’s House operates through the generosity of others for financial support and those who volunteer their time. The Mama’s House ladies guild known as the Mama Mia’s organizes volunteers for tutoring, parenting support groups, cooking classes, and other fun and educational workshops.
“No other organization in the valley helps women in crisis pregnancies like Mama’s House does,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3 and KPSP CBS Local 2. “We’re glad we could share the good work the organization is doing and how others can help too.”
Mama’s House was featured on News Channel 3 programming, in public service announcements and on kesq.com throughout June. For more information call or text 844-232-8622 or visit www.themamashouse.org.