St. Elizabeth's: Providing a Home and Hope

Young women come to St. Elizabeth's from many different situations. Often it is to escape an abusive relationship with a boyfriend or a parent. We are a safe haven for those with nowhere else to go…and recently, we became such a place for Shelly.

Shelly was 19 when she became pregnant and decided to leave an abusive relationship in order to pursue a healthy future for her child. Alone, and scared for the health of her baby, Shelly moved into the waiting room of a local hospital. Having medical care nearby gave her some sense of comfort in the event that something happened. For two months, Shelly moved from waiting area to waiting area so as not to be discovered by the hospital staff. Fortunately, Shelly came across the number for a crisis pregnancy center and called, desperate for a place to stay for the remainder of her pregnancy.

She was referred to St. Elizabeth's and moved in the very afternoon she called us for help. During this time Shelly had a home, a safe place to sleep and eat, and prepare for the birth of her child. She formed positive friendships with the other residents facing similar situations, as well as with the house parents who offered support and guidance.

St. Elizabeth's offers a home and source of hope to dozens of young, scared, pregnant women each year through the Maternity and Transition homes. Women like Shelly with nowhere to go and no one to care for them during this stressful and uncertain time. St. Elizabeth's compassionately provides help and creates hope for women in “hopeless” situations day in and day out.

For more information, call 800-227-3002 or visit StElizabethCatholicCharities.org.