LifeHouse in Springfield Celebrates Ten Years of Service
Grace HomeyerCatholic Charities of Southern Missouri recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of its LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home.
LifeHouse in Springfield opened its doors inside the former Carmel of St. Anne Monastery on December 27, 2013. LifeHouse is a residential program for homeless, pregnant women that offers individualized case management along with pre- and post-natal education and parenting and life skills training. LifeHouse has social work case managers, a registered nurse, a mental health counselor, and support staff on site. A mother can stay up to one year after the birth of her baby and may bring one additional child under the age of five.
Since opening, LifeHouse has been home to 218 women and 48 children and welcomed 138 (and counting) healthy babies. There are currently 13 mothers, 4 toddlers, and 15 babies living at LifeHouse.
“I have seen hundreds of lives impacted for the better because of Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri and the services and education we provide to our mothers and babies. Without LifeHouse being available to our community, many of our mothers would not have a safe and secure housing option, which is crucial in building a successful foundation for their future.” said Nikohl McKee, Maternal and Family Program Administrator.
Maternal & Infant Mortality in Missouri
Missouri historically has a high rate of both maternal and infant mortality. LifeHouse works to enhance post-partum health for mothers and infants, particularly those with a history of substance abuse. The program offers shelter, prenatal education, nutrition classes, and connects residents with prenatal care (OB) to ensure healthy pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, support for postpartum care and assistance in establishing pediatric care for children are provided. All 138 babies were born drug-free.
Expanding LifeHouse to Eastern Missouri
As LifeHouse in Springfield celebrates its 10th Anniversary, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri is gearing up for the opening of a second location in Cape Girardeau. LifeHouse in Cape Girardeau will mimic the successes of the program in Springfield and will bring life-changing services to families on the east side of the state. LifeHouse in Cape Girardeau will open in Spring of this year.
The LifeHouse Program
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.
“I was upset that I might have to give up my son. I didn’t think I had another option. With the support of Catholic Charities, I knew that I would get to keep him.”
For more information about LifeHouse and Catholic Charities’ other programs and services, call 417-720-4213.
