Newsletter Fall 2023
Breaking the Cycle
Tara graduated from the Lifehouse Maternity Home program in October 2023. Her time at Lifehouse was not without its challenges. Sometimes it was a step forward and two steps back, but each month, each year, saw progress. I remember when Tara arrived at Lifehouse Maternity Home. She was closed off, hiding behind a hoodie and baggy clothes, trying to disappear. The photo taken of Tara upon her arrival at Lifehouse looks nothing like the vivacious woman she is today. Tara’s story begins in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where her mother left her and her sister in the care of grandparents when Tara was just five years old. Her grandparents spoiled her, but the shadow of trauma from her mother’s departure still hung over Tara. After finishing high school, Tara was accepted to and began attending Austin Peay. Tara admits she wasn’t ready to be on her own. The childhood trauma and mental health issues took their toll, and she ended up pregnant.
Tara dropped out of school and began living first at a women’s shelter, then a residential program for homeless youth. A woman at the youth program contacted Tara’s mom in Frankfort, and Tara moved to Kentucky. Tara left her mom’s home after her mom began physically abusing her. She felt she had nowhere to turn and ended up in another women’s shelter. Her mom found Lifehouse Maternity Home. Tara was surprised that Lifehouse was not like a shelter and that she would have her own room. Tara didn’t really trust anyone, but she learned the Lifehouse staff had her best interests at heart. She may have not always seen eye-to-eye with House Moms, but getting tips and guidance on different ways to do things helped Tara open up and develop deep bonds with others.
Some of the biggest lessons Tara learned were understanding the importance of managing finances, improving communication about feelings and emotions, and best ways to discipline her daughter. She believes Lifehouse helped her break the generational cycle of abuse. Tara is working on a two-year nursing degree, with plans to get her LPN and eventually her BSN. She hopes to become an ER nurse. As she looks to the future, Tara’s faith has grown and strengthened, but she acknowledges she is still a work in progress. She regularly asks God for help, and knows He loves her. Tara believes coming to Lifehouse was the best thing she’s ever done. “I want to continue building my faith and teach my daughter about God’s love for her. Lifehouse is a lifeline that saved my life and my daughter’s life.”
Throughout 2023, Lifehouse was at or near capacity while maintaining a waiting list. Unfortunately, we are encountering more and more young women who are escaping domestic violence and human trafficking and we anticipate this trend will continue. We continue to hear from and serve many women with multiple children. Our maternity home’s revenue is running behind our forecasted budget and your support is vitally needed. Your monetary support helps us not only keep the lights and water on, but also provide residents like Tara, help with securing a job, guidance on money management, connection to counseling services, and help in applying to college. Through your prayers and generosity, you can be a part of transforming the lives of residents like Tara, and dozens of other residents Lifehouse serves each year.
Our maternity house stewards your gifts well. We are debt-free, we receive no government funding, relying solely on the faithfulness and generosity of God’s people who make the ministry of Lifehouse possible. Along with food, clothing, and a safe home, residents receive 24/7 love and support from our team of House Moms; guidance on goal-setting, money management, and coaching from our Case Manager; and Bible Study, life skills lessons, and accountability with our Program Director. All of this is made possible through your one-time or monthly gift. You are Lifehouse’s partner in transforming lives!