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The mission of LifeHouse is to provide a safe, nurturing home and supportive services for women who have chosen life for their unborn child. LifeHouse is not just a shelter, but a comprehensive program with the goal of creating a better life for mother and child.
LifeHouse is a residential program for pregnant women experiencing homelessness aged 18 or older. Each resident can have one child under the age of five with them. The mission of LifeHouse is to provide a safe, nurturing home and supportive services for women who have chosen life for their unborn child. LifeHouse is not just a shelter, but a comprehensive program with the goal of creating a better life for mother and child. LifeHouse provides case management, food and shelter, counseling, and so much more.
LifeHouse was established by a woman who experienced multiple miscarriages as a result of a previous abortion. She answered a call from God to help women who were pregnant with nowhere to turn.
After she founded LifeHouse, she was invited to a meeting with Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri. Walking the grounds at St. Anne’s Monastery, she was overcome with a sense of peace. Upon learning that the nuns who occupied the Monastery dedicated their lives to praying for mothers and children, the decision was easy: the two ministries would merge with St. Anne’s housing LifeHouse.
LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home at St. Anne’s Monastery first opened its doors on December 27, 2013. Since then, 143 (and counting) healthy babies have been born, many of whom continue to stay in touch with their care managers and other staff.
LifeHouse in Springfield has capacity to house 17 residents.
Years ago, community leaders in Cape Girardeau approached Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri about opening a second maternity home on the east side of the state. There was a great need for a similar program in the area, and the success of LifeHouse in Springfield was an inspiration to many. What was once a dream…
…is now a reality. After countless hours of dedication, planning, dreaming, and prayers from individuals and organizations across the country, LifeHouse in Cape Girardeau opened its doors on April 29, 2024.
Lovingly named after St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who was also a Carmelite sister, the Little Flower Campus is Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri’s eighth location across the Diocese.
LifeHouse in Cape Girardeau has capacity for 15 residents.
At risk of becoming homeless due to domestic violence, Talia bravely decided to put her life on a new path to give her child everything he deserves. She reached out to LifeHouse looking for a fresh start and within a week, she moved in to her new home.
Talia immediately engaged with her care team and connected to all of the supports and resources offered to her. Talia gained employment and began saving money for her new life. After a few months at LifeHouse, Talia was able to utilize our Used Car Program to obtain a reliable vehicle to transport herself to and from work and appointments.
Talia welcomed a beautiful, healthy baby boy. While on maternity leave, Talia continued to receive education on parenting, infant growth and development, and budgeting (among other topics). She also started pursuing her Real Estate license.
Applying every bit of education she has learned, she is an incredible, resilient, self-sufficient single parent to her now seven-month-old son who is thriving and attending daycare while Talia is working and taking classes. She is now exploring options for permanent housing as she prepares to graduate from the LifeHouse residential program. Upon graduation, Talia will be eligible to continue receiving AfterCare services for an additional two years.
Talia’s successes represent all that LifeHouse stands for – healing, stability, resilience, independence, and growth. Her story will continue to inspire hope in our communities and for other women in need for years to come.
TALIA, LIFEHOUSE RESIDENT
Join Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri at one of two galas this fall! The LifeHouse Galas in Springfield and Cape Girardeau will directly support the LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home program. Both galas will feature dinner, dueling pianos, exciting auctions, and more.
Mark your calendars for September 21 (Springfield) and November 2 (Cape Girardeau). Event sponsorships are available now. 70% Maternity Home Tax Credits are available for each event. For more information, please contact Suzanne Cronkhite, Chief Advancement Officer, at scronkhite@ccsomo.org or 417-720-4213.
