Newsletter Spring 2023
Your Support Gives Hope and Meaning to Lifehouse Maternity Home Moms
Throughout the U.S., Mother’s Day was celebrated on May 14th. Mother’s Day in the United States was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official holiday in 1914. Over the years it has become a tradition that involves presenting moms with flowers, cards, and other gifts. Churches often fill as moms share with their children that the best gift would be for them all to go to church together. For some, Mother’s Day brings up difficult memories of loss, hurt, or abandonment. Mother’s Day may seem like just another ordinary day for the moms of Lifehouse Maternity Home. Sure, we treat our moms by planning to have dinner delivered, so no one has to cook. Sometimes a church group may plan a brunch or luncheon on the Saturday before.
For some of our residents, the day brings up difficult memories that must be processed. For Lifehouse Maternity staff it is a reminder of the important work we do to end the cycle of generational poverty, abuse, neglect, and hurt. As a ministry, Lifehouse relies on God’s provision through the generosity of churches, grant funders, and most importantly, God’s faithful people. Because of YOU, our maternity house is able to provide a safe home for women and their children, around-the-clock staffing, and valuable resources to help young women become the mother God intends. Because of YOU, Lifehouse Maternity Home is celebrating 15 years of transforming the lives of women and children. YOU are a vital part of the Lifehouse ministry and the Lifehouse story. Your generosity and faithful support are changing lives!
As our home ages, maintenance needs are increasing. A recent unexpected expense was the replacement of 3 of our 6 heating and air conditioning units, which ranged from 15 to 28 years old, at or far past their life expectancy. Exhaust flanges on our roof required repair. We had an unexpected guest, a raccoon, that took up residency in our attic, and had to be trapped and relocated. In addition, there have been several minor repairs throughout the house that required hiring a handyman service.
Having a well-maintained home is important for residents like “B” and her baby, “A.” In 2022, we received a call from Ed Harpring. Ed’s wife, Cathy, who is now retired, was the Office Manager for Lifehouse at the time. Ed was counseling outside of the abortion mill in downtown Louisville. “B” was entering to abort her baby when Ed spoke with her. She shared with Ed that she did not want to go through with the abortion, but she was being pressured. Ed convinced her to go to BsideU for Life next door for an ultrasound, and then he called Cathy at Lifehouse. Soon after, “B” was able to move into Lifehouse and gave birth about six months later.
What a joy it is to see Ed hold this precious baby he helped save, and what a joy it is that Lifehouse was here to provide a safe home, food, clothing, support services and resources for mom and baby. Baby “A” had a few medical needs shortly after birth, and because of Lifehouse, mom was able to take additional time off work to care for her baby, without the risk of losing her home, food, or other needs because of a loss of income. “B” works full-time and is a wonderful mother. She now lives in one of the transitional apartments at Lifehouse, and Baby “A” is thriving! This is only possible through the generous support of people like YOU!
Teaching young women the fine art of “motherhood” when they have not had positive maternal role models is a difficult challenge. The experienced Lifehouse Maternity Home team is available 24/7 to help nurture and guide our residents in the proper care of infants, discipline strategies for toddlers, and loving interactions such as reading and play. These activities are a vital part of our program each and every day.
For 2023’s Unity for Life benefit we elected to forgo a dinner, a colorful brochure, or a special event, and instead simply ask you to prayerfully consider how you can help Lifehouse. To celebrate 15 years, we hope to add 15 new donors to our 365 Circle. 365 Circle donors commit $3.65 per day for 365 days to support Lifehouse, which translates to $111 per month or $1332 per year. To continue our lifesaving work here at Lifehouse, we need gifts of any amount, whether that is monthly or a one-time donation. Lifehouse needs $47,500 per month to continue to provide for moms and babies in crisis. We are currently running slightly behind in our budget, but God is faithful, and we know that He is able to provide for Lifehouse through your generosity.
Thank you for your prayers and your support of Lifehouse Maternity Home. We raise our hands in grateful praise for you, your prayers, and your support. Lifehouse, and the moms and babies we serve, are blessed because of YOU! May God bless you!
I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:6