Teenage foster mothers, over the age of 18, and their children will now have shared-suite housing in a recently purchased duplex as part of a new initiative, Journeys, aimed at providing a critical transition between foster care and independence. Our Mother’s Home of SWFLA is a nonprofit organization providing loving care, since 2000, to young teenage women and their children in a group foster care setting.
Our Mother’s Home is dedicated to helping these young women transition from foster care to self-sufficiency without giving up their children, their education and their future. The home renders psychosocial, educational and health care services to the residents. By law, these young mothers who reach the age of 18 must leave the foster care system. The transition program, Journeys, offers a nurturing environment for those not ready for complete independence. Shared-suite housing with low rent and utilities payments are provided while the program focuses on completion of education and training, job searches, financial planning, child care and real-world problem solving.
“This is a dream come true at last” said Janice Alderman, President of Our Mother’s Home. “We started this campaign almost three years ago and could not be more excited to see the fruits of our labor. Through the tireless efforts of the board of directors and the generosity of our donors we’re now able to offer affordable housing to these young women after age 18 and this loving environment will help them achieve their full potential as they venture into the real world.”
The duplex is located on property adjacent to the existing residential facility in San Carlos Park. The building is in need of some repair including new flooring, paint, new appliances and landscaping. For information on assisting with this effort, please contact Jim Kurtz at 267-4663 or talljim1@comcast.net.
