Displaying items by tag: maternity homes

by Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

Oh, the media buzz! Recent headlines have been as dramatic as a soap opera, stirring up discussions and raising more eyebrows than a surprise baby shower. Accusations of infantilizing residents, religious coercion, and overly controlling measures have been thrown around, suggesting that these practices strip residents of their dignity.

But let's cut through the noise with some clarity. As the Executive Director of the country's largest network of maternity homes, I've seen firsthand that in residential ministry, finding the right balance is key. Too little structure, and we're in a free-for-all; too much, and we might just squash the Spirit, leading back to—you guessed it—chaos.

To critically assess our practices, we need to go back to the basics:

• What problem was this rule meant to solve?
• Has the context evolved since then?
• Have these rules effectively addressed the initial issues?

Let's discuss one controversial tool and share the right questions your organization can ask to determine your motives for using it.

Tracking Apps

Consider the controversial tool of mandatory tracking apps for residents. Originally, these might have been about ensuring safety for women escaping dangerous situations like stalking or trafficking. Here, a tracking app isn't just tech; it's a safety net with features like crash detection and emergency alerts.

But what if we're using these apps just to catch lies? Here's a comedic news flash for you: if you think you've stopped all the lying, congratulations, your resident has just outsmarted you. Deception might be part of the survival toolkit for some, so the real questions become:

• Is catching every lie our mission?
• Is it more mission-focused for our concerns to be focused on safeguarding children, preventing addiction relapse, or maintaining a peaceful home environment? 

A few ways we can address these concerns:

• Check on the well-being of the children upon return by looking for obvious bruising, appropriate attire, and their general countenance.
• Implement regular drug tests to support recovery. These are recommended to be randomized regularly, as well as administered upon returning from an outing.
• Adjust curfews to foster tranquility. If a resident misses curfew, this could result in a discussion similar to that of mentorship or perhaps even a change in their permitted outing schedule going forward. 

This leads us to ask these questions regarding tracking apps:

• Do they actually solve the problem at hand?
• Are they the least invasive option?
• Do they provide the most beneficial support?

You decide. 

I’ll leave you with a few thoughts to consider regarding the accusations from those who have never served a single day in a maternity home. Are maternity homes harming women? No. While we may all differ within our community about how to protect our residents, we can all agree that maternity homes are operated by a radically caring and empathetic group of people.

Even in this accusation of a tracking app allegedly causing harm and stripping dignity, the resident is always welcomed in the home, cared for in every way throughout her pregnancy, and shown overall concern for her safety and well-being.

I’m proud of who we are, I gladly accept our growing pains and learned lessons along the journey of this ministry. I encourage you to as well. 

Hold your head high knowing that you have been chosen for the privileged position of serving women alongside Jesus. You are the best of our country - radical givers, selfless servants, merciful forgivers. Each of your homes has challenges to overcome and rules attempting to get you there. Sometimes, we adjust these rules and learn through the journey. We understand.

The greatest point is to keep going!

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Would you like to review your mission and rules with a Maternity Housing Specialist? That’s what the Maternity Housing Coalition is here for! Book your free consultation today: Housing Consultation

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, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

It's been a long election cycle, and I'm sure for many of you it was a long election night. I stayed up to watch all of the results and the speeches that followed. In the wake of the recent events after the election, I would be remiss not to address the state of our nation and how that affects our maternity homes nationally as well as globally. This election season was particularly notable to me as I've witnessed the increased resistance to maternity homes, specifically within mainstream media, coincide with the temperance of our political climate during the presidential campaigns.

What began in 2023, increased in 2024 with great vigor. There was an increased slander against maternity homes across America, particularly maternity homes that are faith-based in Jesus Christ. This wasn't altogether a surprise, however, the rapidness of the intensity was indeed a surprise. We saw the media accuse maternity homes of impure motives with conspired plots to harm women. As the election grew closer, I couldn't help but notice that the media attention to homes also grew stronger as well as accusations that grew intemperate. 

So what do we take away from all of this?

Three Takeaways for Maternity Homes

1. First, we remember that “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." — Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV).

For those of you who have become the focus of negative media coverage because of your devotion to righteousness, you are blessed. We are praying for you and stand united with you.

2. Secondly, we found that while negative media coverage creates great turbulence, wind, and busyness, it has not proven to be effective in halting the operations of the Kingdom of God. We find that there are homes across the United States that are in the midst of lawsuits from corrupt media as well as homes that have become the year-long focus of entertainment sources suggesting scandal in maternity homes. Although this focus is persistent and the audience is broad, we have found that the work of Jesus Christ in ministering to women during their time of need carries on.

The same grace afforded to Peter to walk on water with Christ during a storm is active and available to those carrying out the exploits of the Kingdom today (Matt. 14:28-31).

We have no cause for fear. We pray that you are strengthened with this divine grace in every storm. 

3. Third, at this time it is critical that we operate with prudence, humility, and strategy. Our strategies must build off of the wisdom of the generations that preceded us and also operate in prudence with anticipation for the generations that are to come. While we await the changes anticipated in government as a result of our most recent election, we do not anticipate a reduction in slander toward maternity homes. This is our season to prepare, review our practices, renew our public relations policy, and fortify our teams to be ready to operate in the grace of Jesus which enables us to walk above water during the storm.

New Series!

Given our current times, we will begin a new series called “Recommended Practices: Considerations for Maternity Homes.” These will include practical considerations for operating a maternity home within all approaches and populations. As always, maternity homes affiliated with the Maternity Housing Coalition have access to cost-free monthly consultations. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us if you would like to further discuss the application of these practices for your organization. Click here to schedule a Housing Consultation.

Read Part 1 of this series: Empowering and Protecting Resident Voices: The Cornerstone of Dignity and Purpose in Maternity Housing

by Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition

After a busy spring and summer traveling to maternity homes across the country and internationally, and meeting with ministry leaders, my season of travel has come to an end. What a journey it has been! Over the past six months, I’ve visited 14 homes, trained with more than 75 housing staff members, and consulted with 132 maternity housing leaders. I am deeply humbled by the spirit of generosity and humility that defines the culture of maternity housing. You, the leaders who welcome women into your homes, continue to inspire me. I am grateful for all I’ve learned from you as I remain a dedicated student of this important movement. Thank you!

A Surprising Shift

I’ve returned home equipped with new strategies and insights on the latest trends in maternity homes—trends that serve as a forecast for what many homes may soon experience. One of the most concerning trends is the rising number of residents considering—and in some cases choosing—abortion while living in the home. This has been a surprising shift, as maternity homes have traditionally served women who had already decided to continue their pregnancies. But times are changing, and as strong and resilient maternity homes committed to fulfilling our missions, we must adapt as well.

We are seeing that residents may consider abortion even after moving into the home and declaring their decision to continue their pregnancy. Sometimes this is a private struggle due to fear of judgment, but in some cases, residents openly express their indecision. Leaders in maternity housing have observed this shift as access to abortion becomes easier overall with the abortion pill, varying legislation in states, and as social acceptance or even praise of abortion has grown.

In cases where residents have chosen abortion while living in the home, this decision is often made in secret, particularly when it involves a subsequent pregnancy. Common reasons residents report for choosing abortion in secret include fear of losing their place in the home, fear of disappointing staff, or feeling overwhelmed at the thought of having another child. The abortion pill is the most commonly used method, as residents report that it’s accessible even in states with restrictive abortion laws. In less common cases, residents have chosen surgical abortions when the pregnancy is too far along for the pill. These decisions are usually kept private until after the abortion has occurred, and residents often speak about their experiences only when they struggle with unexpected grief and emotional pain—feelings they may not have anticipated given the largely positive messages about abortion they’ve heard from the media.

A Path Forward

A recurring theme among these residents is fear, confusion, and silence. In many cases, staff members have found that talking more openly about abortion can ease the tension and even help residents begin healing. This signals a new era for maternity homes, where we must be prepared and confident to have these difficult conversations and make abortion a topic that can be approached with love and compassion.

As housing staff become more comfortable discussing abortion, I’ve included an excerpt below from Heartbeat’s "Talking About Abortion" manual that applies the basics of the L.O.V.E. Approach to this sensitive topic. 

Additionally, we’ve provided two free, valuable resources: information on Abortion Pill Reversal and details on an upcoming online training to equip staff with the latest information and skills to support residents in their pregnancy decisions.

L.O.V.E. and Truth: Training to Be a Helper

L.O.V.E.

♥ L stands for Listen and Learn - get to know the client and her situation thoroughly, work to help her feel “safe” to talk and share, not “judged” by you for her behavior or circumstances, and develop a relationship with her.

♥ O stands for Open Options - discuss her alternatives thoroughly and help her see that she is at a crossroads and does have paths to choose from, help her see which opportunities may lead her toward danger.

♥ V stands for Vision and Value - introduce a “new vision” for her, a way to see her situation differently, and the value she has in God’s eyes.

♥ E stands for Extend and Empower - offer concrete help and continuing support, including referrals and your own organization’s programs, help her plan an alternative, and take a step in a positive direction).

The L.O.V.E. Approach means also that LOVE (God) is our source and L.O.V.E. is our method. 

This method is best expressed in St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians (I Cor. 13:1-7, NIV):

“If  I  speak  in  the  tongues  of  men  and  of  angels,  but  have  not  love,  I  am  only  a  resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”

Free Resources

Abortion Pill Reversal

• Abortion Pill Reversal 101
• Abortion Pill Rescue - A Case Series Detailing the Successful Reversal of the Effects of Mifepristone Using Progesterone
• The Right to Choose Reversal
• Abortion Pill Rescue Network

Recorded Webinar

Her Plan: Presenting Benefits to Homes - FREE!

Presented by Chaney Mullins Gooley and Gina Tomes

Join Her PLAN (Her Pregnancy and Life Assistance Network) to discover the seven primary reasons why women choose abortion and find out how to get your organization listed in the Her PLAN directory. Presenters Chaney Mullins Gooley and Gina Tomes will also discuss how to effectively utilize the directory for partnerships and referrals, ensuring that your clients have access to a wide range of resources.

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

Maternity homes serve as powerful environments not only for the physical well-being of pregnant women but also for the intricate development of their unborn children's brains. Neuroplasticity, the brain's capability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, provides a fascinating lens through which to view the transformative potential of maternity homes. These homes offer residents a unique opportunity to catalyze neurodevelopment in both themselves and their children in utero through fostering new behaviors and skills.

In the realm of neuroscience, where the brain's adaptability is a cornerstone principle, maternity homes stand as beacons of hope and change. The residents, often facing challenging circumstances, are given a supportive and nurturing environment to cultivate new coping mechanisms, communication styles, and interpersonal skills. The significance of this goes beyond mere behavior change; it delves deep into the realm of brain restructuring. As residents practice these new behaviors consistently within the safe confines of the maternity home, they are actively carving out new neural pathways in their brains.

These newly formed neural connections are not transient but rather have the potential to become permanent fixtures in their cognitive architecture. By repeatedly engaging in positive behaviors, residents solidify these pathways, laying the foundation for lasting change. This process is particularly vital during pregnancy, as research suggests that a mother's emotional state can influence the development of her child's brain even before birth. Therefore, the benefits of cultivating a positive mental and emotional environment within maternity homes extend not only to the residents themselves but also to the neurological well-being of their unborn children.

The vision for residents of maternity homes should not be confined to their current circumstances but should encompass a future brimming with possibilities.

Envisioning these women as healthy, strong, sober, safe, and thriving individuals is not just wishful thinking but a scientifically grounded expectation.

The power of neuroplasticity equips individuals with the capacity to fundamentally alter their brain's structure and function, leading to profound and enduring transformations in behavior and cognition.

For maternity home workers who may at times feel disheartened or overwhelmed by the challenges their residents face, understanding the neuroscientific underpinnings of their work can provide a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Every interaction, every intervention, and every moment of support offered within the walls of a maternity home has the potential to spark a cascade of neurobiological changes in the lives of its inhabitants.

May we all take heart, that maternity homes play a pivotal role not just in providing shelter and support but in fostering neurodevelopment and promoting true lasting change. By recognizing the profound impact of neuroplasticity on behavior and cognition, we can appreciate the immense potential inherent in every resident who walks through the doors of a maternity home. Let us view these individuals not through the lens of their past struggles but through the lens of limitless possibilities for growth, resilience, and transformation.

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..

Presented by Valerie Harkins, Housing Specialist

The pandemic showed us just how delicate our fundraising strategies are to unforeseen events.  Many nonprofits found themselves financially vulnerable in 2020 without the ability to host their annual fundraising events or apply for a specific grant upon which they had become reliant. It’s been three years since then, and the trends have continued to speak a sobering message.

Fundraising trends are on the move in 2023. With the turbulence of the economy, the unpredictability of the environment, the shift in the generation of the primary donor base, and adjustments to the new post-pandemic norms, homes are finding that—now more than ever— they have a critical need for diversified revenue streams. Overall, we have seen a national increase in donations; however, this has been matched with an even greater decrease in purchasing power, frequently resulting in a realistic net loss for organizations. As is common during times of economic hardship, the number of individual donors on average has decreased with an increased amount per monetary contribution made. This means we have fewer people making contributions but larger individual contributions, creating an elusive financial projection that appears strong at the bottom line but is built upon what is likely akin to a Jenga tower.

Financial resilience is the golden ticket to stability in this season. This necessitates fundraising strategies built upon multiple revenue streams. A personal recommendation is to maintain an average of five sources of income. This provides you with a broad donor base and the gift of time when catastrophe strikes. Examples include minor events, major events, monthly donors, and grants. To learn more, check out our webinar Diversifying Your Home’s Revenue Streams where we take a deep dive into this topic. And there is no time like the present to strengthen your funding strategy by getting in on the Development Tack at Pregnancy Help Institute. There’s still time!