by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

In maternity housing, providing a safe and nurturing environment goes hand-in-hand with giving residents a voice. Honoring each woman’s dignity requires valuing her unique perspective and ensuring she feels heard. After all, the mission of a maternity home is to serve residents—not the other way around. This foundational commitment, established at incorporation and upheld for donors and constituents alike, keeps the organization focused on its true purpose: service through ministry to residents.

Structured resident surveys can be instrumental in fostering this environment. Anonymous surveys with open-ended questions allow residents to express their thoughts freely, supporting both transparency and safety. However, concerns inevitably arise: "What if residents lie or don’t tell the full story?" or "What if they manipulate responses to create triangulation?" Acknowledging these realities—along with the possibility that staff voices might go unheard—does not diminish the value of feedback. In fact, it strengthens it by promoting checks and balances between residents and staff. The survey process itself, done with integrity, serves as an accountability measure that protects both parties.

Beyond immediate insights, surveys reveal trends over time. While one resident’s perspective may be unique, repeated themes across surveys highlight patterns that can guide program adjustments. Additionally, survey data provides essential outcome measurements, serving as a valuable tool for evaluating program efficacy and reporting to donors, board members, and staff.

Example survey questions that invite honest reflection include:

• "What has your experience in the home been like this month?

• “What helped you?”

• “What did not help you?”

• “Did you feel safe this month? Why or why not?”

• “Is there anything on your mind that you’d like us to know that you might not feel comfortable sharing in person?”

• “What has your spiritual experience been like this month?”

• “Did you learn anything new this month? If so, what did you learn?”

• “What do you feel you need most right now?”

• “How was your sobriety journey this month?”

• “How many close friends do you have right now?”

• “What are your goals for the future?”

• "What do you feel you need most right now?"

Through structured feedback, maternity homes can fulfill their mission of dignified service, ensuring the organization remains a sanctuary of support, integrity, and growth.

by Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

Imagine for a moment living in a world where every word, gesture, and decision is controlled by someone else. It sounds terrifying, right? Unfortunately, for many people, this is their reality in relationships. Domestic violence isn’t just about the bruises you can see; it often hides in more subtle, yet powerful ways that can shatter a person’s spirit. As leaders and workers in maternity housing, understanding these hidden dynamics is crucial if you want to support the residents in your care effectively. One helpful tool to guide us in this understanding is the Power and Control Wheel, which reveals the various tactics abusers use to dominate their partners.

What is the Power and Control Wheel?

The Power and Control Wheel* breaks down the different tactics abusers employ. Sure, physical violence is often the most visible form of abuse, but it usually stems from a pattern of other controlling behaviors. Here are some key parts of the wheel:

- Coercion and Threats: This is all about using fear or intimidation to control someone, like threatening to hurt them or their loved ones.

- Emotional Abuse: Think of it as undermining someone’s self-worth through insults or manipulation.

- Economic Abuse: This is where one partner controls the money to keep the other from being independent.

- Using Children: Sometimes abusers will use the kids to manipulate their partner, making threats about custody or using them as pawns.

These tactics often work together to create a cycle of abuse that can feel impossible to escape. By recognizing these patterns, we can offer better support to the residents in our care.

Spotting Signs of Domestic Violence

As you interact with residents, keep an eye out for signs that they might be experiencing control in their relationships. Here are a few things to watch for:

- Changes in Behavior: If someone seems anxious, scared, or withdrawn, especially when discussing their partner, that’s a red flag.

- Isolation: Notice if a resident seems cut off from friends or family as this can indicate they’re feeling alone. This is often a result of gaslighting and manipulation in conversations with her boyfriend about others in her life. 

- Money Worries: If a resident appears confused about their finances or expresses anxiety about money, it might point to economic abuse. Please be particularly cognizant if the resident has past experience in the sex industry in any manner.

Creating an Educational Plan

Recognizing the signs is just the beginning. We need to create a plan to help residents understand these patterns in their own relationships. Here’s how we can do that:

- Workshops and Discussions: Host regular sessions where residents can learn about what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy, using the Power and Control Wheel as a guide.

- Handouts and Resources: Provide easy-to-read materials that can help residents reflect on their situations.

- Casual Conversations: Encourage open discussions about relationships. Creating a safe space for sharing thoughts and feelings is key.

Be Gentle and Sensitive

When discussing domestic violence, it’s essential to approach the topic with sensitivity. For many residents, these controlling behaviors may be all they’ve ever known. Here are some ways to keep the conversation gentle:

- Make It Normal: Frame relationship discussions as something everyone or many people experience, not just a problem for a select few.

- Acknowledge Difficult Feelings: It can be overwhelming to learn about these patterns. Validating their feelings will help build trust.

- Take It Slow: Introduce concepts of power and control in small, digestible pieces, giving residents time to process everything.

Keep the Conversation Going

Encourage residents to notice when relationship boundaries are crossed by having ongoing conversations. Invite them to share their thoughts and experiences as they learn what makes a relationship healthy. Over time, this will help them develop a natural awareness of these important issues.

As leaders and workers in maternity housing, you play a vital role in helping residents understand their relationships. By recognizing the signs of domestic violence and creating educational plans, you empower residents to stand up for themselves and break the cycle of abuse. With kindness and continuous conversations, you can create a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth. Together, we can make a difference!

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*Power and Control Wheel:

Copyright by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project
202 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN, 55802
218-722-2781

by Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition of Heartbeat International

Leading a maternity home is both incredibly rewarding and undeniably tough. You're there for women at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives, and your impact extends far beyond today. Remember, your work touches not just the mothers you support, but their children too. It's a legacy that spans generations.

The Big Picture: Two Lives at a Time

Think about this: every woman you help today influences two lives—hers and her baby’s. The support you provide helps these women find stability and strength, setting up their children for a brighter future. Your efforts are like planting seeds that will grow into strong, healthy families. Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." Keep this close to your heart as a reminder that your work truly matters.

Tackling Challenges Head-On

We know the job comes with its fair share of challenges. Residents can exhibit difficult behaviors, often rooted in past trauma. It's tough, but your patience and empathy are crucial in their healing process. Progress isn't always straight, but every small step forward is a victory.

Frequent changes to programs can also feel overwhelming. Just remember, adapting to meet your residents' needs isn't a sign of failure, it's a sign of effective leadership. Programs that can evolve are the ones that make the most impact. Stay focused on your mission and the outcomes you want to achieve. Second Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Lean on God's strength as you navigate these changes.

Avoiding Burnout: Practical Tips

Burnout is real and can sneak up on you and your team. Acknowledging the emotional and mental load is the first step in addressing it. Consider shorter shifts or rotating schedules to give your staff more frequent breaks. Housemoms, in particular, often feel the strain by day three. Creating a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their needs can make a big difference. Remember Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Encourage your team to find their rest in Christ.

Staying True to Your Mission

Amid all the challenges, keep your mission front and center. Your work is transformative, and the importance of what you do cannot be overstated. While methods may change, the core mission remains the same: empowering women and nurturing healthy, thriving children. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Trust that your efforts are not in vain and that God is with you every step of the way.

by Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition of Heartbeat International

In the sacred work of nurturing life and fostering growth, maternity homes stand as sanctuaries of hope and transformation. These homes, often serving women who have faced significant challenges and adverse childhood experiences (ACES), must embody the essence of consistency. As Christian leaders and caregivers, we understand that consistency is not merely a practice but a profound expression of God’s love and faithfulness. This article explores the critical importance of consistency in maternity homes, highlighting its benefits for brain development, stress reduction, and team cohesion.

The Role of Consistency in Brain Development

God has designed the human brain to be incredibly adaptive, capable of healing and growing even after significant trauma. For residents of maternity homes, many of whom have endured ACES, a consistent environment can be a catalyst for this healing. Consistency helps in the development of new neuropathways, essential for improving executive functioning, regulating anxiety, and reducing negative reactionary behavior. Executive functioning encompasses crucial skills such as planning, decision-making, and self-control. A stable, predictable environment allows the brain to practice and strengthen these skills regularly. Over time, this repetition fosters the creation of new neuropathways, essentially rewiring the brain to operate more effectively and efficiently. Anxiety regulation is another critical benefit. Unpredictable environments can trigger the brain’s fear response, leading to heightened anxiety. Consistent routines provide a sense of safety and predictability, calming the brain’s fear center and reducing overall anxiety levels. This stability is especially vital for individuals with ACES, whose baseline anxiety levels may already be elevated due to past traumas. Moreover, consistency helps mitigate negative reactionary behaviors. When residents know what to expect, their need to react defensively diminishes. Predictable routines reduce stress, allowing residents to respond more thoughtfully rather than impulsively. This shift from reaction to response is a crucial step in emotional and psychological healing.

The Impact of Consistency on Staff and Team Dynamics

A consistent schedule and daily structure do not only benefit the residents but also significantly impact the staff and overall team dynamics. For staff members, a predictable routine reduces stress and burnout. When caregivers know what to expect each day, they can prepare adequately, manage their time better, and focus more on providing quality care rather than constantly adapting to unexpected changes. This predictability extends to the entire team, fostering a culture of reliability and trust. Consistent routines ensure that everyone is on the same page, reducing miscommunications and misunderstandings. This unified approach enhances teamwork and collaboration, creating a more harmonious and efficient working environment. Moreover, consistency in operations allows staff to model stability for the residents. By demonstrating reliable and steady behavior, staff members become role models for the residents, teaching them the value of consistency through their actions. This modeling is a powerful tool in the residents’ learning and healing process, reinforcing the principles of stability and reliability.

The Science of Creating New Neuropathways

Creating new neuropathways in the brain, a process known as neuroplasticity, is central to the healing journey of residents in maternity homes. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This capability is especially pertinent for individuals with ACES, as it allows for the reprogramming of brain functions that may have been disrupted by trauma. Consistency plays a vital role in this process. Repeated behaviors and experiences strengthen specific neural pathways, making them more efficient and robust. In a consistent environment, positive behaviors and routines are reinforced, facilitating the development of new, healthier neural connections. This neurological transformation is akin to a spiritual renewal, where old, harmful patterns are replaced with new, life-giving habits.

A Christian Perspective on Consistency

In our Christian faith, we are called to reflect the steadfast love of God in all that we do. Psalm 136:1 reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” This enduring love is a model for the consistency we strive to embody in our maternity homes. By providing a stable and predictable environment, we are mirroring God’s unwavering faithfulness, offering a safe haven where healing and growth can flourish.

In conclusion, consistency in maternity homes is not merely a practical strategy; it is a divine invitation. It supports brain development, reduces anxiety, and fosters positive behaviors in residents. For staff, it creates a stress-free, cohesive, and communicative environment. As we embrace consistency, we are participating in God’s transformative work, helping to create new neuropathways of hope and healing in the lives of those we serve. Let us be steadfast in our commitment to this holy calling, knowing that through our efforts, we are reflecting the unchanging love of our Creator.

by Valerie Harkins, Director of Maternity Housing Coalition for Heartbeat International

As leaders in maternity housing, we often find ourselves giving so much of our time, energy, and love to our residents along with their own tiny residents (their children) in need. While this is a worthy and fulfilling calling, it can also take a toll on our well-being. Fatigue and feelings of isolation creep into our souls without our noticing while we are fast at work with our hands to the plow.

Take this note in your heart and tuck it away for a later date: God is faithful to provide His strength and His comfort in our time of need, but not necessarily an end to the difficulties or even the opposition pressing upon us. He is the miraculous God who does far beyond what our imaginations can even think to ask. While our souls may cry out for deliverance from the lion’s den, He is the wise God who instead gives peace that surpasses understanding while inside the den. How glorious and perfect, a solution that gently silences the powers of darkness at work around us that boast of their own strength while also creating a demonstration of His own nature before unbelievers. This creates an “altar moment” for all surrounding the den and watching you in the midst of a trial. It is an opportunity for all to be awed by Jesus, the One whom even the lions obey.

The life raft for your soul, is the deep remembrance that you are not alone. Never. God is always by your side, ready to provide strength and comfort. In Psalm 46:1 it says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Lean on Him and seek His guidance in moments of weariness. He’s proven Himself over and over throughout the Bible, throughout global history, and throughout your very own life. 

A little practical support for you while you’re in the den:

• Avoiding burnout is essential for us to continue serving effectively. Make sure to carve out time for rest, relaxation, and movement.
• Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible.
• Set healthy boundaries: Remember that saying "no" to some things allows you to say "yes" to what truly matters.

It is crucial to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Connect with other leaders in similar roles for support and advice.

Heartbeat Affiliates: If you haven’t already joined be sure to submit a request to join our private facebook group Maternity Housing Coalition - Affiliates Group. Remember, it's okay to ask for help when needed, or even just when it’s wanted. Every housing affiliate has access to a cost-free maternity housing consultation per month. Hop on the schedule here.

May you find renewed strength and encouragement in your journey as a maternity housing leader. Remember, you are making a difference in the lives of many. Keep shining your light bright!

by Valerie Harkins, Director of Maternity Housing Coalition

The Maternity Housing Coalition (MHC) is excited to announce three features available to Heartbeat International affiliates.

1. Announcing our new housing locator tool!

a. This tool is free to all affiliates.
b. An online application is built into the tool. With the application feature, affiliated homes receive an email with a snapshot of the potential client's information including her name, gestation, current location, and if she currently has a safe place to stay.
c. Affiliate homes are matched with a woman based on the intake information entered. When you reach out to connect with this young woman, you are already prepared with the information you need to have a successful and fruitful conversation.

2. Option Line is partnered with MHC!

a. Option Line is available 24/7, including holidays, to assist women applying for maternity housing.

3. Maternity Homes can Forward Calls to Option Line!

a. Maternity home affiliates can forward calls to Option Line after hours as a complementary benefit of affiliation. When your office is closed, even during meetings or events, Option Line is here to assist women attempting to contact your maternity home.
b. Option Line is bilingual! This gives you peace of mind knowing that even Spanish-speaking callers are being served.
c. Click here to learn how to take advantage of this benefit.

Next Step: Click here to register to be added to the housing locator tool today! We aim to create a robust directory of maternity homes where you can list your services so women can be connected and served even faster. With our partnership with Option Line, we will reach even more!

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For questions please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

by Mary Peterson, Housing Specialist of Heartbeat International

Fall is here! With this great season, we think about football, pumpkin spice, and…baby safety?!?! Yep, in addition to being the time of shifting weather and changing leaves, September is recognized as Baby Safety Month.

In the spirit of recognizing the role of having a safe environment, here are a few safety tips that impact a group living environment, especially with newborns:

1. Wash your hands. When you read about promoting health, especially in group environments, handwashing is ALWAYS mentioned as the key starting place. Whether it’s singing silly songs, giving the stink eye, or side-by-side modeling the behavior, figure out a way to create a culture of clean hands. (Note: Stink eye, while a technique used by moms everywhere, should be used only in special circumstances.)  If pretty-smelling soap promotes the distraction of germs, it’s worth the investment!

2. Use products according to directions and the child’s age, weight, and developmental needs.  That’s the big one given by the promoters of Baby Safety Month so I thought I should feature it!  At maternity homes, we are pretty good at “making do”—but when it comes to the well-being of our little ones, I like the motto, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

3. Be attentive to sleep safety! It’s a tough one to convince sleep-deprived mamas and nearly impossible to regulate, I know! But having safe practices around sleep will give peace of mind and hopefully, better sleep to everyone involved. Maybe we could share creative ways to talk about safe sleeping in our Facebook group?!?

4. Be attentive. Watching moms engage deeply with their child(ren) is one of the joys of maternity home life. Whether engaging playfully, meeting the baby’s needs, or watching for safety hazards, homes should be a source of encouragement for the mother’s active participation in the life of her child. The habit of managing distractions—especially with gadgets constantly at our fingertips—is a great life lesson!

5. Prevent slips, trips, and falls. These everyday hazards are a common threat to kids—and adults!—of the house. Pregnant women may not easily see the underfoot and falling objects that can be dangerous to infants on the ground or in cribs. Be aware of cords, ice, and other hazards.  Teach the adults of the house (staff, volunteers, and residents) to turn on “risk assessment” eyes as they observe the environment!

Let’s raise a pumpkin spice latte to the safety of our homes! May they be places of well-being and protection!