Mothers’ Home was founded in 1991 as a shelter for homeless pregnant women in need of a safe and stable environment to prepare for the birth of their child. The story of Mothers’ Home begins with the family of Dr. George Isajiw. From 1981 to 1991, Dr. Isajiw and his family hosted 28 different women who were pregnant and homeless. As a practicing physician with a concern for the most vulnerable, Dr. Isajiw also reached out to his personal network and coordinated with 10 other families who acted as hosts for women in need.
After several years of hospitality, Dr. Isajiw’s network gained a reputation among the community and began receiving more referrals than they could handle. Additionally, they found themselves increasingly confronted with issues of addiction, mental illness, and HIV among those they were sheltering. Recognizing the limitations of volunteers, Dr. Isajiw and his network raised funds to rent a large home that would provide adequate space for many women and a trained support staff. For two years, Mothers’ Home operated out of a large single family home in Collingdale. In 1993, the vacant Blessed Virgin Mary church convent became the permanent home of Mothers’ Home.
Until 2009 the home could house only 12 women and their babies. In 2008 we renovated our 3rd floor and are now able to house 22 women and their babies at any one time. As of this proposal, 19 women and 14 babies call Mothers’ Home their home and on average we expect to serve approximately 40 women and their babies during any 12 month period. We provide a private room for each woman that is nicely decorated and properly equipped for mother and baby. We also provide through our counseling and “Ready for Life” programs parenting and other life skills that prepare our mothers for independence and self sufficiency. We offer all of our services free of charge and without regard to race or religion.
In addition to helping resident population, we provide maternity products, baby clothing and baby equipment to over 200 needy families each year free of any charge.
